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A ventral hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue bulges through the abdominal wall. Depending on the locations of hernias on the abdominal wall, they can be classified as epigastric hernias, umbilical hernias, or incisional hernias. The first sign of ventral hernia development is a visible bulge that emerges during certain activities and certain positions that contract abdominal muscles. Additionally, one may experience a dull ache or sharp pain, nausea or vomiting, and redness or rash at the site. These conditions are common and usually not a cause of concern, but they occasionally may require surgical repair, especially when the hernia is big or gets incarcerated while it's out.
At Manipal Hospitals, Mukunapur, Kolkata, specialists at the Surgical Gastro Department are well-equipped to address ventral hernia. They ensure comprehensive care, from diagnosis to postoperative management, aiming to restore the patient’s quality of life and prevent further complications.
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Depending on the hernia's location, your health, medical history, and anatomy, there may be multiple causes. The hernias could naturally develop at birth due to a weakness in the abdominal wall through which the intestine protrudes. It may also originate from:
Severe or persistent vomiting
Prolonged coughing
Diabetes or other illnesses
Heavy lifting
Fatality or injury
Previous medical procedure
Pregnancy
Your front abdominal wall can develop ventral hernias in a variety of places. Among them are:
Epigastric hernias: Hernia developing in the upper abdomen, between the belly button and the breastbone (epigastric area, or epigastrium).
Umbilical hernias: These types of hernias develop in the area naturally weak around your belly button. Congenital hernias commonly develop near the weak spots around the umbilicus.
Incisional hernias: An incisional hernia develops where your abdomen was previously cut after surgery. It is a common side effect following Abdominal Surgery.
Those who have a ventral hernia early on might not experience any pain or symptoms. A bulge at the location of the hernia may be the only indication that it exists. Patients may feel acute abdominal pain, if severe, when:
Working out
Lifting heavy weights
Prolonged standing
Coughing
While passing bowel movements or gas
Typically, a doctor can diagnose a hernia through a physical evaluation. They may also ask about bowel movements, abdominal discomfort, and additional indications such as fever, nausea, and rapid heart rate. As part of the examination, the doctor may also request that the patient stand up or cough in addition to palpating for any masses. If a ventral hernia is suspected, a physician may request an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
A strangulated hernia is a potentially fatal medical condition. Fatty tissue, or a portion of the small intestines, forces through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle. The small intestine's blood supply is later severed when the surrounding muscle contracts to encircle the tissue. This small intestine strangulation can result in shock, gangrene (death of the projecting tissue), or intestinal perforation, all of which can be fatal.
Surgery is necessary for most ventral hernias to be completely cured. The aim is to strengthen the abdominal wall by returning the fatty tissue or enlarged intestines to their proper location within the abdomen. Both laparoscopic and open surgery are available for repairing hernias. The procedure is usually scheduled as an elective treatment a few weeks after the hernia is detected. In cases where the hernia is obstructed or strangulated, emergency surgery may be required. Treatment for umbilical hernias that exist at birth differs from that of other ventral hernias. They don't strangulate and hardly ever have intestines. Only if these hernias continue after the age of three should they be corrected.
Open surgery: Your surgeon pushes the protruding tissue back into the abdomen by making an incision close to the hernia. To keep it from happening again, the muscles that gave way are repaired. Placing a synthetic mesh to reinforce the area is a frequent approach.
Laparoscopic procedures: The surgeon creates multiple small cuts around the hernia. Through these cuts, they have visibility into the abdomen and can use tools inserted through the other cuts to repair the hernia with the help of a slim tube containing a lens and light.
Robotic-assisted repair: Similar to laparoscopy, robotic-assisted repair allows the surgeon to work from a console while manipulating robotic arms. During this minimally invasive surgical treatment, the muscular wall is reinforced and repaired with mesh, and the contents of the hernia are returned to their original position in the belly.
Surgical intervention is the only option for repairing a ventral hernia, but certain individuals may be unable to undergo the procedure due to other medical issues. In such cases, a healthcare provider may recommend using a corset, binder, or truss to support and stabilise a large hernia that cannot be surgically corrected.
Following surgery, the following lifestyle modifications can lower the chance of a ventral hernia recurrence:
Exercise Often: Lose excess weight, stay away from hard lifting, and partake in mild to moderate exercise.
Avoid Alcohol: Giving up alcohol to avoid the fatal conditions of dehydration and constipation.
Ice Application: To relieve pain and swelling, apply ice to the affected area.
Wear Loose Clothes: To reduce the pressure on your abdomen, opt for loose, cotton clothing.
Handle Stress: To prevent stomachaches or acid reflux brought on by stress, engage in yoga, breathing techniques, or meditation.
Eat Smaller Meals: To help with digestion and weight management, take smaller, more frequent meals.
Post-Meal Habits: Refrain from dozing off, bending down, or lying down right after dinner.
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