The Varying Complications that May Arise Due to a Hernia

First of all, it should be stated what hernia actually is. A hernia can be referred as a lump, which is formed when a part of bowel i.e. intestine slips through some weak portion in the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias are the most commonly occurring hernias. They are also known as groin hernias.

Now, we come to the types of hernia. Inguinal hernia can be of three types:

1. Indirect inguinal hernia: it is most common in children. It may be present at birth. It occurs mostly in males.

2. Direct inguinal hernia: It mostly affects elderly and middle-aged people.

3. Femoral hernia: Comparatively, it is rare and women are mostly affected by it.

Now, we come to as to how a hernia develops. There is an inguinal ligament present between the thigh and the stomach. This is a tight band, but there are several weak points on it.

There are many causes like obesity, heavy weight lifting, pregnancy, constipation and chronic coughing, which may cause some part of the intestine to push against the abdominal wall and it may slip finding a weak spot. Thus, a lump, known as Hernia is created.

A hernia has a sac called as peritoneum. It may contain an intestinal loop and is generally movable inside the body. It disappears while lying down, but reappears while standing or while straining to defaecate. Hernia as such is harmless.

However, a hernia can turn out to be dangerous, if it gets trapped in some weak spot. It may become tender causing complications. This situation is known as strangulation. If the intestinal loop somehow gets damaged, it may result in leakage of its contents. This may result in gangrene and peritonitis. Such a situation can be fatal.

Treatment of groin hernias

The only effective cure for an inguinal hernia is surgery. For adults, surgery becomes necessary, if there is a chance of strangulation or the hernia is causing discomfort. However, little direct inguinal hernia that does not cause any discomfort requires no surgery. All indirect hernias and femoral hernias need surgical treatment, if the patient is fit for the operation.

Again, to alleviate the discomfort, a truss can be used for direct and indirect hernia. This is helpful when the patient is not fit for a surgery or is waiting for it. However, it should be kept in mind that a truss is not a cure.
So to conclude we can say that a hernia can be treated surgically so there is not much to worry about it. Within two weeks of operation normal activities can be resumed and chances of recurrence of hernia are fairly small. So if someone feels a lump in the groin area, they should consult a doctor. The doctor can easily tell whether it is a hernia or not and if surgery is the only option left or not.

References
1. The Big Book of Health Tips. The editors of FC&A Publishing .FC&A Publishing