Normally, the muscles in your body hold your organs in place. But sometimes, they break down or an organ protrudes through muscle walls. This is known as a hernia. Although a hernia can appear in any body part, it usually appears between the chest and hips.
Whenever an organ protrudes, it makes a lump or bulge. In some instances, it is possible to push back the lump into the abdomen. Other times, it disappears whenever you lie down. This lump can also appear when you cough, laugh, or engage in physical activity. If your hernia grows continuously, you must see a hernia surgeon Astoria to repair it.
Kinds of Hernias
Hernias come in many forms. No matter the kind, surgery is usually the main treatment option. Here are the different types of hernias:
- Groin or inguinal hernia. This type of hernia occurs when a portion of your intestine or fatty tissue pokes into your groin above your inner thigh. Often, this takes place when your abdominal lining doesn’t close properly.
- Umbilical hernia. This kind of hernia forms when a part of the abdominal lining comes through the abdominal wall muscle, manifesting as an abnormal bulge you can feel at your belly button.
- Hiatal hernia. This develops when a part of your esophagus or stomach pushes up into your chest cavity through a diaphragm opening.
- Femoral hernia. This happens when a portion of our intestine or fatty tissue protrudes into your groin.
Treatment for Hernia
Often, growing or painful hernias require surgical treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications. Here are the general kinds of surgery for hernias:
- Open hernia repair. This procedure involves making incisions in your groin and pushing back the protruding tissue into your abdomen.
- Laparoscopic repair. In this procedure, a surgeon runs makes three small incisions in your abdomen and insert a laparoscope into an incision. This procedure leads to reduced pain and a shorter stay in the hospital with a faster recovery time than making an open cut.
What is an Incarcerated Hernia?
When herniated tissue is trapped in your abdominal wall’s weak point, you experience an incarcerated hernia. When this happens, your bowel is obstructed, resulting in intestinal obstruction. When not treated immediately, an incarcerated hernia can cut off the flow of blood to part of your intestine, leading to strangulated hernia. When the strangulated tissue ruptures and releases toxins, bacterial infection can spread into your bloodstream, resulting in fatal conditions like sepsis.
