What is Hernia

A hernia occurs when an organ is displaced and protrudes through a tear or weak spot in the muscular wall of the cavity containing it. Depending on the size or location, the condition may be visible as a bulge or lump. A hernia can be painful, especially when coughing, bending over or lifting heavy objects.

There are several types of hernia:

• Inguinal hernia, in which the intestine or bladder pushes through the abdominal wall or the inguinal canal (groin)
• Incisional hernia, in which tissue protrudes through a healing surgical scar
• Femoral hernia, in which the intestine or fatty tissue bulges into the femoral canal
• Umbilical hernia, in which the intestine protrudes through the muscles near the navel (belly button)
• Hiatal hernia, in which the stomach pushes through the diaphragm

Hernia treatment in Singapore largely depends on the type and location of the hernia.

Cause of Hernia

Some hernias are congenital and come with age, but in many cases, hernias develop as a result of both muscle weakness and overstraining. Medical conditions and certain activities also increase the risk of muscle weakness leading to hernia, including:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Pregnancy
• Straining during bowel movements (constipation)
• Injuries (surgical or accidental)
• Abdominal fluids (ascites)
• Obesity or being overweight
• Enlarged prostate
• Undescended testes

Some medical conditions can indirectly cause hernias or increase one’s risk of developing it if left untreated. For instance, cystic fibrosis causes persistent coughing that leads to hernias. In such cases a hernia specialist recommends treating the initial conditions first before prescribing treatments like surgery.

Symptoms of Hernia

The most telling sign of a hernia is a visible or palpable bulge in the affected site. Other symptoms are:

Other common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

• pain or discomfort, especially when coughing, lifting heavy objects or bending over
• aching or burning sensation at the site of the bulge or lump
• Heaviness or pressure in the abdomen
• Chest pain
• Acid reflux

Some hernias cannot be seen or felt, and do not cause any symptoms. They are usually found by a hernia doctor in Singapore during routine check-ups.

Treatment for Hernias

Treatment-wise, hernia surgery in Singapore is the most effective. The procedure usually involves sewing the hole or opening closed, preventing organs and fatty tissue from protruding out of it and enlarging the hole. In some cases, the hole is closed using a surgical mesh patch.

Hernia repair in Singapore can be done via traditional open surgery or keyhole surgery (laparoscopy), where the hernia is accessed through small incisions. Between the two methods, the latter is preferred as it poses less damage to nearby organs and tissue, and it results in less pain and scarring, and quicker recovery for the patient.

For minor hernias, lifestyle changes and medications are advised, though these are only effective to alleviate symptoms and not for full treatment.