Hernia Specialist in Pune

Types of Hernias

Hernias can be classified into several types based on their location and cause:

Inguinal Hernia

• Description: This is the most common type of hernia, occurring when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.
• Types:
  • Indirect Inguinal Hernia: Congenital condition more common in males; occurs when the inguinal canal fails to close properly before birth.
  • Direct Inguinal Hernia: Develops later in life due to weakened abdominal muscles, more common in older adults.
• Symptoms: A bulge in the groin area, discomfort or pain, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting.

Femoral Hernia

• Description: Less common than inguinal hernias, femoral hernias occur when tissue pushes through the femoral canal, which is located just below the inguinal ligament. They are more common in women due to the wider bone structure of the female pelvis.
• Symptoms: Bulge near the upper thigh, discomfort or pain in the groin, particularly when standing or lifting heavy objects.

Umbilical Hernia

• Description: Occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel (umbilicus). Common in infants, especially premature babies, but can also affect adults.
• Symptoms: A bulge or swelling near the navel, which may increase in size when the baby cries or when an adult strains or lifts.

Incisional Hernia

• Description: Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision in the abdomen. The hernia occurs because the surgical scar or the surrounding tissue weakens, allowing internal tissues to protrude.
• Symptoms: A bulge near a surgical scar, pain or discomfort, especially with physical activity or straining.

Hiatal Hernia

• Description: Occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and helps with breathing.
• Types:
  • Sliding Hiatal Hernia: The more common type, where the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus slide in and out of the chest through the hiatus.
  • Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia: Less common but more concerning; part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and sits next to the esophagus.
• Symptoms: Heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, difficulty swallowing.

Epigastric Hernia

• Description: Occurs in the upper abdomen, between the navel and the lower part of the rib cage, when fatty tissue pushes through the abdominal muscles.
• Symptoms: Small lump or bulge in the upper abdomen, pain, or discomfort, especially when laughing, coughing, or straining.

Spigelian Hernia

• Description: Rare hernia that occurs along the edge of the rectus abdominis muscle, which is part of the abdominal wall. It is often difficult to diagnose due to its location and lack of a visible bulge.
• Symptoms: Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, especially with physical activity, potential bowel obstruction.

Obturator Hernia

• Description: A rare type of hernia that occurs through the obturator foramen, an opening in the pelvic bone. This type is more common in older women and can lead to bowel obstruction.
• Symptoms: Chronic pelvic pain, bowel obstruction symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hernias can result from a combination of muscle weakness and strain. The risk factors include:

• Congenital Defects: Some hernias, like indirect inguinal hernias, are present at birth due to incomplete closure of abdominal tissues.
• Aging: Muscle weakening over time increases the risk of hernias.
• Physical Strain: Heavy lifting, persistent coughing, straining during bowel movements or urination, and sudden twists or pulls.
• Obesity: Extra weight increases pressure on the abdominal wall, contributing to hernia formation.
• Pregnancy: Increases abdominal pressure and can lead to hernia formation.
• Previous Surgery: Scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery can weaken the abdominal wall.
• Chronic Diseases: Conditions like cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any condition causing chronic cough can increase the risk.

Symptoms of Hernias

Symptoms of hernias vary based on the type and severity:

• Visible Bulge: A noticeable bulge or lump in the affected area, which may disappear when lying down.
• Pain or Discomfort: Pain in the affected area, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting heavy objects.
• Burning or Aching Sensation: A burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge.
• Weakness or Pressure: Feeling of weakness, heaviness, or pressure in the abdomen.
• Symptoms of Obstruction: In severe cases, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, and inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement may indicate a strangulated hernia, which is a medical emergency.

Diagnosis of Hernias

Diagnosis of hernias typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will review symptoms and perform a physical exam to check for visible bulges and pain.
• Imaging Tests:
  • Ultrasound: Commonly used for children and pregnant women to avoid radiation exposure; useful for detecting inguinal, femoral, and umbilical hernias.
  • CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the abdominal cavity, useful for diagnosing various types of hernias, including incisional and spigelian hernias.
  • MRI: Used to detect soft tissue hernias and those in areas not easily seen by other imaging methods.
  • Barium X-Ray: A special X-ray that helps detect hiatal hernias and other abdominal hernias.

Treatment Options for Hernias

The treatment for hernias depends on the type, size, and severity, as well as the patient’s overall health:

Watchful Waiting

• Suitable for small, asymptomatic hernias that do not cause discomfort or complications.
• Regular monitoring to ensure the hernia does not worsen.

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss, avoiding heavy lifting, treating constipation, and controlling chronic cough can help manage symptoms and prevent hernias from worsening.

Surgical Repair

Surgery is the definitive treatment for most hernias, especially those that are symptomatic or pose a risk of complications.

• Open Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy or Hernioplasty):
  • Involves making an incision over the hernia site, repositioning the protruding tissue, and reinforcing the weakened area with stitches and, often, a synthetic mesh.Used for larger hernias or in cases where minimally invasive surgery is not feasible.
• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair:
• • • Minimally invasive surgery involving small incisions, a laparoscope (a small camera), and surgical instruments to repair the hernia with or without mesh.
    • Offers a faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and smaller scars compared to open surgery.

• Robotic-Assisted Hernia Repair:
• • • • A type of laparoscopic surgery where the surgeon uses a robotic system to perform the procedure with enhanced precision and flexibility.

Complications of Hernias

Untreated hernias can lead to serious complications, including:

• Incarceration: When a hernia becomes stuck and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen, it may cause bowel obstruction and severe pain.
• Strangulation: Occurs when the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off, leading to tissue death. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery.
• Recurrence: Hernias can recur, especially if the repair was done without mesh or if postoperative instructions are not followed.

Prevention of Hernias

While not all hernias are preventable, certain measures can reduce the risk:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reduces abdominal pressure.
• Strengthen Abdominal Muscles: Exercise can help strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall.
• Avoid Heavy Lifting: Use proper techniques or avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Quit Smoking: Reduces chronic cough and improves overall tissue health.
• Treat Underlying Conditions: Address issues like constipation, chronic cough, and urinary retention to reduce straining.

Prognosis

The prognosis for hernias depends on the type and timing of treatment. With prompt surgical intervention, most people recover well and can return to normal activities within a few weeks. However, complications like incarceration, strangulation, or recurrence can affect outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing severe complications.

Meet The Hernia Specialist Dr. Suhasini Jadhav

Dr. Suhasini Jadhav is an experienced hernia specialist in Pune with over 12 years of expertise in various types of hernia treatment. As a trusted hernia surgeon in Pune, she has successfully performed numerous surgeries, providing the best care for her patients. Whether you’re looking for treatment for inguinal, umbilical, or incisional hernias, Dr. Jadhav is regarded as the best hernia surgeon in Pune for her precise surgical techniques and patient-centered approach. Her extensive experience also makes her the best hernia doctor in Kharadi, Pune, ensuring effective treatment and quick recovery for all hernia-related conditions.

Areas We Serve: Kharadi, Viman Nagar, Koregaon Park, Dhanori, Mundhwa, Hadapsar, Lohegaon, Kalyani Nagar, Wagholi, Yerawada, Chandan Nagar, Magarpatta, Wadgaon Sheri, Ubale Nagar, Keshav Nagar, Manjri, Sainikwadi.