Hernia

What is a hernia?

Hernia is an abnormal protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall.

What are the symptoms?

Typically they just present as swellings in the scrotum or the umbilicus or anywhere on the abdominal wall that disappear on lying down. Sometimes they may present as painful swellings that may not reduce at all. Complicated cases may have vomiting, constipation, fever.

What are the treatment options?

They are treatable only by surgery. Surgery involves either a conventional open surgical approach or the almost scarless minimal access technique by laparoscopic approach. Both approaches usually deploy a mesh during the surgery.

Open or Laparoscopic surgery: which is better?

Both approaches have their own pros and cons. However the laparoscopic surgery is better considering the shorter recovery times and the lesser pain associated after the procedure.