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Abdominal hernia is a condition in which parts of the organs in the abdominal cavity, most often the intestines, move beyond its boundaries. Over time, the abdominal hernia may increase in size and its symptoms may worsen. Then the risk of bowel entrapment increases, which is a complication with very serious consequences. Find out what are the causes and symptoms of an abdominal hernia? In such a case, is it possible to perform non-surgical treatment?

Abdominal herniaoccurs when the organs in the abdominal cavity move beyond its limits. This disease very often affects, among others, obese people, men with problems urinating (e.g. due to an enlarged prostate), pregnant women, opera singers or people performing heavy physical work. The risk of an abdominal hernia also increases in the elderly, in women who have had several births, as well as in asthmatics and patients who struggle with other diseases associated with intense coughing attacks.

Abdominal hernia: causes

The organs in the abdominal cavity are arranged in a certain order. So that this condition is not disturbed, the organs are held by the abdominal muscles, strong membranes made of connective tissue, i.e. muscle tendons, and ligaments. If the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases, for example as a result of exercise, and one of these layers is weakened, it may delaminate and, over time, rupture. This creates a gap into which the bowels of the abdomen (part of the small intestine, part of the large intestine, bladder, stomach or spleen) can enter. Then,abdominal hernia .

The most common causes of abdominal hernia are congenital disorders of the synthesis and degradation of collagen fibers (which is why they often occur in the elderly).

Other factors that reduce the strength of the abdominal wall include: bad eating habits and smoking. In turn, pressure on the abdominal area, and consequently to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, may occur, for example, in the course of constipation, lifting weights, and even persistent coughing.

An abdominal hernia may form in a scar on the abdomen. The so-calledpostoperative abdominal herniamay be the result of weaknessoperated muscles. The weakening of a sutured area is usually the result of improper surgical technique or a post-operative infection, such as suture suppuration.

Abdominal hernia: types

There are five basic types of abdominal hernia. They are:

  • inguinal hernia
  • femoral hernia
  • umbilical hernia
  • white line hernia that appears along the line joining the sternum with the pubic symphysis
  • postoperative hernia that develops in postoperative scars

Abdominal hernia: symptoms

All forms of abdominal hernia manifest as a flexible protrusion, most often in the epigastric region, navel, groin or postoperative scar. This bulge is a hard and tense lump that cannot be undone. The lump usually gets bigger when you cough, exercise, or pass stools.

An accompanying symptom may be pain similar to that associated with peptic ulcer disease. It may increase when you cough, urinate or urinate. As a hernia develops, gas, nausea, and vomiting may also appear. The patient cannot pass gas and then stool.

Abdominal hernia: diagnosis

The first stage of diagnosis is a medical interview, and the next stage is a physical examination. The final diagnosis is usually based on the results of an abdominal ultrasound scan.

Abdominal hernia: treatment

Non-surgical treatment of the abdominal herniais not possible. In this case, a surgical operation is necessary.

Currently, there are two methods of surgical treatment.

1. Traditional treatment can be performed without or with the use of artificial materials.

The first method is used in the case of small hernias (gate up to 5 cm). During the operation, the surgeon removes the hernia and sutures the edges of the defect.

However, more often a synthetic mesh is sewn into the place of the defect, which enables the defect to be closed securely. This method is used primarily in the treatment of large hernias, e.g. located in the epigastrium.

2. Laparoscopic treatment (laparoscopy)

Using a cannula (a thin needle), a laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity, which allows you to see the hernia. Then, through small incisions, surgical instruments are inserted, which allow the hernia to be removed and the mesh inserted into the existing defect in the abdominal cavity.

Patients who cannot undergo surgical treatment (e.g. due to heart failure or other diseases, as well as old age) are provided with special beltshernial. However, they do not protect against the development of an already existing hernia. The hernia straps should be changed every 3-6 months.

Complications after abdominal hernia surgery

Surgical removal of the hernia carries the risk of complications, such as leg thrombosis, damage to the vas deferens (in men) or hematoma.

It may also happen that the surgical wound will separate.

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Category:

Gastrology