Prevent dangerous complications from hernias
Anyone young or old can get a hernia, according to Mills-Peninsula surgeon Robert Li, M.D. Yet, regardless of when a hernia turns up, it is important to see a doctor.
"A hernia doesn't get better by itself, but can most often be treated successfully with surgery."
If untreated, the protruding tissue can become trapped and the blood supply can be cut off, he warned. "This can result in death of tissue and gangrene, a life-threatening condition when it affects the intestine.
"In older adults, hernias can be a result of normal wear and tear or undue stress and strain on the body -- such as lifting something heavy."
Dr. Li will talk about the signs of hernia and the most common surgical treatments at an October Wellness Center class.
"Small hernias are most often treated with a traditional surgical procedure called herniorrhaphy," he said. "The surgeon makes an incision, pushes the protrusion back into the abdomen, and then stitches the weakened area together."
Larger hernias may require a mesh hernia repair, Dr. Li said. This involves placing a synthetic mesh patch over the weakened tissue to keep the intestine or abdominal contents from protruding again.
"Laparascopic surgical techniques allow doctors to perform less painful mesh hernia repair surgery," Dr. Li said. Three small incisions -- instead of one large one -- are made. One is for the laparascope, or small telescopic camera, which projects images onto a video monitor. The other two are for inserting instruments.
Hiatal hernias can be treated with medications, the doctor said. "A hiatal hernia is an internal hernia -- a part of the stomach actually goes up into the chest cavity through the hole where the esophagus goes through the diaphragm."
It can result in reflux disease -- a condition that creates heartburn symptoms, Dr. Li said. "These hernias are only treated with surgery when they are large or the reflux is severe."
"An Overview of Hernias and What To Do About Them," will be offered Oct. 9, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Admission is $2 and includes light refreshments. Call 696-5600 to register.