When an organ residing in a cavity such as the abdomen tries to push through the muscular layer it resides in, it is called as hernia. 

Though said to be genetic, hernias can be caused by things such as improper heavy lifting, incorrect posture, or chronic constipation and as a result of surgical complication or injury. Factors like obesity, pregnancy, smoking, chronic lung disease aggravate the severity of the hernia. It is believed that about 27% of all males and 3% of females can have a hernia during their lifetime.

Types of hernias:

Inguinal hernia: The groin is the most common area, where the abdomen pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall, causing a protrusion into the inguinal canal. This is more common in men than women.

Hiatal hernia: The abdomen has the diaphragm separating it from the thoracic cavity in the upper border. When it pushes through the diaphragm, a hernia is caused and there is almost always associated food reflux in these cases. Though the most common cause is associated old age, due to muscle weakness, there also are cases of congenital hiatal hernias.

Umbilical hernia: The abdomen finds a weak layer along its length and protrudes through the skin on the stomach. Most commonly seen in babies around the bellybutton, it gradually corrects itself on its own. Quiet rare in adults, seen during pregnancy and in chronic obese people.

Incisional: These are post-surgical, and happen when the organ protrudes through the weakened wall due to surgery. The abdomen is again the most common area and the hernia can happen either onto the external surface or internally, when they are called ventral hernias.

These are the most frequent types, though hernia affects other organs like the spine, brain, appendix, etc.

Treatment
 
This includes a combination of constant monitoring followed by a decision to do surgical treatment. Hiatal hernias and umbilical hernias can be monitored for a while before deciding on surgery. Inguinal hernias may require surgery earlier in the stage. Post-surgery, a mesh is placed to hold back the tissue in its corrected place. The umbilical hernia in children could be self-limiting. If it does not get auto-corrected in the first year of life, that also would qualify for a surgical treatment. Hernias need to be managed under medical supervision.

Hernia - What You Should Know About It?

Anti-reflux surgery (Fundoplication) is a procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) incorporated in hiatus hernia operation. GERD occurs when stomach contents reflux and enter the lower end of the esophagus (LES) due to a relaxed or weakened sphincter or a hiatus hernia. GERD is very much treatable and can cause serious complications if left untreated. 

GERD symptoms
The main symptom of GERD is heartburn or indigestion, along with other symptoms, such as 

Acidic sour taste in the mouth
Burning pain in the throat
Difficulty in eating
Bloating and belching
Stomach pains
Regurgitating food
Nausea
Vomiting blood
Dark tarry stools
Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery reinforces the lower oesophageal sphincter s ability to prevent gastroesophageal reflux from occurring. The surgery involves wrapping the top part of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus and suturing it in place. Since the esophagus passes through the hiatus, suturing is done to narrow the hiatus as it helps in the prevention and treatment of concurrent hiatal hernia.

Laparoscopic Surgery Procedure
A laparoscope, a long, narrow telescope with a light source and a video camera at the end, is inserted through a tiny incision into the abdomen. Images from the camera are projected onto a large high definition monitor for the surgeon to view enlarged images as it helps the surgeon perform surgery with precision.

The patient is placed under general anesthesia
The surgeon makes a small incision in the upper abdomen and inserts the laparoscope into the abdomen.
The surgeon introduces carbon dioxide into the abdominal cavity near the belly button to expand the viewing area of the abdomen giving the surgeon a clear view and room to work.
Additional small incisions are made for a variety of surgical instruments to be used during the procedure.
After the identification of critical structure, the hole in the diaphragm, through which the esophagus passes, is then tightened with sutures.
The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus guided by the images on the laparoscope, then creates a valve which is precisely sutured in its place.
The laparoscope and other instruments are removed and the gas is released.
The tiny incisions are closed and covered with waterproof dressings to avoid any kind of infections.
The patient is usually discharged within 1-2 days of the surgery.
Post-surgery, hospitalization is required just for one day - no bed rest is required after that. The patient can quickly return to all normal activities and immediate relief from symptoms also happen. 

Laparoscopic Surgery - How It Can Help With Anti-Reflux and Hernia?

Favorite of most Indian households, ghee is indeed a superfood. Apart from being widely used in Indian cooking, it has also been used as a remedy for cough and cold. Sadly, due to the misconceptions that surround the use of ghee, it is often underutilized. While some are worried that it may make them put on weight, others feel that it is bad for their heart. Little do they know that these misconceptions are not true, and ghee actually has limitless health benefits.

