What Causes Hernia and Gallstones and How to Treat Them

by Dr. Stephen Watson Laparoscopic and General Surgeon Specialising in

Hernia

Hernias are a common problem that occurs when fatty tissue or an organ pushes through an opening or a weak spot in the neighboring muscle or fascia. Hernias are generally not life threating but they do require proper treatment.

The most common type of a hernia is an inguinal hernia, caused by intestines that push through the lower abdominal wall. Other types of hernia include a hiatal hernia and umbilical hernia.

The main cause of hernias is muscle weakness and strain, which commonly occur because of chronic coughing, age and damage from injuries. It can also happen during pregnancy, or as a result of heavy lifting or sudden weight gain. The most common symptom of hernia is a bulge near the affected area and it can also be followed by pain, weakness and burning sensations.

Treatments

There are several treatment options for hernia and they depend on symptoms as well as its size. In all cases, healthier diets and specific exercises are recommended to help alleviate the symptoms. They will not cure a hernia completely but will make it significantly more endurable. Another option for reducing symptoms are medications and these are specifically successful in treating the hiatal hernia.

Some types of a hernia do require surgery. This is common if a hernia grows in size or if the symptoms are getting severe. The hernia surgery Perth usually includes sewing the hole caused by a hernia, but your doctor will recommend the best option for your specific case. There are two main surgery options - open or laparoscopic. Open surgery has a much longer recovery process, but there is also a lesser chance that a hernia will reoccur. Laparoscopic surgery requires a tiny camera which helps the surgeon complete the operation with small incisions, protecting the surrounding tissue.

Gallstones

Gallstones occur in about 10% of the population and they happen when too much cholesterol or salt is in the bile. However, in many cases, there is no obvious reason why a stone has formed, but it has a bigger chance of occurring if someone from your family already suffered from the issue.

The main symptom of gallstones in pain, and there are several types of pain depending on the case. The most common is biliary colic, which happens in the upper part of the abdomen, most likely half an hour after a meal. It can be very severe and, in some cases, last for hours. The other common type of pain is acute cholecystitis, which can also result in fevers and extreme sweating. Luckily, only 10% of Perth patients with gallstones will experience symptoms, and they are possibly the only ones who will need a Gallbladder surgery Perth.

Treatment

If you are one of those who feels symptoms, then your doctor will likely recommend that your gallbladder is removed surgically through a process called cholecystectomy. Luckily the Gallbladder surgery Perth is done laparoscopically, so the risks of surgery are minimal.