Bilateral herniation refers to the presence of hernias on both sides of the body, usually in the inguinal (groin) region. This means that a hernia is present on both the left and right sides of the body. Bilateral hernias are commonly seen in men more than women.
The symptoms of bilateral herniation are similar to those of a single hernia, including a visible bulge in the groin area, pain or discomfort, and a feeling of weakness or pressure in the affected area. The treatment for bilateral hernias is typically surgical repair and the preferred modality is a laparoscopic (or keyhole) approach. With laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon can repair both sides with the same number of incisions, unlike open surgery, wherein 2 separate incisions are required in each groin. The surgeon will then reinforce the area with a mesh patch to prevent the hernia from recurring.
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but most people can return to normal activities within 1 week. However, there may be some restrictions and physical therapy may be needed.
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a hernia, as prompt treatment can prevent serious complications. Your doctor will be able to diagnose a bilateral hernia after a physical examination and may order imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the hernias.
A hernia is caused by a weakness or tear in the muscle or tissue that holds the abdominal organs in place. Bilateral herniation, specifically, is when a hernia occurs on both sides of the body. Some of the common causes of bilateral hernias include:
It’s worth noting that a hernia can be present in the body without any symptoms, and the symptoms of a hernia may not appear until the hernia becomes larger or more severe.
The symptoms of bilateral herniation can vary depending on the specific location and size of the hernias. Common symptoms of inguinal (groin) hernias, which are the most common type of hernia, include:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.
“Also note that not all hernias cause symptoms, and some may be discovered during a physical exam or imaging study done for another reason. In some cases, if the hernia becomes trapped (incarcerated) or the blood supply is cut off (strangulated), it can cause severe pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin. It’s an emergency and requires surgery as soon as possible.” Says Dr Harsh Sheth – a GI laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, well-known in his specialized field.
The treatment procedure for bilateral hernia in Mumbai would typically involve the following steps:
The hospital where the surgery is performed can be a specialized hernia surgery centre or a general hospital with a good reputation and experience in hernia surgery. Some of the well-known bilateral hernia hospitals in Mumbai are Saifee hospital in Girgaum and Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai Central.
If surgery is not done to repair a hernia, the hernia will likely persist. It may continue to cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and a visible bulge in the affected area. In some cases, a hernia may become trapped (incarcerated), which means that the protruding tissue becomes stuck and cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This can cause severe pain and swelling and can be a medical emergency. If the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off (strangulated), it can cause the tissue to die, which can lead to severe complications such as infection, sepsis, and even death.
Without surgery, the hernia will usually not heal on its own and may continue to grow larger over time. This can lead to chronic discomfort and may make the hernia more difficult to repair surgically. Additionally, a hernia that is left untreated can also cause several complications, such as:
In summary, if surgery is not done to repair a hernia, the hernia will likely persist and become more severe over time. It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a hernia, as prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.
The chances of developing bilateral herniation depend on various factors, including age, sex, family history, and overall health. Men are more likely to develop bilateral inguinal hernias than women, and the risk of developing a hernia increases with age.
There is no sure way to prevent herniation, but there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a hernia:
It's important to note that even if you take steps to reduce your risk of developing a hernia, there is no guarantee that you will not develop one. If you suspect you have a hernia, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.
Inguinal hernias are the most prevalent type of hernias, accounting for about 75% of all hernias in adults. They occur when a portion of the intestine bulges out through a weak point in the abdominal muscles, usually in the inguinal (groin) area. Inguinal hernias are more common in men than in women. They tend to occur due to a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall or acquired weakness caused by aging, injury, or chronic strain on the abdominal muscles.
Other types of hernias include:
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernias. Still, other types can occur as well, and the prevalence of each type of hernia can vary depending on the population and demographic being studied.
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