The hernia belt, depending on its type, is used in the conservative treatment of abdominal hernias: inguinal, femoral, umbilical and periostomy. How do hernia belts work and what are the opinions about their effectiveness?
Contents:
- Hernia belt - indications for use
- Hernia belt - types
The hernia beltis to stabilize the body shell and prevent the movement of the abdominal organs (mainly the intestines) to the existing hernial sac.
Hernia belt - indications for use
Hernia belts are used in the conservative treatment of abdominal hernias: inguinal, femoral, umbilical and periostomy. They are made of various materials and - depending on the needs - can be used on one or both sides.
Abdominal hernia belts are used in two cases:
- When there is no possibility of surgical treatment of a hernia due to absolute contraindications to the procedure.
- In the postoperative period - to protect the operated area of the body against abdominal pressure and relapse.
Thanks to the use of the hernia belt in conservatively treated patients, the enlargement of the hernial sac is avoided.
Complications are less frequent in people using a hernia belt. They include an irreducible hernia, i.e. one in which the contents adhere to the inner part of the bag and cannot be drained into the abdomen.
A dangerous complication is the entrapment of the contents of the hernia. It may end with intestinal obstruction or segmental necrosis of the intestine tightened in the hernia bag and canal.
Hernia belt - types
The structure of hernia belts is adapted to the location of the hernia. Currently, airy, flexible materials are used for their construction, ensuring comfort and ventilation, and at the same time adequately durable. Most belts fasten with the so-called Velcro, which makes it easier to put them on. The correct pressure force at the hernia site is achieved thanks to specially profiled cushions (so-called pelottes), which are either an integral part of the belt or can be attached to it in the right place.The hernia belt can be left or right or bilateral.
- Women's and men's hernia belt
The hernia belt for men and women can have the same structure (especially if it is an ostomy belt or an umbilical hernia). However, some models for inguinal or femoral hernia are constructed differently. They take into account the different anatomical structure of the pelvis in men and women. The part adjacent to the perineum is profiled in such a way that, with proper pressure on the hernia gates, it does not cause discomfort in the genital area.
- Spring hernia belt
A hernia belt for a femoral or inguinal hernia may have a spring construction. A resilient, metal or plastic element wraps around the lower abdomen and presses the pelotte against the hernia door with a force that can be selected individually. The spring belt is recommended for obese patients or for people whose pressure must be very high. To make wearing the spring belt comfortable, it is lined with a soft material.
- Umbilical hernia belt for babies
Some babies are born with or develop an umbilical hernia in the neonatal period as a result of an abnormal overgrowth of the umbilical stump. If the hernia persists, it is recommended to use wide, elastic belts around the baby's belly during infancy. The belt can be fitted with a small pelotte covering the umbilical area.
The hernia won't go awayNo hernia (except for baby umbilical hernia) will disappear or shrink by itself. Surgery is the only effective treatment. The most important part of the procedure is to strengthen the weak tissues of the abdominal wall. Darning of tissue defects is done by bringing muscles, tendons and ligaments together. Modern treatment of hernias involves implanting special meshes in the abdominal wall to strengthen them and protect them against recurrence of ailments. If there are no complications, the patient usually leaves the hospital after three days.
More and more supporters are gaining laparoscopic hernia surgery. Unfortunately, in Poland, using the modern method, they are operated very rarely, because there is still no money for appropriate nets, i.e. those that do not stick to the intestines.
- Postoperative hernia belt
After the hernia has been removed and the abdominal plastic surgery is performed, the patient must exercise caution for a long time, as the process of fusion of the fascia and other connective tissue elements in the abdominal wall takes up to several months. Only after this time the coatingabdominal regain full strength to mechanical factors, including pressure in the abdominal cavity.
After hernia surgery, you should follow a diet that protects against constipation, refrain from heavy physical exertion, hard work (watch out for lifting). You should also control your sneezing and coughing if possible. All these procedures are to protect the patient against further damage to the abdominal integuments.
Important!When a Hernia becomes imprisoned
The most dangerous condition is when a hernia becomes imprisoned. This happens when the gates clench behind the intestines that have pressed into the hernial sac. The essence of entrapment is that the intestines cannot retract by themselves into the abdominal cavity. Food in this part of the intestine cannot move any further. It causes a bowel obstruction. The intestine itself does not get nourishing blood. In a short time, due to ischemia of the intestines, their necrosis develops in it. Such a complication can occur for a minor reason - sneezing, coughing, overexertion, and even when suddenly getting out of the chair.
How to recognize that the intestines are trapped?
Where there is a hernia, the abdomen was soft. Now you can feel a hard and painful lump with your hand. The skin above it is very red and very warm. After a few hours, you feel flatulence, sharp abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. It is also not possible to pass gas and stool. This is evidence that the gut is blocked. It's a life-threatening condition, you need to call an ambulance.
How to wait for the ambulance to arrive?
1. Lie down on your back.
2. Place a small pillow (cushion) under the pelvis. Bend your legs slightly at the knees and try to breathe evenly despite the pain. This position relaxes the abdominal muscles and the hernial ring. The intestines may return to their place, but only a doctor can tell.
3. Even if your intestines break free from the ring's grip, you will end up in the hospital for observation. Usually, after such an event, surgery is performed. But it is performed without haste, which is of great importance for the course of the operation and subsequent rehabilitation.
Anna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice "Crystal Pen" in a nationwide competition for journalists promoting he alth and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year"organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.
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