What is Hernia?

The hernia (also inguinal hernia) describes a Gewebsriss and the consequent instability of the peritoneum and internal organs in this area (eg small intestine). The hernia is the most common of all hernias (Latin: break), which can occur in several areas of the body front side of the fuselage. It distinguishes ten Hernientypen, which in turn are described in several sub-forms. The hernia occurs with 80 percent in predominantly in men.

What are the causes for a hernia?

There are two types of the hernia: the innate and acquired mostly in adulthood hernia. However, a distinction even in infants after congenital or acquired hernia. At both shows are an extension of the inguinal canal. This runs obliquely through the abdominal wall. For women in the inguinal canal runs a tender bond that takes her from the womb its course through the inguinal canal. In men, here the coming of the prostate spermatic cord is associated with the nerves and blood vessels running through the inguinal canal to the testicle. When congenital hernia is suspected an extension of the internal inguinal ring, which leads to an enlargement of the inguinal canal. For this purpose, as a weakness in the rear wall of the channel to be responsible.

When acquired hernia usually a connective tissue plays in the rear wall of the inguinal canal a role that can lead to an opening in the abdomen, called a hernia is formed. Depending on the size of the opening, parts of the intestines in the abdomen, often occur here is a portion of the small intestine, through this opening. This can lead to strangulation, intestinal obstruction or hypoperfusion of the small intestine and cause part of this may eventually die off (necrosis).

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Initial guess can be a hernia, when the inguinal canal is enlarged. Here you can feel by scanning the region a larger opening in the side comparison of the inguinal canal. A bulge in the groin is a clear sign of a hernia. A stretch in the groin during physical exertion or climbing stairs is also a symptom of a hernia, where it is proved that a hernia is not caused by physical exertion. In addition, an enlargement in men occur on the scrotum of the corresponding page. In women, instead increasing the labia majora is observed. If these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted.

As an inguinal hernia diagnosed?

Congenital inguinal hernia is diagnosed in an ideal case study in the newborn and the infant can be treated surgically. If the hernia only during growth or in adulthood, it is detected during a clinical examination. Only in exceptional cases, be used to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms in the study units. Therefore, only rarely will a laparoscopy (laparoscopy) is performed to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. Likewise, by an ultrasound test or a colonoscopy for another condition, such as a tumor excluded.

As the therapy proceeds at a hernia?

In general, any hernia surgery. If only mild symptoms are present, one can plan in peace the surgery date. If the symptoms occur even strong or complications (intestinal evaginations) that should be done quickly, because the risk of intestinal obstruction or acute hypoperfusion of the intestine with resulting death of intestinal tissue is. Can not the intestinal evaginations press with your finger back through the breach, the operation is performed immediately as an emergency.

Two common surgical techniques can be distinguished in the hernia. The open method is carried out with a last section. In this case the fracture is either sutured (Shouldice technique) or it is incorporated a plastic net (after Liechtenstein) to close the hernia. This network will remain forever in the body and the risk of another fracture (relapse) is low with less than five percent. This method has been used since the 1950s and draws no known negative consequences. In addition, there is enough gentle, local anesthesia. Three months are needed after physical rest, for example, where you should not lift heavy objects.

The second method is minimally invasive, ie the operating works camera assisted with a very small instruments through a ten millimeter short cut at the belly button and two five-millimeter short incisions in the abdomen. In this technique, there are two variants, which differ only in details. General anesthesia is necessary during minimally invasive technique, however, why any such person may not be operated on with it. Subsequently, however, no physical rest is necessary. Depending on your age, medical history and physical stress or other risks, there is the right operation for each method, each basic operation risks (infection or similar) holds.

The length of stay in hospital is three days only briefly, often there are operations that are performed as an outpatient. After ten days the sutures are removed and after frictionless healing process is affected by two to three weeks of work and sport fit. Finally, one can say that a hernia can be very well looked after medically. Due to the customization of surgical technique to the particular constitution of the person concerned and the low complication rate, treatment may be optimal.

Can I prevent a hernia?

Due to the fact that a hernia can be congenital and acquired physical stress for a hernia is not the cause can not therefore be prevented. Data subjects may, however, reassured seek medical treatment because the treatment options are very reliable.