An abnormal protrusion of an internal organ through the wall of the structure that surrounds or from a congenital/acquired hole, is called hernia.

Causes of Hernia:

The most common type of hernia is groin hernia, which mostly occurs in men. The following factors can cause hernia:

1. Excessive coughing
2. Age over 60 years
3. Obesity
4. Pregnancy
5. Chronic constipation
6. Heavy lifting

Hernia includes different types depending on where it occurs:

1. Groin hernia: In this case a bulge occurs on groin or the scrotum, which is more common in men than women.
2. Femoral hernia: Bulge occurs on the upper thigh, which is more common in women than men.
3. Umbilical hernia: Bulge occurs around the navel due to the disability of muscles around the navel in covering that area completely.
4. Incisional hernia: Bulge occurs at the previous surgery site on the abdominal wall and is due to the separated muscles at the previous surgery site.

Symptoms of hernia:

• Feeling discomfort or pain in the groin area that is exacerbated by lifting objects or bending forward.
• Presence of a bulge mass in the groin or scrotum that becomes painful while touching.
• Presence of a bulge in children without any pain.

Treatment:

Almost for all types of hernia, surgery should be performed and better to be done before any complications occur. In this kind of surgery, general or local anesthesia could be perform.

Postoperative care:

1. In order to start consuming liquid after a surgery, use lukewarm water or tea. In case of having a good activity and having gas or stool disposal, semi-solid and low-solid diet such as soup could be used and it is suggested to consume more soft diet and liquid.
2. Follow the doctor’s instructions to change the bandage but it is recommended to refer to a medical center.
3. If you are discharged with attached fittings, try to protect them and keep the container down while walking to discharge the secretions better.
4. In case of having secretions from the wound or any redness/inflammation occurs, contact your doctor immediately.
5. The bandage of surgery site will be removed 48 hours after surgery and there is no need for dressing and also, you are allowed to take shower but be careful about not scrubbing the wound.
6. Doing physical activities for 5 to 7 days after surgery and lifting heavy objects up to 3 months is forbidden.
7. To prevent constipation, consume more fruits and vegetables.
8. Avoid consuming flatulent foods.
9. The sutures will be removed after 7 to 10 days after surgery.