OverviewCommon types of herniaWhat is a hernia?A hernia occurs when an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains it. Most hernias occur within the abdominal cavity, between the chest and the hips. Show
The most common forms of hernia are:
Other types of hernias include:
How common are hernias?Of all hernias that occur:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes a hernia?Inguinal and femoral herniasare due to weakened muscles that may have been present since birth, or are associated with aging and repeated strains on the abdominal and groin areas. Such strain may come from physical exertion, obesity, pregnancy, frequent coughing, or straining on the toilet due to constipation. Adults may get an umbilical hernia by straining the abdominal area, being overweight, having a long-lasting heavy cough or after giving birth. The cause of hiatal hernias is not fully understood, but a weakening of the diaphragm with age or pressure on the abdomen could play a part. What are the symptoms of a hernia?A hernia in the abdomen or groin can produce a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in, or that can disappear when lying down. Laughing, crying, coughing, straining during a bowel movement, or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in. More symptoms of a hernia include:
In the case of hiatal hernias there are no bulges on the outside of the body. Instead, symptoms may include heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, frequent regurgitation (bringing food back up) and chest pain. Diagnosis and TestsHow is a hernia diagnosed?It is usually possible to see or feel a bulge in the area where a hernia has occurred by physical exam. As part of a male’s typical physical exam for inguinal hernias, the doctor feels the area around the testicles and groin while the patient is asked to cough. In some cases, soft-tissue imaging like a CT scan will accurately diagnose the condition. Management and TreatmentWhat kind of doctor do you see for a hernia?When you have a hernia, treatment will start with your primary care provider. If you need surgery to repair the hernia, you’ll be referred to a general surgeon. In fact, ventral hernia repairs are one of the most common operations U.S. general surgeons perform. If you think you have a hernia, don’t wait to seek help. A neglected hernia can grow larger and more painful — this can lead to complications and possibly emergency surgery. Early repair is more successful, less risky and offers a better recovery and outcome. How is a hernia treated?Hernias usually do not get better on their own, and surgery may be the only way to repair them. However, your doctor will recommend the best therapy to address your hernia, and may refer you to a surgeon. If the surgeon thinks it is necessary to repair your hernia, then the surgeon will tailor the method of repair that best meets your needs. In the case of an umbilical hernia in a child, surgery may be recommended if the hernia is large or if it has not healed by the age of 4 to 5 years old. By this age, a child can usually avoid surgical complications. If an adult has an umbilical hernia, surgery is usually recommended because the condition will not likely improve on its own and the risk of complications is higher. One of three types of hernia surgery can be performed:
Each type of surgery has its advantages and disadvantages. The best approach will be decided by the patient’s surgeon. What can happen if a hernia is not treated?Other than umbilical hernias in babies, hernias will not disappear on their own. Over time, a hernia can grow larger and more painful or can develop complications. Complications of an untreated inguinal or femoral hernia may include:
PreventionHow can a hernia be prevented?
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can be expected following surgical treatment for a hernia?After surgery, you will be given instructions. These include what diet to follow, how to care for the incision site, and how to take care to avoid physical strain. Hernias may recur regardless of the repair operations. This is sometimes caused by inherent tissue weakness or protracted healing. Smoking and obesity are also major risk factors for hernia recurrence. Which term refers to the protrusion of abdominal organs through the surgical incision?Evisceration of a Surgical Wound
Evisceration is a rare but severe surgical complication where the surgical incision opens (dehiscence) and the abdominal organs then protrude or come out of the incision (evisceration). Evisceration is an emergency and should be treated as such.
What is an incision in the abdomen called?A laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity. A laparotomy is performed to examine the abdominal organs and aid diagnosis of any problems. Possible complications include infection and the formation of scar tissue within the abdominal cavity.
What is dehiscence and evisceration?Dehiscence is secondary to technical failure of sutures, shear forces from tension, or fascial necrosis from infection and/or ischemia (2). Evisceration is the uncontrolled exteriorization of intraabdominal contents through the dehisced surgical wound outside of the abdominal cavity.
What are the types of surgical incisions?Issues of Concern. Midline Incisions. Also known as the laparotomy incision, or celiotomy, this is the most traditional of surgical incisions. ... . Kocher Incisions (Subcostal) ... . Para-median Incision. ... . Gridiron Incision (McBurney Incision) ... . Lanz (Rockey-Davis) ... . Thoracoabdominal (Iver Lewis) ... . Chevron. ... . Pfannenstiel (Kerr/Pubic incision). |