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.
A hernia usually contains the contents of the underlying cavity. In this case, it contains intestinal loops and other tissues from the abdominal cavity. The presence of intestinal loops in the hernia sac puts them at risk of obstruction. When this happens, an emergency surgical operation is required. Without the operation part of the loops may have their blood supply cut off and they may lose viability.
There are a number of signs and symptoms that are associated with this condition. One of the commonest is the presence of a swelling in the affected area. The swelling will be seen intermittently as abdominal pressure increases and reduces. The pressure may increase when one bears down, coughs or lifts heavy items. Pain may also be experienced especially if the defect is restricting the movement of herniated structures.
Apart from taking your medical history, the doctor will also conduct a physical examination that is aimed at evaluating the problem further. Areas of interest will include the size, the location and the reducibility of the defect among others. Some investigations may be requested for in select cases. Such will include ultrasound scans and CT scan images. If a decision to have surgery is made, some blood tests will be done as well.
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.
The open technique involves the creation of a surgical cut (incision) near the site of the defect. The next step is to insert a mesh or to repair the weakened area using sutures so that the contents can no longer move through the defect. The laparoscopic option involves the creation of three small incisions near the defect and the insertion of instruments that are then used to place sutures or a mesh.
There is no drug that can be used to treat ventral hernia. Surgery is almost always a necessity if the problem is to be dealt with once and for all. The operation is usually straightforward in most cases. Possible risks include bleeding, injury to intestines and the bladder and infections. Fortunately, these complications are a rare occurrence. After surgery, most people can resume their normal routine within a few days.
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.
A hernia usually contains the contents of the underlying cavity. In this case, it contains intestinal loops and other tissues from the abdominal cavity. The presence of intestinal loops in the hernia sac puts them at risk of obstruction. When this happens, an emergency surgical operation is required. Without the operation part of the loops may have their blood supply cut off and they may lose viability.
There are a number of signs and symptoms that are associated with this condition. One of the commonest is the presence of a swelling in the affected area. The swelling will be seen intermittently as abdominal pressure increases and reduces. The pressure may increase when one bears down, coughs or lifts heavy items. Pain may also be experienced especially if the defect is restricting the movement of herniated structures.
Apart from taking your medical history, the doctor will also conduct a physical examination that is aimed at evaluating the problem further. Areas of interest will include the size, the location and the reducibility of the defect among others. Some investigations may be requested for in select cases. Such will include ultrasound scans and CT scan images. If a decision to have surgery is made, some blood tests will be done as well.
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.
The open technique involves the creation of a surgical cut (incision) near the site of the defect. The next step is to insert a mesh or to repair the weakened area using sutures so that the contents can no longer move through the defect. The laparoscopic option involves the creation of three small incisions near the defect and the insertion of instruments that are then used to place sutures or a mesh.
There is no drug that can be used to treat ventral hernia. Surgery is almost always a necessity if the problem is to be dealt with once and for all. The operation is usually straightforward in most cases. Possible risks include bleeding, injury to intestines and the bladder and infections. Fortunately, these complications are a rare occurrence. After surgery, most people can resume their normal routine within a few days.
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