Hernias are swellings or bulges on the skin usually due to the pressure of underlying structures being pushed through an area of weakness in the abdominal muscles. Ventral hernias are those that are located in the anterior abdominal wall. They include incisional, epigastric, umbilical and inguinal hernias. If they have been diagnosed with ventral hernias Houston residents need to know a number of things even as they consider undergoing treatment.
Any of these problems can be seen at any age as long as the predisposing factors are present. A significant proportion are present from birth and indicate the presence of a congenital defect in the area that is affected. A few of the inguinal hernias seen at this age may vanish as the child grows especially if the defect is very small. For most of the others, however, surgery is required.
Intestinal loops tend to protrude through many of these ventral defects. On most occasions, the loops can be returned into the abdominal cavity by applying gentle pressure over the swelling using a finger. At times, they become obstructed and returning them to their position becomes difficult. This is a medical emergency that requires surgery. If the surgery is delayed, the obstructed loops may lose viability and may have to be cut off.
The most obvious sign of these defects is a visible swelling in an area of the abdominal wall. This swelling is most prominent when there is an increase in abdominal pressure such as when one bears down or coughs. Pain is also a possible symptom but is not always present especially if there is a large defect. Other symptoms may include vomiting (when intestinal obstruction sets in) and constipation.
Apart from the suggestive symptoms, your doctor will have to conduct a physical examination. The examination will be centered on establishing characteristics such as location, size, contents and reducibility among others. Some doctors may also request for some investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Those that are commonly used include ultrasound scans and CT scans. Blood tests may be needed as well if a decision to have surgery is made.
There are several treatment options that are used once the diagnosis has been confirmed. If the defect is small and with a low risk of being obstructed it may be managed through watchful waiting unless the patient wants the operation. All other types should be operated. There are two main types of surgical techniques that can be used. They include laparoscopic surgery and the open surgical technique.
In the open approach, an incision is first made in area near the defect. Once the defect is accessed, a mesh is inserted and this effectively prevents the movement of abdominal contents through it. Another option is to use non-absorbable sutures such as nylon to close the defect. If laparoscopy is chosen, the approach will involve the creation of three incisions (ports of entry) in the anterior abdomen for insertion of the instrument.
It is important to note that there is no drug that can seal the defect in the anterior abdominal wall. If one wants to deal with this problem then surgery is a necessity. The operation itself is usually fairly simple and free of complications except in rare circumstances. Complications that may be encountered may include excessive blood loss, injury to structures such as the balder and intestines and infections.
Any of these problems can be seen at any age as long as the predisposing factors are present. A significant proportion are present from birth and indicate the presence of a congenital defect in the area that is affected. A few of the inguinal hernias seen at this age may vanish as the child grows especially if the defect is very small. For most of the others, however, surgery is required.
Intestinal loops tend to protrude through many of these ventral defects. On most occasions, the loops can be returned into the abdominal cavity by applying gentle pressure over the swelling using a finger. At times, they become obstructed and returning them to their position becomes difficult. This is a medical emergency that requires surgery. If the surgery is delayed, the obstructed loops may lose viability and may have to be cut off.
The most obvious sign of these defects is a visible swelling in an area of the abdominal wall. This swelling is most prominent when there is an increase in abdominal pressure such as when one bears down or coughs. Pain is also a possible symptom but is not always present especially if there is a large defect. Other symptoms may include vomiting (when intestinal obstruction sets in) and constipation.
Apart from the suggestive symptoms, your doctor will have to conduct a physical examination. The examination will be centered on establishing characteristics such as location, size, contents and reducibility among others. Some doctors may also request for some investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Those that are commonly used include ultrasound scans and CT scans. Blood tests may be needed as well if a decision to have surgery is made.
There are several treatment options that are used once the diagnosis has been confirmed. If the defect is small and with a low risk of being obstructed it may be managed through watchful waiting unless the patient wants the operation. All other types should be operated. There are two main types of surgical techniques that can be used. They include laparoscopic surgery and the open surgical technique.
In the open approach, an incision is first made in area near the defect. Once the defect is accessed, a mesh is inserted and this effectively prevents the movement of abdominal contents through it. Another option is to use non-absorbable sutures such as nylon to close the defect. If laparoscopy is chosen, the approach will involve the creation of three incisions (ports of entry) in the anterior abdomen for insertion of the instrument.
It is important to note that there is no drug that can seal the defect in the anterior abdominal wall. If one wants to deal with this problem then surgery is a necessity. The operation itself is usually fairly simple and free of complications except in rare circumstances. Complications that may be encountered may include excessive blood loss, injury to structures such as the balder and intestines and infections.
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