Let us read on to know more about the benefits that ghee has to offer:

Packed with nutrients: Many-a-times, people love the taste of ghee but have strike it off from the diet owing to popular belief that ghee is unhealthy and fattening. However, the opposite of it is actually true and the short-chain fatty acids found in ghee offer several health benefits and keep your gut healthy. Ghee obtained from grass-fed butter consists of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. Fats present in ghee are free of oxidized cholesterol, trans-fats and hydrogenated oils, thus, the fat present in pure ghee is healthy.
Great for immunity and bone strengthening: Including ghee in your daily breakfast not only boosts your physical and mental strength, but also ensures that your body stays fit and gains the potential to fight against several illnesses. Being a rich source of fat soluble vitamins, ghee supports in the growth and development of bones. It is also known to strengthen your muscles and tendons.
Lowers cholesterol: It is considered as an excellent option for people with high cholesterol levels. Since ghee contains Vitamin K2, it prevents plaque formation in the arteries, which in turn prevents the blockag that may obstruct blood flow and lead to complication. It also increases the level of good cholesterol and lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Promotes weight loss: An excellent source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), is known to boost the metabolism which in turn promotes weight loss. It also improves digestion, makes you feel full and increases the oxidation of fat; all of which help in reducing weight.
How to differentiate if the ghee is pure or not?

Ghee is stocked in every Indian household, but the thought of whether it is pure or not often crosses our minds. Adulterated ghee may contain vegetable oils and other greasy elements which are bad for your heart and health. So, here are some methods that can help you check the purity of your ghee at home.

Pure ghee normally melts at body temperature. You can check it by putting a spoon of ghee on your palm if it melts then it is pure, if not, it is best to get rid of it.
Pure ghee melts within seconds and turns brown when heated. If the ghee takes longer to melt and appears light yellow in color, it is impure.

It has been established that ghee is indeed good for your health, but only if it is pure. The simple tests mentioned above can help you determine whether the ghee is pure or not. So, eat safe and stay healthy!

Ghee In Your Daily Diet - Did You Know It Has More Benefits Than You Can Think Of?

Hernia refers to the condition when an organ or fatty tissue inside the body begins to protrude from its location. Hernias are mostly detected in the groin, belly, or the stomach region. They occur because of muscle weakness in the said region where it is detected but they can be treated with surgery. In most cases, a surgery is prescribed and laparoscopic hernia repair is a very popular surgical procedure that has proven to be successful in most of the cases. This is why a growing number of patients decide to go for it.

Laparoscopic hernia repair: procedure: In this surgical procedure, a laparoscope (an instrument with a high-resolution camera and high-intensity light) is passed inside the abdomen through small incisions that varies between 0.5 and 1.5 inches in length. When the laparoscope moves inside the abdomen, it sheds light on the hernia and sends the images to the monitor connected to it. The surgeon views the hernia on the monitor and then the abdominal cavity is made to swell with carbon dioxide so that the surgeon can find enough space to operate the hernia. Once this is done, the surgeons operate the hernia with tiny surgical instruments. Once the hernia is removed, space or the hole is covered with a mesh from inside the abdomen.

Advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair: The laparoscopic procedure is popular because it is comfortable for the patient in many ways. They have to endure lesser post-operative pain as compared to open surgery, which means the recovery is quicker. They require lesser drugs for healing and the patient can get back to work in fewer days. It is an advanced form of surgery and thus, gives better results.

Disadvantages of laparoscopic hernia repair: While the non-invasive laparoscopic surgery has several advantages, it also comes with some drawbacks. It is lengthier in comparison to open surgery and also costs more. It cannot be performed by all the surgeons and only those who are skilled in this type of surgery can do justice to the different cases of a hernia. 

Recovery after laparoscopic hernia repair: The patient takes one to two weeks after the surgery to return to light activity and daily routine. Nevertheless, heavy exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided until four weeks after the surgery. The full recovery time differs from patient to patient depending on their age, gender, and health condition but one month is the average time for full recovery.

555 Manish Technique for inguinal hernia repair:

Totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernia is now a standard surgical technique. A 12 mm incision in infra-umbilical region for Hasson trocar is must for TEP repair of inguinal hernia. This is the only technique known to laparoscopic surgeons. We have innovated a "555 Technique" for completing Mini TEP repair of inguinal hernia by using all three 5 mm ports.

555 Technique" is a feasible option without compromising the principles of TEP repair for inguinal hernia. Innovation of simple "Manish Retractor" is the key in completing Mini TEP repair. This technique is simple, less invasive, less morbid, and cost effective as it avoids dependence over costly Hasson trocar with better cosmetic results.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair - What Should You Know

Hernia is the name given to the condition where an internal part of your body pushes itself into another area of the body where it does not belong. A hiatal is the opening in the muscular wall which is called the diaphragm. This usually separates the abdomen from the chest cavity. In the human body, the food pipe, which is called the esophagus passes through this hiatal and joins the stomach area. Hiatal hernia is a condition when the stomach bulges up through this opening, into the chest.

