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.
The onset of these defects can be at any time. A significant number are seen at birth due to a congenital anatomical defect. Those that fall in this category are usually corrected during childhood. Some tend to resolve without treatment as the child continues to grow. Some follow conditions that weaken the abdominal muscles such as pregnancy and surgeries. Increase physical activity such as heavy lifting aggravates the problem.
Most, if not all ventral hernias, provide a route for intestines to protrude from their natural position. This poses a great danger due to the likelihood of the intestinal loops to be trapped into the hernia sac. This may lead to intestinal obstruction that requires surgery to be corrected. In some cases where the obstruction is severe, blood supply to the intestinal loops may be cut off causing them to lose viability.
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.
Other than the medical history, the doctor will also be interested in conducting a physical examination. The main focus will be on evaluating various characteristics of the defect such as the location, the size, the contents and reducibility among others. Some physicians will also request for a number of investigations to aid in the diagnostic process. Such will include ultrasound scans, CT scans and blood tests among others.
The treatment chosen will depend on the findings after the history, physical examination and the imaging studies. Small defects that are not causing any discomfort may be managed conservatively through watchful waiting except in cases where the patient requests for surgery. There are two main techniques that are employed during surgery. These include the open technique and the laparoscopic 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.
The onset of these defects can be at any time. A significant number are seen at birth due to a congenital anatomical defect. Those that fall in this category are usually corrected during childhood. Some tend to resolve without treatment as the child continues to grow. Some follow conditions that weaken the abdominal muscles such as pregnancy and surgeries. Increase physical activity such as heavy lifting aggravates the problem.
Most, if not all ventral hernias, provide a route for intestines to protrude from their natural position. This poses a great danger due to the likelihood of the intestinal loops to be trapped into the hernia sac. This may lead to intestinal obstruction that requires surgery to be corrected. In some cases where the obstruction is severe, blood supply to the intestinal loops may be cut off causing them to lose viability.
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.
Other than the medical history, the doctor will also be interested in conducting a physical examination. The main focus will be on evaluating various characteristics of the defect such as the location, the size, the contents and reducibility among others. Some physicians will also request for a number of investigations to aid in the diagnostic process. Such will include ultrasound scans, CT scans and blood tests among others.
The treatment chosen will depend on the findings after the history, physical examination and the imaging studies. Small defects that are not causing any discomfort may be managed conservatively through watchful waiting except in cases where the patient requests for surgery. There are two main techniques that are employed during surgery. These include the open technique and the laparoscopic 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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