A Beautiful representation of the most common hernia myths and the factual cross-answers to those myths by Dr. Ashvind Bawa, an Advanced Laparoscopic surgeon (Hernia/ Gallbladder/ Fistula/ Piles/ Diabetic Foot Specialist) in DMCH, Ludhiana.

1. BY DR. ASHVIND BAWA
DEBUNKED:
HERNIA MYTHS YOU NEED TO
STOP BELIEVING RIGHT NOW!

2. Topics
What is Hernia ?
Most Common Myths about Hernia.
Myths Debunked!

3. What is Hernia ?
Protrusion of an internal organ into a region inside the
body where it should not ideally.
It can be external or internal.
Develops in the abdomen area between the rib cage &
the groin, when a portion of tissue bulges into or
penetrates weakened muscle area.

4. THERE ARE SEVERAL MYTHS SURROUNDING
THIS CONDITION.
Misleading information is often to blame when it comes to
patients being apprehensive about opting for surgery and look
for noninvasive treatments.

5. Most Common
Myths Surrounding
Hernia
1. Hernias can heal on their own.
2. Exercise cures hernia.
3. Can be cured with medicine or other alternative treatments.
4. Hernias always recurs.
5. Heavy weightlifting can cause hernia.
6. Hernia surgeries are extremely painful.
7. Post hernia surgery recovery period is very long.
8. Everyone is eligible for laparoscopic hernia surgery.
9. A mesh is attached outside the incision after the surgery.

6. MYTHS DEBUNKED!

7. 1. Hernias can heal on their own.
No. Once Hernia develops it can not be left alone.
They can lead to complications like strangulation that is even life threatening.
Strangulation requires immediate surgery to repair this defect with a prosthetic
material.

8. Exercising can not prevent Hernia by strengthening
of abdominal muscle walls.
If a patient has a hole in the wall due to a birth
defect, at some point, Hernia will develop.
If a Hernia is left untreated, it may increase in size
and can be more painful.
Regular exercise however, keeps a person fit which
may help in post Hernia surgery.
2. Exercise cures Hernia.

9. Hernias are only cured mechanically.
This is commonly done by patching the hole
with surgical mesh.
It can be repaired with laparoscopic surgery.
3. Hernias can be cured with medicine or other
alternative treatments.

10. 4. Hernias always recurs.
Recurrence is very rare, almost negligible.
Most recurrences are due to persistent coughing & difficulty in urination.
If a skilled surgeon addresses the issue in the right manner, chances of
recurrence are nil.

11. This is partially true.
While heavy weightlifting in the gym may cause
Hernia, the muscle weakness is usually already
present in the body.
Lifting weights in the gym without a support to the
genitals may cause an Inguinal Hernia to occur if
you already are susceptible to one.
5. Heavy Weightlifting can cause Hernia.

12. Hernia surgeries are performed under anesthesia, so the
procedure is painless.
Laparoscopic Technique opted by surgeaon minimizes the
pain even after the surgery & hastens the recovery
process.
Though open Hernia surgeries involve a sizable incision in
the abdominal region so have a little painful recovery.
6. Hernia surgeries are extremely painful.

13. Laparoscopic Hernia repair surgeries have a quicker recovery time than an Open
Hernia repair
It ensures that the patients are back on their feet in a day or two.
7. Post Hernia surgery recovery period is very long.

14. Not everyone is eligible for minimally invasive Hernia procedures.
People who are obese or have some abdominal scar tissues from other
surgeries need open Hernia repair.
8. Everyone is eligible for Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery.

15. 9. A mesh is attached outside the
incision after the surgery.
The mesh is put on the outside of the cut in open Hernia
procedures.
In Laparoscopic procedures, the mesh is placed inside of the
small incisions.

16. Email
drbawa@gmail.com
Postal Address
Bawa Hospital, Near Old Dandi
Swami Madir, Civil Lines,
Ludhiana.
Phone Number
+91-9781450786
+91-9155100001
Sponsored by:
DR. ASHVIND BAWA