Abdominal Hernia
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A hernia is any type of tissue that protrudes through a weak portion of whatever it is that it’s contained in. In the case abdominal hernia, the protrusion comes from the intestines or fat tissue and through a weak spot.
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There are several naturally weak spots in the body that can be prone to hernias – these include the abdomen.
Men are susceptible to some forms for abdominal herniation while women are more prone to others.
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Types of hernia
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Reducible – Can be pushed back
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Non-Reducible – Cannot be pushed back and is held in place by the opening. This may also become strangulated hernia.
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Abdominal Hernia Surgery
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Surgery can be used to correct hernias of the abdomen.
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Still, it is first important to understand what type of hernia the patient is suffering from before the surgery can be done.
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Types of hernias of the abdomen
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Epigastric Hernia – occurs above the navel and is more common in men than in women.
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Femoral Hernia – More common in women than in men, this occurs when a part of the intestines herniates into the area in between the abdomen and groin.
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Incisional Hernia – a herniation into a healed surgical incision.
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Inguinal Hernia – happens in males where a portion of the intestines protrudes into the internal ring of the scrotum. In women, the intestines can stick out into the genital folds.
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Indirect Inguinal Hernia – this is considered as a hereditary hernia and is less common compared to inguinal hernia. Instead of into the internal ring, the intestines herniate near the ring.
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Umbilical Hernia – can occur in babies, children, and adults. It is a herniation of the intestines into the naval area.
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Abdominal Hernia Symptoms
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Protrusion – a sudden bulging out of tissue. If it is a reducible herniation, the hernia will increase or decrease in size depending on the way a person lies.
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Pain – pain may be experienced at the herniation site. The pain may either be sharp or dull and it will worsen with bearing down or with bowel movement.
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Since hernias affect the bowels, patients may also observe the following symptoms:
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Blood in the stool
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Constipation
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Vomiting
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Fever
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Severe Pain
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Abdominal Hernia Treatment
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Surgery is the primary treatment route for hernias.
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Depending on the type of hernia and the extent of the problem, the patient will undergo either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.
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Some patients may choose to opt out of surgery, but is not recommended as hernias can strangulate and cause cell death and abdominal infarctions.