Hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscular structure of the wall of the abdomen. This physical defect results in a bulging of the abdominal wall putting increased pressure on the abdomen. Hernia most commonly occurs in the groin area because of several reasons. First, the groin has a natural anatomical weakness which results in incomplete muscle coverage. Second, walking upright puts pressure at the bottom of the abdomen increasing stress on the weaker tissues.

Our abdominal wall is composed of tough muscles and tendons from ribs to groin which keep our internal organs "carefully tucked in" acting like nature’s corset. When this abdominal wall weakens, this "corset" collapses and allows the pressure of the internal organs to push against the abdomen creating an inordinate bulge.

With every movement exerting pressure on the abdominal wall, an opening can be created and internal organs like intestines can spill out strangulated or incarcerated in the opening. The blood supply of the trapped intestines will be stemmed and may cause gangrene. This type of hernia is life threatening and must be operated on immediately.

Although men aged 48 and above are the most likely to suffer from hernia, a congenital kind of hernia has also been noted among children.

As a person grows old, his abdominal wall atrophies because of lack of exercise, wrong diet and incessant pressure of lifting heavy loads, coughing and moving bowels. Exercise and proper diet are still the best defense against the occurrence of hernia. But once a person has developed hernia, no medication or exercise can correct the hernia. The only option for treating hernia is surgery.

In the United States, there are approximately five million Americans suffering from hernia. Of this number only 750,000 patients seek to undergo surgery. "Patients still hesitate to go through surgery because of pain. It is in a very sensitive part of the body and patients anticipate the excruciating pain resulting from the operation," says Dr. William Olalia, Laparoscopic Surgeon, University of Sto. Tomas.

With recent developments in medical technology and techniques, it is now possible for hernia to be operated on laparascopically. Instead of cutting through numerous muscles in the abdominal, the "lap" surgeon will just make 1-2 cm incisions to put in his trochars and correct the hernia using a TV screen.

"Lap surgery for hernia will take only 15 to 45 minutes. It offers distinct advantages over conventional hernia surgery as the pain is significantly reduced because the incisions are much smaller. Lap hernia surgery also includes the coverage of all potential sites of groin hernia which significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.

With this procedure, the patient can be out of the hospital in two to three days compared to a recovery period of four to six weeks if you go through a conventional hernia surgery," Dr. Olalia said.