A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through the tissue or muscle that holds it in place.
Hernias are not only a problem for the abdomen, but can also appear in other areas of your body such as the upper thigh, belly button, and groin.
There are four types of hernias: Umbilical, Inguinal, Incisional and Femoral, each with different characteristics.
While not life-threatening, hernia conditions can be dangerous and require surgery to prevent complications.
Complications from a hernia may be life-threatening. These include obstruction or strangulation of the intestines which could lead to fatal outcomes in some cases.
What Is A Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ squeezes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For instance, the intestines may protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.Hernias occur mostly in the abdomen region, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas. Most hernia conditions aren’t immediately life-threatening, but often they require surgery to prevent potentially dangerous complications. Hernia treatment in Singapore is readily available and there are multiple options should you need to be diagnosed, advised, and treated.
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Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs at the navel when the abdominal muscles do not completely join. As a result, the baby’s intestine or other tissues bulge through this weakened spot near the belly button or navel. Babies born at low birth weight, women who have had multiple children, and adults who are overweight have higher chances of developing an umbilical hernia. Symptoms: For babies, a soft bulge or swelling will appear at the navel of the baby. For adults, a bulge or swelling will appear near the navel, the bulge becomes dark and discoloured, or the bulge grows bigger in size till at least 1.25cm.
An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. It occurs when the abdominal wall weakens. This allows fatty or intestinal tissues to protrude through the weak area, and you may experience pain when you bend over, cough or carry a heavy object. Patients with an inguinal hernia usually require hernia treatment, which is available in Singapore. As an inguinal hernia can result in difficulty in carrying out daily tasks if left untreated. Symptoms include: A bulge, heavy or burning sensation in the groin.
An incisional hernia occurs at the site of a previous incision. It happens when the stitches fail to heal properly or comes apart with time.While an incisional hernia can develop or get larger a few months or years after surgery, most cases happen within three to six months post-surgery, where your incision is the weakest.Symptoms include: Lump and redness on surgical scar, fever and aching. In more severe cases, you may experience severe and persistent abdominal discomfort and pain, or even difficulty in passing gas or bowel movement due to strangulation of your intestines.
A femoral Hernia occurs in the femoral canal and is a painful lump which appears below the crease of your groin. It happens mostly in women and surgery is necessary to treat most cases due to the high risk of complications such as obstruction and strangulation. You are advised to seek hernia treatment, if you suspect that you have femoral hernia. Femoral hernia treatment is widely available in Singapore, speak to our doctor for more information or a referral, if necessary. Symptoms include: Bulge in the upper thigh just below the groin. Most cases of femoral hernias, however, do not cause symptoms. In more serious cases, sudden pain in the groin and / or abdomen, nausea and / or vomiting.
A hiatal hernia refers to a condition where the upper part of the stomach and oesophagus protrude past the opening (also known as hiatus) in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This results in the stomach bulging through the diaphragm, which may lead to reflux symptoms, lung complications, and pain. This condition is observed to occur more frequently in patients over the age of 50. Symptoms include: Heartburn, which is a burning sensation felt in the chest, feelings of nausea, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. Read more to find out about Hiatal Hernia
Strangulated Hernia
A strangulated hernia occurs when a part of the intestine or other tissue gets trapped or pinched in an existing hernia, causing a disruption in blood supply to the affected area. The trapped tissue can become damaged or even die without proper blood flow, leading to complications such as an infection or gangrene. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment or it could lead to serious complications or even death. Read more to find out about Strangulated Hernia.
Hernia Treatments
Hernias can be treated with different surgical procedures depending on the type of hernia. Most hernias are treated with a hernia repair. On the other hand, a hiatal hernia requires a different technique. It’s important to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Hernia Repair Surgery
Hernia repair surgery involves repairing the weakened or torn muscle wall that causes a hernia. This typically involves making a small incision near the hernia and then pushing the protruding tissue back into place. The muscle wall is then reinforced with a mesh or patch to prevent the hernia from recurring. The surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the patient and the type of hernia repair surgery performed.
Nissen Fundoplication Surgery
Nissen fundoplication surgery is a procedure used to treat hiatal hernias. It involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower oesophagus to create a tighter sphincter and prevent acid reflux. The procedure is typically done under general anaesthesia and requires a short hospital stay. Recovery time varies but typically involves a few weeks of limited activity and a special diet. The surgery has a high success rate in relieving symptoms of acid reflux and hiatal hernias.
How Much Does A Hernia Repair Cost?
The cost of having your hernia repaired can range from $4,000 to $8,000 at a private hospital according to MOH’s Historical Transacted Bill Sizes and Fee Benchmarks, however, that is before taking into account your insurance (e.g. MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans) and MediSave payouts.At G&L Surgical Clinic, we understand our patients’ concerns about the cost of a hernia repair, and we understand how an untreated hernia can cause huge disruption to your activities. Consider hernia surgery to help you achieve peace of mind and prevent future complications. We strive to provide transparency with our fees and charges and provide you with the financial counselling necessary to understand the costs involved in getting your hernia treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Hernia Dangerous?
A strangulated hernia is a medical condition where a part of the intestinal tissue becomes trapped in a weakened area of the abdominal wall. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications, such as necrosis and peritonitis. Due to the risk of life-threatening issues, it is crucial that strangulated hernias are promptly identified and treated by a medical professional.
