Hernia Surgeon explains the procedures

Leading surgical expert, Mr Arjun Shankar in an article for totalhealth explains the different types of hernias and the best methods for fixing them.  He describes how a hernia is quite simply a ‘hole‘ in the abdominalRelating to the abdomen, which is the region of the body between the chest and the pelvis. wall through which the internal organs may protrude. He says: “This results in a lump which is more obvious when the patient stands or coughs. The reason for this is that in these circumstances the pressure inside the abdomenThe part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and other organs. goes up and pushes the hernia contents out through the defect. Hernias can then become ‘strangulated’ when the contents of the hernia are unable to return to their normal place and hence lose their bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. supply.”

Over the last 100 years hernia surgery has developed into a speciality in its own right paralleled with huge leaps in technology and expertise.

Diagnosing Hernias

Most hernias are apparent on examination by an experienced clinician although in some circumstances it may be necessary to get a radiological assessment. The radiological techniques used range from simple ultrasoundA diagnostic method in which very high frequency sound waves are passed into the body and the reflective echoes analysed to build a picture of the internal organs – or of the foetus in the uterus. through to MRIAn abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging, a technique for imaging the body that uses electromagnetic waves and a strong magnetic field. and CTThe abbreviation for computed tomography, a scan that generates a series of cross-sectional x-ray images. Imaging of this type may be necessary when planning complex abdominal wall reconstructions, when the diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. of a hernia is in doubt or in the setting of a recurrent groin hernia (see below).

Suspicion of a hernia merits immediate referral to a suitably qualified doctor

The areas described include the following:

• Groin hernias
• Repairing groin hernias
• Weight lifting
• Potential complications
• Recurrent groin hernia repair
• Midline hernias
• Laparoscopic surgery for hernias