🔹 Types of Hernias

1. Inguinal Hernia (Most Common)

• Occurs in the groin
• More common in men
• Happens when intestines or fat push through the inguinal canal

2. Femoral Hernia

• Lower groin/thigh area
• More common in women
• Less common than inguinal hernias

3. Umbilical Hernia

• Occurs at the belly button
• Common in newborns; often resolves on its own
• Can also affect adults

4. Incisional Hernia

• Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision
• Common after abdominal surgery

5. Hiatal Hernia

• Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm
• May cause acid reflux or heartburn

6. Epigastric Hernia

• Occurs between the belly button and chest
• Usually small but can be painful

🔹 Causes and Risk Factors

• Heavy lifting
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Straining during bowel movements or urination
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Previous surgeries
• Congenital muscle weakness (present at birth)

🔹 Symptoms

• A visible lump or bulge, especially when standing or coughing
• Discomfort or pain at the site of the bulge
• Heaviness or pressure in the abdomen
• Burning or aching sensation
• Pain that worsens with activity or straining

⚠️ Incarcerated or Strangulated Hernia

• Incarcerated: Contents of the hernia get stuck
• Strangulated: Blood supply is cut off → medical emergency
• Symptoms: severe pain, redness, fever, nausea, vomiting

🔹 Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests if unclear: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI

🔹 Treatment Options

🩺 Watchful Waiting

• For small, asymptomatic hernias
• Regular monitoring by a doctor

🛠️ Surgical Repair (Definitive Treatment)

1. Open Hernia Repair

• Traditional surgery with an incision over the hernia
• Hernia sac is pushed back and the wall is reinforced with stitches or mesh

2. Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Surgery

• Small incisions, uses a camera and instruments
• Faster recovery, less pain, smaller scars

3. Robotic Hernia Surgery

• A form of laparoscopic surgery with enhanced precision

🧵 Mesh repair is often used to reduce the risk of recurrence.

🔹 Recovery After Hernia Surgery

• Most people return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks (laparoscopic)
• Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks
• Follow-up to check for complications or recurrence

🔹 Prevention Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid heavy lifting or learn proper lifting techniques
• Treat chronic cough or constipation
• Exercise to strengthen core muscles
• Stop smoking (helps tissue healing)

❗️When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

• Sudden, severe pain in a hernia site
• Hernia that becomes firm, tender, or non-reducible
• Nausea, vomiting, or fever along with a hernia