A 46-year-old woman from Delhi has finally found relief after suffering from an incisional hernia for 20 long years. Her condition began after a Caesarean section surgery during the birth of her second child, and the hernia only grew larger over the years.
An incisional hernia occurs when the contents of the abdomen, such as the small and large intestines and the ‘Omentum’ (a fatty curtain-like layer), protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. In severe cases, a large amount of these contents can be outside the normal abdominal cavity.
For the past two years, her hernia had become increasingly painful and caused her abdomen to feel full and uncomfortable. The pain made it difficult for her to exercise, leading to weight gain and the development of diabetes. She also experienced two recent episodes where her bowels were obstructed, preventing her from passing stools or gas. These symptoms severely impacted her daily life, making simple activities like coughing, using the restroom, and even deep breathing painful and challenging.
Her condition was finally addressed at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where Dr. Ashish Dey and his team performed the surgery. Dr. Ashish Dey, a Senior Consultant in the Department of Laparoscopic Surgery, specializes in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, with a particular interest in complex hernia cases. The hospital showed great compassion by waiving all charges for this patient, who belonged to the economically weaker section (EWS) category. This ethical practice highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing care to those in need, despite the high costs usually associated with such surgeries.
The day after her surgery, the woman was completely pain-free. She was relieved of all her symptoms and was able to move around with an abdominal belt just two days after the procedure. She was discharged a few days later on a normal diet and has remained symptom-free since then. She expressed her gratitude to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and felt relieved that she had finally overcome her fear of surgery. Her only regret was not having the surgery sooner, which would have spared her years of suffering.
Large hernias can severely affect patients’ lives due to pain, difficulty performing daily activities, and the risk of complications. They also have significant psychological and social impacts. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to minimize these effects and improve patients’ quality of life.
By finally seeking treatment, this brave woman from Delhi has shown that it is never too late to find relief and improve one’s health and well-being. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing medical issues promptly and the incredible difference that advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care can make in patients’ lives.
