What is hernia?
A hernia happens when there is a weakness in the muscular wall.
It allows the contents inside the abdomen to get out. Hernias commonly occur in the groin or belly areas.
How do I know?
It is easy to recognise a hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin.
There may be abdominal pain when lifting heavy objects, coughing, strain during urination or bowel movements.
Even prolonged standing or sitting can cause discomfort.
Hernia repair
Laparoscopic surgery fixes the weak muscles with a patch called mesh. A surgeon will make a few small incisions on the abdomen to perform the surgery.
As the incision is small, the patient requires fewer painkillers. Hospital stay will be shorter too.
After surgery
You can resume regular activities within a short time after hernia repair.
It is advisable to start with light chores first. After weeks later, you can resume other more strenuous activities.
For more information, consider consulting a surgeon.
Dr Pok Eng Hong
MBBS (UM), Ms (UM)
MMC Full Registration No. 39251, NSR No. 129579
Dr Pok is a laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon in Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Graduated from the University of Malaya in 2001, he completed his Masters of Surgery in his alma mater in 2009.
He subsequently trained at the National Cancer Centre of Japan as an advanced therapeutic endoscopist. Soon after, he completed his bariatric and metabolic surgery fellowship in Taiwan.
In 2015, he received the Soudavar Memorial Fellowship in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
