Hernias are protrusions through a weakness in the abdominal wall or in case of hiatal hernia, through the diaphragm. The protrusions are covered by the internal lining of the abdominal cavity, called the Peritoneum. Contents of the abdominal cavity push through this defect to lie in the sac in the erect posture and reduce back into the abdominal cavity on lying down or on gentle pressure.
Picture an old tire. Its outer wall is like the layers of tissue surrounding your abdomen, (the “abdominal wall”). The tire’s inner tune is like the thin lining of your abdomen, the “peritoneum”). Instead of holding air, your abdomen holds the intestines and other vital organs. Most often, the outer wall is strong enough to keep these organs in place. But if the wall gets weak, a hernia may form.
Just as a bulge can form in a worn tire, a hernia may form in a weak abdominal wall. At the weak spot, a hernia sac, (bulging abdominal lining), may fill with intestine or fat. This often causes some pain. Prompt surgery is often advised because hernias won’t go away by themselves. If the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia, serious intestinal and digestive problems can occur.
In the past, hernia belts were often recommended to manage the symptoms of hernia in men. A hernia belt was worn to ‘press’ on the area of the hernia to stop the hernia ‘popping out.’ Though hernia belts eased initial symptoms of pain and discomfort, they never treated the hernia itself and therefore this practice has now gone out of favor.
Hernia belts do not treat hernias and in general there is no role for hernia belts. If left untreated; hernias will grow and become more painful and may lead to several dangerous complications.
Surgery is necessary to treat any hernia.
Hernia generally require a surgical operation to be cured. The operation maybe an open technique or a laparoscopic technique.