What is a hernia?
When there is a weakness in the muscle wall or connective tissue (fascia), and an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through it, this is known as a hernia. The most common types of hernias are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (caused by an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button) and hiatal (upper stomach).
Hernia Symptoms
A soft swelling or bulge under the skin is a classic sign of a hernia. The location of the bulge will be determined by the type of hernia present. Some hernias are only visible when one is standing and may disappear when lying down. Others may be noticeable only when your muscles are strained by coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending or lifting.
There is a small risk that an organ such as the intestine (bowel) will become trapped when it pushes through the abdominal wall. This is referred to as an "incarcerated hernia”. If part of your intestine becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall and you are unable to push it back into your abdomen, you may experience pain or feel a hard mass on your abdomen. In such a situation, emergency medical intervention is required.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the muscle separating your abdomen and chest (diaphragm). Common symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux or GERD, chest pain, bloating, and trouble swallowing. While some cases can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, other cases that are more severe may require a hernia repair in Singapore.