Hernia: a hernia is the bulging of an organ, or part of an organ, through a defect in the structures that normally surround that organ. Causes and risk factors for hernia: a hernia occurs when there is a break in the integrity of the muscle wall and this is combined with increased pressure inside the abdomen.
- Congenital (muscle weakness present from birth)
- Acquired (anything that increases pressure inside the abdomen, such as lifting heavy objects, straining and obesity)
- Traumatic. Types of hernia: most hernias occur in the inguinal (groin) area, but abdominal, umbilical and hiatal (diaphragmatic) hernias may also occur.
Symptoms of hernia: depending on the type of hernia, these may include pain (felt mostly in the groin when standing) and a bulge (lump) sticking out from part of the body, which may push out when coughing or straining and go back in when lying down.
Treatment and surgical management: as long as these lumps are movable, they are not a problem, but if they become trapped or cause severe pain, they must be treated with surgery. Can hernias come back after surgery? Yes, hernias may come back after surgery. Does a hernia belt (truss) cure a hernia? No. For groin hernias, using one for a limited time does no harm, but it does not cure the hernia. Long-term use of a hernia belt causes the layers of the hernia to stick together and makes surgery more difficult.
What to do after surgery
- As soon as your doctor allows after the operation, get out of bed with help and walk.
- Increase your activities little by little, as you can tolerate them, and go for walks.
- Avoid heavy activities, lifting heavy objects, coughing without supporting the operation site, and straining for 4–6 weeks after the operation. You can take a shower 2–4 days after the operation.
- After discharge, if you have no pain, there is nothing to stop you from having sexual activity.
- If you are discharged with a drain, change the dressing using a sterile technique when needed or when it is dirty.
- If you have pain, use the painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
- In men, to reduce discomfort in the testicles, you can use an ice pack or a hernia belt (support). Permitted and non-permitted foods:
- After the bowel starts moving again (peristalsis) and you pass wind, as your doctor advises, clear fluids such as weak tea and compote juice are started first, then full fluids (soup), and then gradually a soft diet and finally a normal diet.
- After starting fluids, walk regularly on the ward or at home to help your bowels start moving.
- In the first days after surgery, drink plenty of fluids (2–3 litres) to make sure your bowels are working.
- In the first days after the operation, try to avoid foods that cause wind (raw and artificial fruit juices, corn, cabbage, beans, chickpeas, radishes, cucumbers, fizzy drinks).
- Try to avoid constipation by eating a high-fibre diet (vegetables, fruit) or taking a laxative as prescribed by your doctor.
- Your diet should contain enough protein (lean meat, eggs, dairy products, etc.) and foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, pineapple juice and orange juice.
- It is better to have small, frequent meals.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke. 9–10 days after the operation, go to the hospital or your treating doctor to have your stitches removed, taking your discharge documents with you.
Report these signs to your doctor: wound infection, fever, pain, redness, tenderness, warmth or swelling around the surgical cut, increased discharge from it or a bad smell, a bloated abdomen, nausea and vomiting, the wound edges coming apart. Hernia recurrence (coming back): a swelling in the groin that is firm and painful, round and cannot be pushed back in.
Prepared by: Zahra Zahiri