What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when tissue (such as internal organs, fat, or soft tissue) exits the usual wall of the body cavity from which it resides. This can be the result of major coughing bouts, lifting heavy objects, poor posture, or trauma to the abdominal area. Hernia can be extremely painful, making it difficult to get around and perform normal day-to-day activities.
If a hernia is not treated, the tissue can lose blood supply, which means issues with internal organs and other parts of the body that could require emergency surgery. Thankfully hernia surgery is safe and effective, and there are many ways of going about it.
Types of Hernias
Some of the most common types of hernias include:
Inguinal Hernia – This involves the intestine protruding through a weakened abdominal wall in the groin area. It's the most common type of hernia.
Femoral Hernia – This type of hernia involves a bulge near the thigh or groin, and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish from the inguinal hernia.
Umbilical Hernia – This type of hernia involves the intestine protruding the umbilical opening of the abdominal muscles. It is common in infants, though adults can be affected as well.
Incisional Hernia – These kinds of hernia are the result of incompletely healed surgical incision or scar tissue along the abdominal wall.
Epigastric Hernia – This type of hernia involves body fat protruding through the abdominal wall.
Hiatal Hernia – This type of hernia involves the stomach pressing up into the chest cavity.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgical treatment for a hernia will involve placing the protruding tissue back into its proper body cavity and enforcing the abdominal wall of with a mesh screen. This mesh screen will strengthen that weakened part of the abdominal wall, protecting it from future hernias in the process. In essence, the hernia surgery relieves pain, restores wellness, and offers preventative measures against future injury.
Both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery can be performed to address a hernia. For the most part, surgeons tend to suggest laparoscopic surgery as an option to patients, which is less invasive and yields great results.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery for Hernias
Some of the benefits of laparoscopic hernia surgery include:
- Smaller scars than open surgery
- Faster recovery time than open surgery
- Reduced risk of infection
- Less blood loss during the procedure
- Lower chances of post-surgical complications
- Less pain and discomfort while recovering from surgery
Discussing Treatments During a Consultation
Since there are different kinds of hernias that a person may suffer from, it's of the utmost importance that you discuss these matters in greater detail with us. We'll go over the surgical procedure step by step and provide you with all the information necessary to make smart choices about your treatment options.
Contact the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York
For more information about treating hernias and helping you achieve wellness, be sure to contact our advanced surgical practice today. The entire team here at Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York will work with you to help address your medical needs.
