Hernia
Hernia takes place when an organ pushes through an opening in the tissue or muscle holding it in place. For instance, the intestines can break through the abdominal wall if there is a weakened area. Typically, hernia occurs in the abdomen between the hips and the chest. However, it can also occur in the groin and upper thigh area.
Hernia is not immediately life-threatening. However, they don’t go away on their own. You may require surgery for preventing dangerous complications. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding communities.
Causes of Hernia
Hernia is caused because of a combination of muscle strain and weakness. Depending on the cause, this condition can either develop quickly or over a long period of time. Common causes of muscle strain or weakness leading to hernia include:
- Aging
- Congenital condition taking place during fetus development in the womb
- Damage from surgery and injury
- Strenuous exercise
- Lifting heavy weight
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Chronic coughing
- Multiple pregnancies
- Being overweight or obese
- Constipation or placing strain on bowel movement
- Fluid in abdomen
The following increases the likelihood of suffering from hernia:
- Genetics
- Personal history of hernia
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Chronic constipation
- Being obese or overweight
- Chronic cough
- Smoking
- Cystic fibrosis
- Premature birth
Surgery for Hernia
In case your hernia is causing pain or growing larger, your surgeon will make a decision to operate on it. They may sew the hole in your abdominal wall to repair the hernia. A surgical mesh is used for patching the hole.
Hernia can be repaired through both laparoscopic and open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery makes use of miniaturized surgical equipment and a tiny camera for repairing the hernia. Only a few small incisions are used in this case. This type of surgery is less damaging to surrounding tissues.
The surgeon will make an incision near the hernia site during open surgery. They will push the bulging tissue back in the abdomen. The area will be sewed shut. In some cases, the surgeon may reinforce the area with surgical mesh before closing the incision.
You should know that all forms of hernia are not suitable for laparoscopic surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the best type of surgery depending on your particular condition.
Recovery and Results
Pain is to be expected around the surgical site after the surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with appropriate medications for helping ease the discomfort while you recover. You should be sure to follow all instructions carefully regarding wound care. You should contact your surgeon promptly if there is any sign of infection, such as redness, drainage, fever, or worsening pain at the site.
You should be able to move around after a few weeks following the hernia repair. However, you will have to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), headed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact the Southern California Hip Institute
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
