In modern surgery, one of the most common problems is hernia. For many people, this name remains incomprehensible and they don’t even know what they are dealing with when they hear such a diagnosis. Some even mistakenly believe that this is one of the varieties of a benign tumor. But in reality, everything is completely different. By and large, this pathology develops due to protrusion of part or all of the organ as a whole into the subcutaneous region between the soft and muscle tissues. Despite the fact that such a disease is serious, nevertheless, it is not among the dangerous ones.
Due to the high level of development of modern medicine, doctors are able to quickly put patients on their feet. Let's look at the main methods of treatment and hernia symptoms so that no one else has any questions about this. However, it is worth noting that all information is presented for informational purposes only, and if you have any health problems, you need to consult with a qualified specialist.
general information
Hernia surgery in our country is very well developed. The operations are carried out at a high level and without consequences for the health of patients. Further, this issue will be covered in more detail, but first we will understand the main aspects. As mentioned earlier, a hernia is the exit of an internal organ from the occupied area.
It consists of the following components:
- Hernial contents - soft tissue or the organ itself with which the anomaly occurs.
- The gate is the hole through which the protrusion occurs.
- Bag - a shell consisting of one or more layers of soft tissue.
This is the standard anatomical structure of a hernia. Depending on the place of localization, pathologies are divided into several types. This will be discussed in more detail below.
General classification
Bulging can occur in various parts of the body. Depending on this, anomalies are divided into several varieties. In modern hernia surgery, there are:
- abdominal
- vertebrates;
- inguinal;
- umbilical;
- umbilical;
- femoral
- ventral;
- phrenic;
- pulmonary;
- muscle
- spinal cord.
Each type of pathology has its own distinctive features and is accompanied by certain symptoms. The most commonly diagnosed species will be discussed in detail below.
The impact of pathology on human health
According to doctors, hernia surgery should be performed in the early stages of the development of the anomaly, since it has a strong influence on the quality of life.
In addition, it leads to the following:
- the development of a cosmetic defect;
- pain of varying intensity;
- feeling of weakness in the lower extremities;
- problems with walking in the case of a vertebral hernia;
- digestive disorders and the development of constipation.
In addition, a person should periodically go to the hospital to correct the protrusion and constantly wear a bandage. In the absence of timely treatment, a person may even remain disabled for life. And with some very serious types of pathology, a high probability of a fatal outcome is created. According to medical statistics, with timely access to the hospital for hernia surgery, in approximately 99% of cases, the disease can be completely cured.
Possible complications
Any disease associated with internal organs is serious, therefore, therapy should be approached thoroughly. This is especially true for their protrusion. With timely initiated surgery, hernia complications are minimal. But if the patient later went to the doctor, then the probability of developing the following health problems is high:
- the occurrence of an inflammatory process;
- infringement of a hernia;
- soft tissue damage;
- the appearance of a neoplasm.
Infringement is especially dangerous. As a rule, it develops as a result of a heavy lifting or spastic tissue contraction. With an abdominal hernia, it can cause squeezing of the intestine and lead to fecal stagnation. In addition, the blood circulation of the affected organ is gradually disrupted, and it begins to function worse, as a result of which the whole body suffers.
Who to contact?
Today, faculty hernia surgery is practiced in every medical school, so there is no shortage of qualified specialists. If you suspect a protrusion of the internal organ, then the hospital should consult one of the following doctors:
- surgeon;
- neurosurgeon.
- vertebrologist;
- neuropathologist.
A universal specialist is a surgeon. He specializes in all types of hernia, so it is better to contact him. If necessary, he will be referred for consultation with other doctors.
Abdominal hernia
This group is the most extensive and often diagnosed. It includes the following types of protrusion:
- inguinal;
- umbilical and umbilical;
- hernia of the Spigel line;
- postoperative;
- esophageal-diaphragmatic.
