Hernias, one of the most common health problems in the society, reduce the quality of life. Hernias, which are more common in men than in women, are difficult to intervene and treat when neglected. Stating that inguinal hernias are most common in men and umbilical hernias in women, experts recommend that those with a family history of hernia should be checked. Experts point out that overweight and smoking are among the important risk factors.
General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay from Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital made evaluations about hernias, one of the most common health problems.
Defining hernia as "any of the intra-abdominal organs (intestine, adipose tissue, etc.) protruding outward from the abdominal wall", General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said that hernias are a group of diseases that are common in society but neglected in terms of treatment.
Inguinal hernias in men and umbilical hernias in women
Noting that hernia can be seen in many people in the society, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "It is slightly more common in men than in women. Inguinal hernias are usually seen in men and umbilical hernias in women. Hernias are a disease that should not be postponed because when it progresses, its intervention and treatment becomes more difficult. The surgical procedure to be performed is also growing."
Even coughing can cause hernia
Stating that anything that increases intra-abdominal pressure can cause hernia, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "Conditions such as coughing, heavy lifting, some prostate disorders can lead to hernias. Over time, pressure can cause hernia formation in the soft areas of the anterior abdominal wall, groin and umbilical region. For example, a hernia is more expected in a construction worker. However, it can also be seen in people who have never done any heavy exercise or who have low tissue quality that does not increase intra-abdominal pressure. " he said.
Stating that not every hernia can be seen and felt, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay noted that especially in overweight people, it is often not understood from the outside.
How to recognize a hernia?
Giving information about the symptoms of hernia, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "Hernia first starts with a mild pain. Over time, the pain reveals a swelling in that area. A general surgeon can easily diagnose the patient by performing a physical examination. It can be checked inpatient or outpatient. There are also methods that support physical examination; ultrasound can be performed, tomography can be performed."
Hernia should not be neglected
Stating that there is a hernia called "Femoral Hernia" which is common in women, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "This hernia can be defined as the intestine entering and exiting in short periods of time in the femoral region. Further examination may be recommended in such patients. If there is a groin pain that does not go away and many examinations have been performed, tomography is performed. Hernia should not be neglected. Early diagnosis and treatment is important."
Stating that hernias can sometimes be encountered in children, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "There may be swelling in the groin or navel area. If umbilical hernia formation is observed, it is expected to resolve spontaneously in the first year. However, hernias in the groin area often do not close and require surgical procedure."
Attention to those with a hernia in the family!
Pointing out that there may be a life risk if the intestine enters the hernia and bleeds there, Dr. Talha Atalay said, "This is also called strangulated hernia. Strangulated hernias require urgent surgery," and pointed out that those with a family history of hernia should be examined.
Overweight and smoking are risk factors
Emphasizing that overweight, smoking, chronic lung diseases are risk factors for hernias, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "The inguinal hernia removed from one side is very unlikely to reappear in the same area. In people with unilateral hernia, there is a 20% chance of it being on the other side."
The patient can return to normal life within three days
Stating that there are two types of surgeries in hernia treatment, open surgery and laparoscopic (closed) surgery, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "In order to close the gap caused by hernia, it is sutured or mesh (a tulle-like tissue) is integrated with the surrounding tissues and placed in that area. Hernia surgeries performed with anatomical methods may recur. The mesh method is therefore a better treatment. Approximately 1 cm around the hernia is also closed because the surrounding tissues are also thin and prone to hernia. Hernia surgeries are not to be feared. The surgeries last between 30-45 minutes. The patient can return to normal life within 3-4 days. The patient should protect himself/herself for about 6 months by not increasing intra-abdominal pressure and not lifting heavy weights."
Avoid alternative treatment methods!
Emphasizing that alternative treatment methods in hernia will do more harm than good, General Surgeon Dr. Talha Atalay said, "Popularly known methods such as groin belt and pressing are wrong. When apparatus such as hernia ligament, hernia kilot, hernia corset are used, that area expands and grows even more. These methods have no positive effect whatsoever," he warned.
