Stomach Hernia
There are many types of hernia in the abdominal cavity. Most of these types of hernia are often asymptomatic, meaning the patient does not exhibit any sign and symptom. However, some hernias can be so complicated through strangulation or incarceration that immediate surgical treatment must be necessitated.
- A hernia is basically a protrusion in the abdominal wall that is acquired or congenital.
- The protrusion occurs through a weakened area of the abdominal wall or through a defect in the wall.
- Some hernias in the abdominal wall include umbilical hernias, Spigelian hernias, incisional hernias, and epigastric hernia.
- Of all types of abdominal hernias, 75% are usually inguinal hernias.
Abdominal Hernia Symptoms
- Visible bulge
- Erythematous skin over the bulge
- Tenderness over the bulge
- Discomfort over or around the bulge
- Increasing, persistent pain for strangulated hernias
- Nausea and vomiting for strangulated hernias
- Peritonitis can occur as a complication
Abdominal Hernia Treatment
- Surgical repair for stomach hernia is the treatment of choice for most types of hernias.
- Some hernias can be reduced manually with persistent and gentle pressure.
- The patient may even be placed on a Trendelenburg position or the head is lower than the lower extremities to aid the help of gravity in reducing the hernia without surgery.
- Pain medications may be given to hernias that are painful.
- Antibiotic therapy is started for hernias that have subsequent complications.
Abdominal Hernia Surgery
- An abdominal hernia may be done by through the standard “open” method or can be done laparoscopically.
- The abdominal hernia surgical repair procedure basically places back any displaced organs through the abdominal wall.
- Then the surgeon repairs the weakened wall or the defect in the abdominal wall.