The word Hernia comes from the Latin word meaning "rupture" (fall-apart). A hernia is defined as the protrusion (exit) of the contents of a cavity through a weak (defect) cavity wall. The most common hernia is a hernia through the abdominal cavity, especially in the groin. Hernias in the groin if left untreated will cause blood flow to be blocked, resulting in tissue death.
Causes of Hernias.
A hernia occurs because there is weakness in the abdominal wall muscles. This can be caused, among other things: congenital, old age, often lifting weights, having had stomach surgery, being overweight or obese, chronic cough, and constipation.
Hernia Symptoms.
The most common symptom of a hernia is the appearance of a lump in the abdominal wall or groin, which can come in and out. The lump will come out during activity and enter when the patient is resting. Organs that come out of the hernia can be pinched, causing a lump that the patient feels can't get back in. Pinching can cause blood flow to stop, the lump feels painful, the stomach is bloated (if the organ that enters is the intestine), unable to defecate, and the worst thing is death/decomposition of the pinched organ.
Hernia Prevention.
Some tips for preventing hernias are:
- Maintain an ideal body weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
- A diet with an adequate amount of fiber prevents constipation.
- Use the correct technique when lifting weights, and avoid lifting weights beyond your capacity.
- Quit smoking.
- Quickly seek treatment if you have a prolonged cough.
Hernia treatment.
Because the problem with hernias is that there is a weakness in the wall, and there is a risk of getting stuck in an organ, the best treatment for hernias is surgery. Generally what is done in hernia surgery is the release of the hernia bag and the installation of a mesh to strengthen the defect in the abdominal wall. This operation can be performed using a laparoscopic technique, by making three small incisions in the abdomen (0.5 cm - 1 cm). With the laparoscopic technique, the pain after surgery is very mild, the hospital stay is short, and the patient returns to normal activities more quickly.
The article was written by dr. Felmond Limanu, Sp.B.SubBDig (Surgery Specialist - Digestive Surgery Sub Specialist at EMC Cikarang & Pekayon Hospital).