Hernia Treatment

Hernia treatment
There really is no sure-fire way to prevent a hernia. Anybody can get them. The goals of hernia treatment are simply to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If simple measures fail to control symptoms, or if complications appear, surgical repair of the hernia may be necessary. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Diet
The best thing you can do to prevent a hernia is to stay healthy following a few basic guidelines. Try to eat a healthy diet to help avoid constipation which can lead to straining during a bowel movement. A healthy diet also aims to help keep muscles healthy. To reduce hernia size, it’s also helpful to eliminate or limit acidic foods (tomato, citrus fruits) and refrain from eating immediately before bedtime. Also maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, try to lose some weight to ease the pressure on your abdominal muscles.

Medical devices
Wearing a supportive truss or other hernia support garment aims to prevent pain and prevent your hernia from getting worse. In a few cases, these devices can also prevent the need for surgery.

Surgery
Surgical correction may be needed to prevent a bowel obstruction or a strangulated hernia occurring. Approximately five in 100 of all hernia surgeries are carried out on an emergency basis.

Hernioplasty – This is the medical term for surgical repair of hernia, with reconstruction of muscle tissue. Surgery for hernia repair may include a nasogastric tub, preoperative antibiotics, and/or IV sedation or fluid. Surgeons might also use goretex or a polypropylene mesh to strengthen the muscle wall at the site.

Surgical implantation device – This device is made of a plate of overlapping hooks formed that define and shape an orifice to close a hernia.

Prevention
Don't smoke. If you do, quit. Chronic coughing from lung irritation can put you at increased risk for a hernia. It can also cause one to recur. Do regular, gentle exercises to tone and strengthen your abdominal muscles. Keep a healthy body weight. Finally, be sure to use proper lifting techniques and avoid lifting weights that are too heavy for you. Some guidelines to follow:

• use proper lifting techniques
• lose weight if you are overweight
• relieve or avoid constipation