Can You See A Hernia On An MRI?
MRI scans are effective in visualising hernias, including inguinal hernias. The detailed images produced by an MRI can help healthcare professionals identify and evaluate the hernia, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Can An X-Ray Show A Hernia?
X-rays are not typically used to directly visualise hernias. While they may not directly show a hernia, X-rays can be helpful in ruling out other conditions or identifying complications that may mimic hernias, such as bowel obstruction or pneumoperitoneum (air in the abdominal cavity). Indirect signs of a hernia may be observed on an X-ray, leading to further diagnostic evaluation.
Do I Have To Have Surgery If I Have A Hernia?
Not all hernias require surgical repair. If you have a small and painless hernia, you may only be required to monitor and observe the condition. However, if the hernia starts to hurt, you may be advised to undergo a hernia repair to prevent further complications.
If I Maintain A Careful Lifestyle That Doesn’t Aggravate The Hernia, Will I Be Able To Live With It Without Any Major Complications?
Some people with hernias may experience no symptoms or only mild discomfort, while others may experience more severe pain or other symptoms. If left untreated, a hernia can potentially become larger and more uncomfortable. It may also increase the risk of complications such as strangulation, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the protruding organ or tissue is cut off.
When Should I Consider Hernia Repair Surgery?
Several factors can contribute to the decision of when to have hernia repair surgery. One important consideration is the size of the hernia. Hernias that are large or growing rapidly are more likely to require surgery sooner than smaller ones. Hernias causing pain or interfering with daily activities are also generally candidates for repair.
If you are considering hernia surgery, talk to our doctor about your specific situation to determine the best course of treatment.
How Long Is The Recovery Period For Hernia Surgery?
The recovery period for hernia surgery depends on several factors, including the size and location of the hernia and the overall health of the patient. Most patients require between 3 and 6 weeks to fully recover from surgery.
Due to my work, I got a hernia on my inner thigh and had to see a doctor to get it treated. I found Dr Ganesh online and I am so glad that he is a very patient and caring doctor.
He understood the challenges I faced and proposed that I do hernia repair as the hernia was getting worse. Within a week, I got the procedure scheduled and he helped me to get the hernia repaired. Now, I am back to work and feeling normal with no pain.
Dr Ganesh also gave me good advice to make sure I don’t trigger the condition again. Thank you to all the nurses at G&L Surgical too. All of you are so nice and always smiling, it gave me a great assurance that I am in good hands.
5
Dr Ganesh is a kind and caring doctor. I had a hernia after childbirth for quite some time but never thought much of it.
However, I noticed that the hernia started to grow larger and I was feeling discomfort from it. It was getting quite painful and I was worried it’s something serious.
I found Dr Ganesh online and scheduled an appointment with him on the day. He assessed that I have an umbilical hernia and recommended that I undergo a hernia repair. As it turns out, fixing the hernia is not a major surgery and I am now back to work with no more bulges on my belly.
I feel much better thanks to him. Thank you to the G&L Team for doing great work!
5 Stars
I had a hernia near my hip and was recommended to Dr Ganesh through a mutual friend. What surprised me most was that Dr Ganesh was unlike any doctor that I have met. My impression of a specialist is that they will always recommend that I undergo surgery but to my surprise, his advice was the opposite. He did an assessment and advised that I did not require a hernia repair as the hernia is still fairly small at the time.
I followed his advice and managed to avoid triggering the pain for about 2 months. However, as I started getting active at the gym, I noticed the hernia was getting larger again and the same discomfort was returning so I went back to visit Dr Ganesh again. This time around as the hernia is much larger, I had to opt for the hernia repair. Honestly, it wasn’t too bad since I trusted in his skills. The entire procedure was quick and seamless and within a week, I am already back to work.
My absolute gratitude to Dr Ganesh and his team for displaying professionalism, efficiency and assurance that allowed me to be at ease throughout my entire treatment. Your dedication to your work is definitely a blessing and you are truly an amazing doctor!
5 Stars
I had an incisional hernia on the scar above where I had my appendix removed some years ago. It started to bother me and hurt so I came across Dr Ganesh’s clinic online. He’s a friendly doctor and super patient, and had no issues explaining to my husband and I all those questions that we have gathered from reading online.
Turns out it wasn’t as serious as the horror stories we read online but my hernia would definitely need to be repaired.
His team was very fast and booked me in for the procedure within a week. Everything went smoothly and my husband was very pleased that Dr Ganesh was very reassuring. Right before the surgery, Dr Ganesh noticed that he was very worried and even got the staff to grab a cup of coffee for my husband.
I am so grateful to this team for being so kind and thoughtful. If you are even looking for a doctor that cares, this is where you should go. Thank you G&L Clinic!
5 Stars
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Dr. Ganesh RamalingamSpecialist in General Surgery
As a strong proponent of treating the patient holistically instead of just their condition, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam advises patients as to how they can manage their daily habits and diets to lead healthier lifestyles. As a consultant with G&L Surgical Clinic specialising in General Surgery, he sees many patients with conditions related to the stomach and is skilled in bariatric surgery, upper GI and hernia surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, endoscopies, and trauma.
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