Hernia Treatment in Kolkata: Insights into the Various Types and Remedies

Hernia Treatment in Kolkata: Insights into the Various Types and Remedies

In India, hernias are common a complaint among people. A study screening 5000 of them from cities like Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Noida revealed that 15% complained of abdominal pain and groin swellings. On diagnosing them, it was found they were suffering from hernias and required immediate surgical repairs, as per a news article in The Economic Times published on March 2023.

The purpose of stating such facts is to subtly imply the prevalence of the health condition in the country. With Indians more susceptible to gut or fatty tissues bulging out through a vulnerable spot in the belly with occasional discomfort when coughing, bending over, and standing, we are sure many are eyeing this blog post to know about the best plans for hernia treatment in Kolkata. So, here we are today, shedding light on it.

Most Common Types of Hernia

Abdominal hernia is not of a particular type but can be any of the following:
• Umbilical hernia – Obesity and pregnancy often push the bowel through the stomach muscle, leading to this type of hernia. It’s widespread among women and children.
• Hiatal hernia – As discussed in one of our blog posts, a hiatal hernia causes acid reflux, ultimately leading to chest pain. When such a condition arises, the stomach bulges through the hiatus.
• Inguinal hernia – It’s a type of hernia that affects men more than women. Almost 70% that have complained of it are people of the former gender. Here, a portion of the bowel bulges out along with the belly cavity lining through the inguinal canal and is stuck in the groin area. With coughing and lifting heavy weights, the pain and swelling intensify.
• Diaphragmatic hernia – It is less common, but when it occurs, the belly organs move out of the diaphragm opening and up into the chest. Babies experience this condition more often.
• Femoral hernia – Obese women are more prone to it than others. Also, multiple pregnancies make one more susceptible to it. It is often characterised by the bowel penetrating the femoral canal into the groin.
• Incisional hernia – Past cases of surgeries around the belly often lead to incisional hernia. Here, tissues or organs jut through a scar or an incision from a recent wound.
• Spighelian hernia – Common mostly among men over 50, it is often characterised by fat tissues coming through belly muscles under the navel.
• Epigastric hernia – Here, the fat tissue hangs out from the belly in the spot where the rib cage and the naval meet.

As long as the hernia is small with little to no symptoms, doctors take a watchful waiting approach. Many recommend external compression belts to push the tissue back into the belly. Only when the hernia causes pain and discomfort or grows bigger that doctors advise having hernia treatment in Kolkata.

What Are Your Options When Undergoing Hernia Treatment?

Surgical options to treat hernia are many, but the right one depends on the patient’s clinical condition, the hernia type the individual is suffering from, and the exact location where the organ is bulging out.
• Laparoscopic surgery
It is the least invasive surgery where the patient is injected with general anaesthesia followed by the surgeon making 3-4 small cuts under the naval. As the doctor inflates the belly with a harmless gas, typically carbon dioxide, to get a clear view of organs, he/ she gradually introduces a lighted tube with a camera attached at one end (laparoscope). This equipment guides the surgeon during the repair process. As the surgery proceeds, the doctor pushes the hernia back into place using surgical tools. The operation concludes with the healthcare professional placing a mesh to close the gap in the abdominal muscle wall.
• Open surgery
It is one of the most practiced hernia repair options where the surgeon pushes the fat tissue or the displaced organ right into the abdomen. It is followed by fixing the weakened muscle with a mesh patch and dissolvable stitches. The former is placed for extra support to prevent the hernia from recurring. It usually takes 4-5 weeks for the wound to completely heal on condition one steers clear of strenuous activities and heavy physical exercise.
• Totally extraperitoneal
It’s the latest laparoscopic technique whereby the surgeon gets access to the hernia without penetrating the abdominal cavity.
• Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP)
It is exactly the opposite of the former surgery technique, whereby the surgeon repairs the hernia by making a cavity in the abdomen.

Do’s and Don’ts After Hernia Surgery

Recovering from a hernia operation without any complication is fast when the patient abides by the list of instructions below:
• Take over-the-counter painkillers as prescribed by a doctor
• Perform only the right set of exercises, of which walking is one to pace up the recovery
• Consult a doctor about the right time to resume sexual activities
• Cut down alcohol intake
• Refrain from operating any machinery
• Avoid any kind of stretching and straining to prevent pressure on the wound
• When lifting heavy weights, use only the knees and back but not the abdominal muscles
• Keep away from taking showers or bathing for a minimum of 2 days post-surgery

Diet to Follow Post-Hernia Surgery

For complete recovery, a patient who has undergone hernia surgery must alter one’s diet. Here are a few things to introduce into your platter:
• Eggs, soy, nuts, cottage cheese, fish, meat and other protein-rich food
• Cereals, orange juice, almond milk, and other food items rich in vitamin D
• Food rich in calcium like yoghurt, cheese, milk, chia seeds, poppy, sesame, and almonds
• Potatoes, cauliflowers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits for a daily dose of vitamin C

Consult Gastroenterologists in Kolkata to Cure Hernia!

Get in touch with a surgical gastroenterologist in the city and talk to the doctor about the best surgical option for your case. The most recommended approach to hernia treatment in Kolkata is advanced laparoscopic procedures as they promise higher success rates than other open surgical methods. Talk to your doctor immediately if you have been experiencing a burning sensation in the bulge around the area, pain or nausea, and a feeling of weakness due to hernia.