If we make a break - power break surgery is one of the most common procedures

Hernia safely operate with mesh

Every year, around 275,000 people in Germany are operated for a hernia. An expert explains how a inguinal hernia, so the medical term can be seen. And he also knows if it's true that you can "break up".

One of the most common surgical procedures

According to health experts, the operation of inguinal hernias is one of the most common surgical procedures in Germany. Initially, a hernia, also called hernia, often makes itself felt only by a slight pulling in the groin or a swelling in the inguinal region. But later, it can also lead to massive pain. An expert from the University Hospital Freiburg explains in a message how a break arises, how to recognize it and what to do next.

An inguinal hernia can be manifested among other things by a pulling, pain or a swelling in the groin area. (Image: pathdoc / fotolia.com)

Protrusion of bowels

Like the surgeon Dr. Philipp Holzner, a specialist at the Department of General and Visceral Surgery of the University of Freiburg, explains that a hernia is generally "a protrusion of viscera, such as the intestine, due to a defect in the abdominal wall."

A inguinal hernia emerges through the so-called outer groin ring and can then be seen and felt.

According to the information, the intestines are sometimes pinched in such a way that they can not push back by themselves. This is then associated with increasing pain and sometimes vomiting.

"Such an incarceration represents a surgical emergency requiring surgical intervention. Patients should present themselves immediately in a surgical ambulance," Dr. Holzner.

Men are affected much more often

Hernias can occur due to natural weaknesses of the abdominal wall or after abdominal surgery in the scar area. However, they are most common in the inguinal region.

The operation is carried out around 275,000 times a year in Germany. Men are about ten times more likely to have inguinal hernia than women.

In addition to inguinal hernias, scar and navel fractures often occur. In addition, there are other rare hernias of the abdominal wall.

How a hernia arises

"A fracture is usually caused by a weakness of the abdominal wall, especially in the area of ​​congenital weak spots or scars after abdominal surgery," explains Dr. med. Holzner.

A weak spot in men is the area of ​​the inner inguinal ring, through which the spermatic cord pulls to the testicle.

Sometimes hernias are already present at birth or arise in the course of life. Usually, several factors meet when a hernia develops.

A decisive factor is the stability of the connective tissue, which varies individually.

Can you lift a break??

According to the experts, the lifting of heavy loads or a high physical load only leads to a hernia if the connective tissue can no longer withstand the load.

This means that the same load over a period of years leads to a hernia in a person with weaker connective tissue and not in a second person with strong connective tissue.

"Consequently, the statement" to lift a break "can be described as partially false, since stress is only one factor in hernia development," explains the surgeon.

As therapy, only the surgery remains

As the message states, the only therapy for a breach is surgery. As the best treatment, the medical guidelines recommend a surgery of inguinal hernia by means of mesh reinforcement.

Instead of sewing the break directly, a plastic net is placed in the hole, which overlaps with the surrounding tissue. Thus, the body is stimulated to form a connective tissue layer in the mesh area.

"If the mesh is placed correctly, it can significantly reduce the recurrence of a hernia. In addition, very large fractures can be supplied, which otherwise could not have been closed with endogenous tissue, "Dr. Holzner.

From a truss or a belt the doctor advises in most cases.

"A rupture band can prevent the emergence of the rupture and, depending on the load, if necessary, an increase in size, but it weakens the abdominal muscles and thus indirectly contributes to the progression of the disease," explains the surgeon.

"In the short term, which means before an operation, a belt or truss can be used."

It becomes more complicated when the fracture recurs after surgery and when fractures occur in several places.

In inguinal hernias, surgery with keyhole surgery, ie minimally invasive, is often possible.

Home on the day of the operation

Planned inguinal hernias may be performed under general anesthesia, spinal cord anesthesia or local anesthesia.

"There are good experiences in providing uncomplicated inguinal hernias on an outpatient basis," says Professor Dr. med. Stefan Fichtner-Feigl, Medical Director of the Department of General and Visceral Surgery of the University Medical Center Freiburg.

This gentle surgical method often allows the patient to go home the same day. (Ad)