Hernia Size Chart In MM

Treatments for Hernia of Different Sizes

Healthcare professionals typically leverage two different approaches for hernia repair.

1. Open surgery for hernia repair – This approach involves making a large incision over the site where the muscle protrudes. The surgeon manually pushes the protruding tissue back into place and stitches the weak hernia muscle wall with a hernia mesh. Open hernia repair is generally considered effective for large-size hernias where the bulge or the protrusion of the hernia is significant. Open hernia surgery is also recommended to treat recurrent hernias.

2. Laparoscopic surgery for hernia repair – This is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure where the surgeon makes 2-3 small incisions and inserts a laparoscope through them to view inside the abdomen and the hernia. This treatment is considered feasible for smaller hernias that do not pose any severe complications. This treatment is also recommended to patients looking for a quick recovery post-surgery.

The treatment approach, however, is not limited to the sizes. A healthcare professional considers several other factors to determine the best surgical approach for hernia treatment. 

Factors That Affect the Size of Hernia

Irrespective of the place of origin, hernias are always small in size when they originate and they gradually grow bigger with time. Here are some factors that contribute to the growth of a hernia and worsening of its symptoms.

• Cause of the hernia – The cause of the hernia determines its size. If the underlying cause of the hernia is weak abdominal muscles, a very littel strain on them may cause the hernia to quickly grow bigger in size.
• The duration of the hernia – Hernias grow large over time. The abdominal walls continue to bulge as the hernia grows bigger in size. This further causes the nearby tissues to protrude more through the defective area.
• Obesity – People with obesity and high BMI is at a significantly greater risk of large hernias. The constant intra-abdominal pressure contributes to quick enlargement of the hernia. 
• Gender and age – Medical reports state that pregnant women are at a greater risk of hernia. As the fetus grows, it exerts pressure on the abdomen, which in turn leads to muscle weakness and stretching.

Understanding the anatomy of the hernia, the factors that influence the size, and the symptoms associated with the condition are crucial to determine the best treatment for hernia.

Risks and complications of Hernia

Regardless of the size, any and every type of hernia can lead to further risks and complications if left untreated. Complications associated with smaller hernias include pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Larger hernias may cause complications such as strangulation, bowel obstruction, and even tissue death. The complications of untreated large hernias are more severe and may, at times, be life-threatening. Furthermore, untreated hernia of any size may lead the tissues to get trapped in the hernia sac. This condition is extremely painful and requires emergency surgical treatment. Additionally, there might be mesh-related complications like mesh migration or infection in the tissues. Complications of mesh can occur for any type and size of hernia and are not restricted to a particular hernia size.