Hernia
Hernia (Condition)
Advanced Hernia Care by Dr. Sachin Ambekar
Overview
Hernias affect nearly 15–20% of the global population. In India, 1.5 to 2 million inguinal hernia cases are reported annually. Men account for nearly 90% of inguinal hernia surgeries, while women represent most femoral hernia cases. The lifetime risk of inguinal hernia is approximately 27% in men and 3% in women.
Under the care of Dr. Sachin Ambekar, Director of Minimal Access Surgery and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at MASSH Hospital, hernia treatment focuses on precision-based minimally invasive surgery ensuring faster recovery, reduced pain, and durable repair.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weakened muscle wall or connective tissue. It often appears as a visible bulge and may cause discomfort, especially during lifting or physical activity.
Hernias may result from heavy lifting, obesity, pregnancy, chronic cough, constipation, or prior surgeries. They do not heal on their own and typically worsen over time.
Types of Hernia
Inguinal Hernia (Most Common)
- Accounts for nearly 75% of all hernias
- Occurs near the groin
- Direct Inguinal Hernia
- Indirect Inguinal Hernia
Hiatal Hernia
Stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Umbilical Hernia
Appears near the navel; common in infants and women with multiple pregnancies.
Femoral Hernia
Occurs in upper thigh region; more common in women.
Other Hernias
- Obturator Hernia
- Spigelian Hernia
- Diastasis Recti
- Incisional Hernia
- Diaphragmatic Hernia
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain while lifting, bending, or standing
- Visible bulge increasing on coughing
- Pressure or weakness in groin
- Swelling or tenderness
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation (complicated cases)
- Heartburn or breathing difficulty (hiatal hernia)
Causes
- Heavy lifting or strenuous work
- Chronic constipation or coughing
- Obesity
- Multiple pregnancies
- Smoking & poor nutrition
- Previous abdominal surgery
Risk Factors
- Advancing age
- Male gender
- Family history
- Obesity
- Chronic cough/constipation
- Pregnancy
- Previous surgeries
- Liver cirrhosis or cystic fibrosis
- Long-term dialysis
Complications
- Strangulation (cut-off blood supply)
- Incarceration (trapped hernia)
- Bowel obstruction
- Progressive enlargement
- Infection
Diagnosis
- Physical examination & medical history
- Blood investigations
- Ultrasound, CT, MRI
- Barium X-ray
- Endoscopy (if required)
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Management
- Observation (small, asymptomatic cases)
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
- Treatment of cough/constipation
Surgical Management
Open Hernia Repair
Single incision repair with sutures or mesh reinforcement.
Advanced Laparoscopic Repair
- TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair)
- TEP (Total Extraperitoneal Repair)
- IPOM (Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh)
Minimally invasive approach with less pain and faster recovery.
Why You Should Not Delay Treatment
- Hernias worsen over time
- Risk of life-threatening strangulation
- Increasing pain
- Reduced quality of life
- Planned surgery is safer than emergency intervention
Why Choose Dr. Sachin Ambekar
- Expert in Advanced Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
- Precision-based, patient-centric care
- Modern operation theaters & ICU facilities
- Minimal pain & faster recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What causes hernias?
Muscle weakness combined with strain from lifting, coughing, constipation, or obesity.
Q2. What are the common symptoms?
Visible bulge, pain during movement, digestive discomfort.
Q3. Can hernias heal naturally?
No. Surgery is the definitive treatment.
Q4. When should I consult a doctor?
If you notice a bulge, pain, or bowel changes.
Q5. Treatment options?
Observation or surgical repair (open or laparoscopic).
Q6. Can hernias be prevented?
Maintain healthy weight, avoid heavy lifting, and manage chronic cough/constipation.