Abdominal hernia symptoms and major causes
Abdominal hernia is characterized by a bulge of an organ in the abdomen outside the body, which usually does not cause symptoms, but can cause pain, swelling and redness in the area, especially when there is entrapment or twisting of organs within the hernia. . .
- Abdominal hernia is characterized by a bulge of an organ in the abdomen outside the body.
- Which usually does not cause symptoms.
- But can cause pain.
- Swelling and redness in the area.
- Especially when there is entrapment or twisting of organs within the hernia.
Abdominal hernia treatment is done by surgery to replace the part of the organ behind the abdominal muscles. Surgery is simple, without general anesthesia, and the person usually stays in the hospital for only 1 day.
The presence of an abdominal hernia is observed by swelling or a lump in the belly area, mainly in the area above the navel, inside the navel and in the groin. This swelling forms when the contents of the abdomen, usually the intestine, manage to stand out from the abdominal muscle, forming a herniated sac.
As a general rule, the contents of the herniated pouch can enter and exit freely, without causing symptoms or causing slight discomfort. However, when the passage opening of the organ narrows, so-called trapped or strangled hernia occurs, which may present symptoms such as:
This condition is serious and should be treated with surgery as soon as possible, due to the risk of lack of blood flow to the organs, causing inflammation, perforation, infection and cell death, which is necrosis.
Although most hernias resolve only by manipulating the hernia into the abdominal cavity, in some cases this is not possible and can lead to complications. One of the main complications is the strangulation of an organ in the abdominal area, mainly in the intestine, with a decrease in blood flow to the site, which can lead to necrosis.
In addition to strangulation, there may also be a bowel obstruction, in which the intestinal contents cannot pass through the hernia area, which can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as constipation.
Hernia occurs when there is a weakening of abdominal tissue, which can be genetic, or that can occur after an increase in pressure inside the abdomen, such as in activities that require a lot of physical effort, for example due to obesity or pregnancy.
The main types of abdominal hernia are
To diagnose an abdominal hernia, your doctor may perform a physical exam to evaluate stomach swelling, but confirmation is done by an ultrasound exam of the abdomen.
The main treatment for hernias is surgery. However, in some cases, they may go backward on their own, such as small hernias or hernias in the baby, especially umbilical ones.
Surgery is performed in a surgical center, under local anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, and can be performed by opening the abdomen or videolaparoscopy, in a procedure that lasts approximately 1 hour. Thus, the organs are pushed and reintroduced into the abdomen, and the opening is closed with a suture.
When your stomach muscles are very weak, it may be necessary to place a net to strengthen protection and reduce the risk of a new hernia.
Postoperative abdominal hernia surgery usually takes place with a rapid recovery and, in 1 to 2 days, leaves the hospital. Recommendations are:
Most of the time, the hernia is cured by surgery and therefore there is a very low risk of return.