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With the state of the Nigerian economy, it can be difficult to meet the cost of some health procedure, necessitating the need for exploiting the free health packages, such as free hernia surgery in Nigeria. Although there are efforts to subsidize the cost of many surgical procedures, hernia surgery, which may be elective or emergency, have been made available for free by some bodies.
Hernia is a condition where the muscular lining of the abdomen, although it can happen in other parts of the body, gets torn and forms a hole, causing abdominal organs to protrude through it. It can be painful and tender to touch, which signifies a quick need for surgery to replace the organ in its right place. However, in some cases, affected individuals can return the protruding organs to their normal position, without any pain.
In this article, we will talk about hernia, what causes it, the cost of getting hernia surgery done in Nigeria, and ultimately, the free hernia surgery in Nigeria and how you can be a beneficiary.
Causes of Hernia
Hernia happens as a result of a weak muscular covering around organs. It usually occurs in the abdomen, groin, or thighs. The hole that forms as a result of the weakened muscular covering, exposing an organ it is covering under the skin, is what is called Hernia.
The cause of Hernia is not understood, as it should not occur normally, since muscle layers are strong and should not break easily. However, there is an increased chance of having hernia if you lift heavy weights that cause you to strain a lot. Also, there is a chance of having hernia if you have had a surgery that has weakened the muscle fibers.
Other risk factors of hernia include frequent pregnancies, chronic constipation, enlarged prostate, and chronic urinary obstruction.
Since muscle fibers are strong, the most relatable explanation for the occurrence of hernia is that it can be congenital, that is, an individual can be born with the condition.
Types of Hernia
Since muscle fibers are spread all over the human body, it is expected that organs that are beneath it can be exposed when it is weak, and the site where the hole develops determines the type of hernia it is called.
Generally, there are four types of hernia and some of them can be gender-specific. They are:
Incisional Hernia
This type of hernia occurs as a result of scar caused by previous surgery. At the site of the healing scar, organs that are around that region may protrude and get through the hole made during surgery, and getting exposed underneath the skin.
Incisional hernia accounts for about 20% of hernia conditions and is commonly repaired in many Nigerian hospitals.
Inguinal Hernia
This type of hernia is common in men than in women. It is characterized by the protrusion of the intestines or fat that lay beneath the abdominal muscles through a hole in the muscle of the lower abdomen, extending to the groin area.
It is the most common type of hernia and occurs in more than 90% of hernia cases. It can be congenital, that is, it occurs as a result of birth defects or it can develop in later years, especially in adult males as a result of weakened abdominal muscles over time.
Femoral Hernia
This hernia is usually found around the groin and upper thighs. It is more common in women, especially older women, than it is in men. Usually, this type of hernia is characterized by a lump that can be retracted into body when you lie down. However, it may reappear when you strain or cough.
Umbilical Hernia
This is mostly common among infants, although it can occur in adults too. It is the protrusion of an internal organ through the abdominal muscles, and straining against the skin of the navel. It is more common in children born prematurely but usually reseals itself before their one-year birthday.
In adults, umbilical hernias are better treated as soon as possible as it may get worse as time goes by.
Cost of Hernia Surgery
The most effective and only treatment available for hernia is surgery. The surgery can be done as an elective or as an emergency, depending on the severity of hernia. In Nigeria, due to inadequate medical facilities in hospitals, most hernia surgeries are done as emergencies, and this significantly raises the cost of performing hernia surgeries.
Although free hernia surgery is now a thing in Nigeria, not everyone has access to it. Hospitals, such as LUTH charge as low as 60,000 naira for elective hernia surgeries and up to 200,000 naira for emergency hernia surgeries. However, it is rare for elective surgeries be done for hernia.
In other states in the country, such as Enugu, Ogun, and other less commercial and populous states, the cost of emergency hernia surgery ranges from 100,000 naira to about 150,000 naira. However, states like the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos can have these surgeries as high as 250,000 naira.
Also, public hospitals perform the surgery for a lesser cost than private hospitals.
Free Hernia Surgery in Nigeria
Free hernia surgeries are now available across Nigeria due to the intervention of foundations and bodies aimed at helping the masses lead healthier lives and getting access to otherwise costly surgical procedures.
One of such foundations is First Graceland Hernia Foundation, who in association with First Graceland Hospitals, have provided free hernia treatment to more than four thousand Nigerians. Their focus is on people in the rural communities, farmers, and fishermen. They are easily accessible at the Lekki/Epe expressway in Lagos State and through their various Social Media handles.
Also, Shonowo Hospital, based in Lagos State, has also been providing free hernia surgery, among other surgeries, for people of the state for 4 years, as of 2019.
How to Access Free Hernia Surgery in Nigeria
Access to the free hernia surgery available in Nigeria is strictly by early bird principle and the severity of condition. If you wish to be a beneficiary of the free hernia surgery in any of the hospitals and through the foundation named above, contact them to confirm when registration begins.
Ensure that you register early and at least, 100 candidates will be chosen as beneficiaries based on how early they register and how severe their hernia is. This implies that if your hernia is considered elective, you stand a lower chance of being selected if there are many emergency hernias cases.
Conclusion
Hernia is a condition that occurs in people of different ages and gender. It is characterized by the protrusion of organs from holes in the muscular coverings of different parts of the body. It can be congenital and developed later in life.
The cost of hernia surgery varies from place to place, and from hospital to hospital. However, the cost might be unaffordable by some. This is why First Graceland Hernia Foundation and Shonowo Hospital offer free hernia surgery to the people.