Approach to Hernia Lecture by Dr. R.K. Mishra
 
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak point or tears through the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The most common types of hernia are inguinal hernias, which occur in the groin, and hiatal hernias, which occur in the upper abdomen. The approach to hernia management depends on the type of hernia, its size, and the patient's symptoms. In general, hernias must be surgically repaired to prevent complications such as strangulation or incarceration.
 
The surgical approach to hernia repair can be either open or laparoscopic. Open surgery involves making an incision over the hernia and repairing the defect using stitches, mesh, or both. Laparoscopic surgery involves making several small incisions and using a laparoscope to guide the repair.
 
For inguinal hernias, open surgery is the most common method, while laparoscopic surgery is preferred for hiatal hernias. However, the choice of approach depends on several factors, including the surgeon's preference and expertise, the patient's medical history and condition, and the type and size of the hernia. Before the surgery, the patient may undergo some tests to assess his overall health and fitness for the surgery. This may include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.
 
After the surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling or bruising around the incision site. Pain medicine and ice packs can help manage these symptoms. Patients may need to restrict their activities for several weeks following surgery to allow the hernia repair to heal properly.
 
Ultimately, the approach to hernia management depends on a number of factors, including the type and size of the hernia, the patient's symptoms and medical history, and the surgeon's preference and expertise. Surgical repair is usually necessary to prevent complications, and the choice of surgical approach depends on the type of hernia and other factors.