It is estimated that at least 90,000 operations are needed every year in the United States to correct ventral hernias. The types of these defects that exist include umbilical, epigastric, incisional and inguinal hernias. All of them are located in various places on the anterior wall of the abdomen and hence their collective name. If they plan on undergoing surgical correction for ventral hernias Houston patients should know a number of things.
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.
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.
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 a number of approaches to treatment that exist. Watchful waiting is adopted for patients who have small, reducible hernias that have no associated symptoms and have a low risk of becoming obstructed. Surgery may be carried out, however, if the patient requests. Two main types of surgery exist: the open technique and the laparoscopic technique. Each is associated with various advantages and disadvantages.
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.
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.
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.
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 a number of approaches to treatment that exist. Watchful waiting is adopted for patients who have small, reducible hernias that have no associated symptoms and have a low risk of becoming obstructed. Surgery may be carried out, however, if the patient requests. Two main types of surgery exist: the open technique and the laparoscopic technique. Each is associated with various advantages and disadvantages.
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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