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.
These problems may set in at any age. Many of them are first noticed at birth indicating a presence of an anatomical defect in the anterior abdominal wall. Although a few inguinal hernias may disappear as the child grows, many of them require surgical correction. Another period at which these swellings may be seen is the period that follows pregnancy or surgery since both of these conditions weaken the abdominal wall muscles.
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.
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.
Apart from the suggestive symptoms, your doctor will have to conduct a physical examination. The examination will be centered on establishing characteristics such as location, size, contents and reducibility among others. Some doctors may also request for some investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Those that are commonly used include ultrasound scans and CT scans. Blood tests may be needed as well if a decision to have surgery is made.
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.
These problems may set in at any age. Many of them are first noticed at birth indicating a presence of an anatomical defect in the anterior abdominal wall. Although a few inguinal hernias may disappear as the child grows, many of them require surgical correction. Another period at which these swellings may be seen is the period that follows pregnancy or surgery since both of these conditions weaken the abdominal wall muscles.
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.
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.
Apart from the suggestive symptoms, your doctor will have to conduct a physical examination. The examination will be centered on establishing characteristics such as location, size, contents and reducibility among others. Some doctors may also request for some investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Those that are commonly used include ultrasound scans and CT scans. Blood tests may be needed as well if a decision to have surgery is made.
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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