| Although there are many different kinds of hernia, | | | | Surgeons (ACS) advises that there two basic |
| when people speak about a hernia,they are most | | | | methods of surgery: - conventional surgery - which |
| likely to be referring to an abdominal hernia. About | | | | involves an incision in the abdomen. The protruding |
| five million Americans have an abdominal hernia, | | | | tissue is then either removed or pushed back into the |
| according to statistics provided by the National | | | | abdomen and the abdominal wall repaired. If |
| Center for Health Statistics. An abdominal hernia | | | | necessary, that section of the abdominal wall can be |
| occurs when either fatty tissue or an organ in the | | | | strengthened either by sewing surrounding muscle |
| abdomen protrudes through a weak point or tear in | | | | over it or by covering that section with a special |
| the muscles or tissues around it. The protrusion can | | | | type of mesh; - laparoscopic surgery - which uses a |
| be labeled either as reducible, which means it can be | | | | long metal tube inserted through a tiny incision in the |
| pushed back into the abdominal cavity and seem to | | | | abdomen. This minimally invasive surgical procedure |
| disappear, or non-reducible, which means it cannot be | | | | uses telescopes and instruments that are much |
| pushed back into the abdominal cavity. The American | | | | smaller than normal. If this procedure is appropriate |
| Medical Association says that when a non-reducible | | | | for your condition, smaller incisions will be made and |
| protrusion involves a portion of the intestine it is | | | | post-operative abdominal tenderness may be |
| possible for it to become tightly trapped, | | | | significantly reduced. The actual operation is much the |
| subsequently losing its blood supply and then that | | | | same. Statistics from ACS report that over half a |
| section of the intestine dies. This dangerous condition, | | | | million people undergo hernia surgery each year. If |
| called strangulation, often requires immediate surgical | | | | you have had hernia surgery, or if you have been |
| repair. A hernia may be caused by anything that | | | | fortunate enough to avoid developing a hernia to |
| creates increased pressure in your abdominal area. | | | | date, there are some ways you can reduce your |
| The most common causes of this increased pressure, | | | | future hernia risk. This requires you to avoid those |
| from which a hernia may result, are: - strenuous | | | | things that contribute to the development of hernias |
| coughing; - vomiting - straining, particularly that | | | | - as outlined earlier in this article. These include: - |
| resulting from constipation; - sudden physical exertion; | | | | avoiding heavy lifting or strain; - as smoking often |
| - obesity; - pregnancy. Treatment and prevention: | | | | leads to chronic coughing, quitting smoking can help; - |
| The American Medical Association suggests that | | | | a high fiber diet combined with plenty of fluids can |
| most people who develop a hernia should see their | | | | help avoid constipation and the consequent strain |
| doctor, even if the only symptom is the visible | | | | during bowel movements; - losing weight can reduce |
| protrusion. Depending on the location and size of the | | | | abdominal strain. |
| protrusion, and considering other factors including | | | | Author: John Vanse has a network of health related |
| your age and general health, the doctor may | | | | websites providing information to help you establish |
| recommend surgery to reduce the risk of possible | | | | and maintain a healthy lifestyle. |
| strangulation in the future. The American College of | | | | |