What are the symptoms and treatments for hernia?

Generally speaking, hernia is a common disease referring to the protrusion of an organ or tissue from its normal position through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscles, fascia, or other structures, into another part of the body. Symptoms of hernia include abdominal heaviness, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, and a reducible mass on the body surface. It can be treated through various surgical methods, such as traditional hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, mesh hernia repair, tension-free hernia repair, and single-port laparoscopic hernia repair. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Symptoms

1. Abdominal heaviness

Patients with hernia often feel a sensation of downward pressure and distension in the lower abdomen or groin area. This discomfort may worsen after prolonged standing or abdominal straining, causing distress to the patient.

2. Abdominal pain

Hernia can cause mild to moderate pain or discomfort, especially during physical activity or after prolonged standing. This pain may result from pressure or irritation of the herniated contents on surrounding tissues, as well as stretching of the weakened abdominal wall area.

3. Indigestion

Some patients with hernia may experience symptoms of indigestion, including stomach discomfort, acid reflux, or nausea. This is because the protruding organ may compress the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes accompanied by bloating and increased bowel sounds.

4. Constipation

The compressive effect of a hernia may affect intestinal peristalsis, leading to constipation. Patients may experience difficulty passing stools, hard stools, or reduced frequency of bowel movements.

5. Reducible mass on the body surface

A typical symptom of hernia is the appearance of a reducible mass on the body surface. This mass usually appears in the groin area or lower abdomen and becomes particularly noticeable when standing, walking, or exerting abdominal effort.

2. Treatment Options

1. Traditional hernia repair

Traditional hernia repair is one of the classic methods for treating hernia. This surgery primarily involves direct suturing of the abdominal wall defect to reinforce the abdominal wall structure and prevent recurrence of the hernia.

2. Laparoscopic hernia repair

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique, offering advantages such as reduced trauma, less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and lower recurrence rates. The procedure involves making several small incisions on the abdominal wall and using laparoscopic instruments to perform the surgery.

3. Mesh hernia repair

Mesh hernia repair is a surgical method that uses synthetic mesh material to repair abdominal wall defects. Combining the advantages of both traditional hernia repair and tension-free hernia repair, this procedure uses high-quality mesh material to effectively strengthen the abdominal wall structure and reduce the recurrence rate after surgery.

4. Tension-free hernia repair

Tension-free hernia repair uses synthetic mesh material to repair the abdominal wall defect, reinforcing the abdominal wall structure while reducing tension on the suture line, thereby lowering postoperative pain and recurrence rates. This procedure involves minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and a low recurrence rate.

5. Single-port laparoscopic hernia repair

Single-port laparoscopic hernia repair involves making a small incision at the umbilicus or groin area and using single-port laparoscopic instruments to perform the surgery. This approach further reduces surgical trauma, minimizes postoperative pain, shortens recovery time, and maintains a low recurrence rate.

After surgery, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry, and to avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects to promote wound healing and recovery. Patients should choose the most suitable treatment method based on their individual condition and the recommendations of their doctor.