Causes of Hiatal Hernia:
The main cause of hiatal hernia is not known at present, but there are certain factors that can cause it. It could occur when there is an increased pressure on the abdomen area such as during a pregnancy, coughing, obesity, too much straining at the time of bowel movement. Some people are also born with a wide hiatal opening.

Who needs surgical treatment for Hiatal Hernia?
In most of the cases, hiatal hernia does not show any kind of serious signs and hence you need not have to worry about it, When you experience symptoms such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disorder or heartburn, then you can treat them with mild medication and with the help of your doctor. But when the symptoms are severe and interferes with the quality of your life, or if the symptoms are not responding to medication, when the blood flow to the herniated tissue is blocked, causes ulcers, or heavy bleeding, you will need a surgery.

There are three types of surgeries for hiatal hernia.

Nissen Fundoplication: This is the most common surgery done for hiatal hernia. This is also called keyhole surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Small incisions are made in the abdomen area and the hernia is repaired. The surgeon also tightens the stomach in order to avoid the reoccurrence of this condition. It is a less painful and minimal scar process. Recovery time is also less compared to other surgical techniques and you also need not have to stay for a long period in the hospital.
Open repairs: For the repair of the hernia, a large incision is made in the abdomen area. The stomach is pulled back to its original place from the chest area. A small tube is also inserted in certain cases in order to keep the stomach in its original place and prevent it from moving towards the chest area. This kind of surgery has a lot of risks.
Endoluminal Fundoplication: This is the latest surgery technique and rarely used. No incisions are made in this procedure. Only a tube and camera are passed through the throat. The stomach is tightened and acid reflux is prevented.

Hiatal Hernia - 3 Types Of Surgeries That Are Often Recommended!

Hernias are quite common and occur more in men than in women. When left untreated, the condition gets very painful, and sometimes become life-threatening. Hence, ignoring a painful hernia is a bad idea, and seeking medical assistance is necessary. To know more about the condition and the treatment available, read on.

What is a hernia?
A hernia refers to an abnormal exit of an organ or tissues. When a fatty tissue or an organ squeezes or penetrates through a weak spot of the surrounding connective tissues or muscles, the condition hernia appears. Though there are various types of a hernia, it is an inguinal hernia and the ventral hernia that are two of the most common types.

Inguinal hernia
When the bladder or the intestine protrudes into the groin's inguinal canal or extends through the abdominal wall, it is referred to as an inguinal hernia. Around 96% of the groin hernias that occur are usually inguinal hernia. It is due to the weakness in the groin area of men that men commonly suffer from this kind of a hernia.

Ventral hernia
A ventral hernia is a type of a hernia that develops in the abdominal wall's front. Usually, it occurs at the weak areas of the abdomen such as the location of a previous surgery. Varying in sizes, it may be small to complex and large, these hernias may appear weeks or months or sometimes years after surgery. The various types of a ventral hernia are an epigastric hernia, umbilical hernia, incisional hernia, Spigelian hernia and parastomal hernia.

Complications, if left untreated...

If left untreated, your hernia may grow and become more painful. A portion of your intestine could become trapped in the abdominal wall. This can obstruct your bowel and cause severe pain, nausea, or constipation. An untreated hernia can also put too much pressure on nearby tissues. This can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding area. If the trapped section of your intestines doesn t get enough blood flow, strangulation occurs. This can cause the intestinal tissue to become infected or die. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Treatment Options--

Open surgery
Open surgery for treating hernia is the most traditional and old surgical practice. To perform this common type of hernia surgery, local anesthesia is required, while an incision of around 4 to 5 cm is made in a hernia affected area. Even the most complex and large hernias can be easily treated through such surgeries. Open hernia surgery usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Laparoscopic surgery
Compared to the open surgery, laparoscopic surgery requires more time, around an hour or so and is one of the modern surgical processes. Though long-standing or chronic or large hernias cannot be removed through laparoscopy as easily as in open surgery, still, when it comes to smaller incision and quicker recovery time, it is definitely the laparoscopic hernia surgery that is chosen by many. But the costs for laparoscopic surgery is a bit higher than that of the open surgery.

Remember, both women and men can get a hernia at any age. People can even be born with a congenital hernia or develop a hernia over time. A hernia neither goes away all by itself, nor it gets healed over time. Getting operated, in the majority of cases, is usually considered to be the best option to get rid of this condition.

Hernia (Inguinal Or Ventral) And The Surgical Treatment Options Available!

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