It is the protrusion (bulge) of abdominal viscera through a weakened part of abdominal wall.

The common type of hernias in the groin (inguinal),belly button (umbilical)and the site of a previous operation (incisional). There are many more types but are rare.

About 10% of the adult male population will suffer from hernia at some period during life time. The incidence of inguinal hernia's more in males and incisional/ umblical hernias is more common in females.

It is usually easy to recognize a hernia. One may notice a bulge under the skin or may feel pain and observe swelling popping out when one lifts heavy objects during urination or bowel movements or during prolonged standing or sitting or coughing.

Severe, continuous pain, redness and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and should immediately be reported to a surgeon for emergency surgery.

Once detected the hernia should be treated as early as possible because it provides the best results. Natural history of hernia is slow increase in size over a period of time. Also, early operation will prevent, complication like obstruction and strangulation. Surgical results of large hernia are not as good as the results of an early operation.

It can be life threatening when strangulation of loop of bowel occurs in the hernia.

Surgery is only cure for majority of hernia unless and until there are contraindications to surgery due to poor general health or organ failure. All other methods like truss etc. are not only useless but also worsen the situation by causing damage to the muscles due to constant pressure (hence less blood supply to the muscle).

Laparoscopic surgery (also known as Minimal Access Surgery/ Minimally Invasive Surgery/ Endoscopic surgery)

In this aproach, a laparoscope (a tiny telescope) connected to a special camera is inserted through a canula, (a small hollow tube), allowing the surgeon to view the hernia and surrounding area on a video screen. Other canulas are inserted which allow the surgeon to work "inside." The hernia is repaired from behind the abdominal wall. A piece of surgical mesh is fixed over the hernia defect and held in place with small surgical staples. Usually, 2 or 3 few mm incisions are necessary. This operation is usually performed with general/ regional/ spinal/ local anesthesia.

Endoscopic surgery cause much less pain and patients are mobile within hours after surgery. They are also allowed to resume all activities like driving etc anything 2-3 days and can go back to work within 5-7 days. Another advantage is that both side can be operated in the same sitting without any extra pain or stay. The cosmetic results are excellent.

Yes. Now world over there is consensus that the use of mesh is desirable in majority of the cases to stengthen the wall whether it is done conventionally or endoscopically. Only the childhood hernias are repaired without using mesh.

Yes. Done by properly trained surgeon in well equipped centre who is regularly doing this operation is a safe surgery with excellent results.