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.
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 signs and symptoms of hernias are similar regardless of the region that is involved. Swelling is one of the most obvious symptoms. The swelling is intermittent and is most likely to increase in prominence if there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure such as when bearing down or during a cough. Pain is often present but may not be experienced if the defect is large enough to allow free movement of the intestinal loops.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 signs and symptoms of hernias are similar regardless of the region that is involved. Swelling is one of the most obvious symptoms. The swelling is intermittent and is most likely to increase in prominence if there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure such as when bearing down or during a cough. Pain is often present but may not be experienced if the defect is large enough to allow free movement of the intestinal loops.
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.
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.
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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