Identifying Different Kinds of Hernias

Hernias can be painless or painful while, sometimes, dangerous too. For these reasons, it is essential to know about different types of hernias and reasons to go for hernia surgery. Hernia is a condition in which a specific part of a body bulges out from provided area that it occupies normally. It usually affects the abdominal fatty tissues and intestines. Some hernia does not produce any signs, but they all have some risks. In the herniated area, blood supply gets blocked and if this occurs in the abdominal cavity, an immediate hernia surgery is needed. The tissues should be cut off for constant supply of blood and oxygen.

There is a huge range of hernias known by now. Some of them are more prevalent in women while other often attacks males.

Below are different types of hernias, read on to know about them:

1.    Inguinal Hernia

The Inguinal hernia affects abdominal walls and it is of two types: direct and indirect. Both, direct and indirect hernia impacts the groin portion where the skin of torso joins thighs. Indirect hernia can occur at any age while, direct hernia is more common in elderly and middle-aged people. Hernia surgery pushes back the bulge into place.

2.    Femoral Hernia

Femoral canal is the portion through which femoral nerve, veins and arteries leave the abdominal cavity and reach the thighs. This can become extensive and wide when abdominal contents overhang into the femoral canal. This usually affects female and untreatable in most cases.

3.    Umbilical hernia

This category holds about 10-30% of all hernias. In this type, an umbilical hernia can be observed at birth protrusion of the belly button. The reason behind this can be any opening in the abdominal wall. If the opening is small, say for, less than half an inch, it can be closed before 2 years of age. In case of large openings, hernia surgery is required to close it.

4.    Incisional Hernia

Abdominal surgery leads to weakness in body, especially in the treated area. Sometimes, hernia develops again even after the surgery, in such situations, one has to go for an incisional hernia that involves a complex and long procedure of treatment.

5.    Spigelian Hernia

It affects the rectus abdominal muscles and lies several inches in the side and middle portion of the abdomen. A spigelian hernia is rarely observed in patients.

6.    Obturator Hernia

It is another rare type of hernia that is usually observed in women. The hernia bulges from the pelvic cavity through a pore in the pelvic bone. An obturator hernia rarely shows any bulge but instead; act as a bowel that leads to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Since there are no bulges, hence, they are difficult to diagnose.

If you feel that you are suffering from hernia, visit a hernia specialist doctor or surgeon immediately. Not only, they will help you to clear your doubts about it, but also try their best to fix the problem before it becomes dangerous. You can also seek help from Dr. Shirish Bhagvat, he is a renowned laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai who has been practicing since 25 years. Visit them for best results!