According to doctors, it is precisely for surgery of a hernia of the anterior abdominal wall that people come to the hospital most often. It develops as a result of congenital anatomical features or during excessive physical exertion. Among the main clinical manifestations, the following can be distinguished:
- tumor formation on the abdomen;
- discomfort and periodic pain;
- coughing push;
- bloating;
- prolonged constipation.
With a hernia of the abdominal wall, surgery is the only possible treatment option. In the early stages, the operation is very fast and good. But many people go to the hospital too late, because they think that pathology does not threaten anything serious. However, there is a danger. With prolonged absence of therapy, the patient may develop:
- infringement;
- immovability;
- inflammation;
- the formation of purulent accumulations.
If a hernia rupture occurs, then the chances of saving a person will be very small. Therefore, doctors advise not to delay for too long, and if the first symptoms occur, immediately go to the hospital.
Umbilical hernia
Most often, this type of pathology is experienced by women during pregnancy or after childbirth. This is due to the fact that the umbilical muscles are weakened when the baby is born. In addition, umbilical hernias can be congenital and appear in young children as a result of various developmental abnormalities. But, as a rule, they pass independently when growing up to 4-5 years of age.
As for adults, there is also a chance that the disease will disappear on its own in a few months. If this does not happen, then umbilical hernia surgery is needed. However, before surgery, patients are prescribed conservative treatment. It involves wearing bandages and performing a set of physical exercises aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles.
Inguinal hernia
This disease mainly affects the stronger sex due to the anatomical features of the structure of the body. The protrusion can be observed on the left or on the right side, and also be bilateral. According to medical statistics, in men, this type of hernia is diagnosed in approximately 73% of cases.
At the first stages of the development of the pathology, the tumor-like formation is observed clearly in the groin, but as it grows, it gradually shifts to one side. As with other types of pathology, surgery is the most effective treatment for inguinal hernia. The medical history is carefully studied by the doctor, after which the date of the operation is established. In this case, contraindications are also taken into account.
Among the main distinguish:
- senile age;
- various cardiac pathologies that occur in severe form;
- liver failure;
- some serious brain diseases.
A pre-qualified specialist conducts a complete examination of the patient and prescribes a number of tests. If necessary, a preliminary treatment of existing health problems is carried out. Surgical intervention can be carried out both in the traditional way through a small incision, and under general anesthesia through several punctures in the lower abdominal region.
Very often, the pathology manifests itself in newborns. However, in most cases, it is congenital, not acquired. A protrusion can be observed both from the first birthdays, and becomes noticeable after several months. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, pediatric inguinal hernia surgery is performed. The operation is possible at any age and is performed according to the same technology as in adults.
Hernia
It is considered one of the most dangerous, since a protruding organ can transmit the spinal cord, which, in turn, is fraught with complete paralysis. In addition, vertebral discs often shift due to constant pressure.
Among the most characteristic symptoms of this disease, the following can be distinguished:
- severe back pain, which can spread to the pelvic region, as well as lower and upper limbs;
- numbness and weakness of the arms and legs;
- problems with urination;
- impaired mobility.
In approximately 80% of cases, a conservative therapy program is selected for patients. She suggests:
- drug treatment;
- limitation of physical activity;
- wearing special corsets;
- physiotherapy;
- vitamin therapy.
The duration of therapy is 2-3 months, however, patients will have to undergo a course every few years. If no result is achieved, then a surgical operation is prescribed.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A very serious disease in which a protrusion is localized in the esophagus. Due to the constant pressure in the stomach, a focus of secondary inflammation develops, causing erosion.
The main symptoms are:
- acute pain in the upper peritoneum;
- heartburn;
- unpleasant burping;
- pain when swallowing;
- lack of appetite.
Pathology is very serious and poses an immediate threat to life. Treatment can be conservative and prompt. The first involves:
- adherence to a special diet;
- refusal of any physical activity;
- taking medications.
But in most cases, patients do not even suspect their problem and do not go to the doctor. Therefore, very often conservative treatment does not bring any results and hospital surgery of the diaphragmatic hernia is required. The operation is done in a classic way through an incision on the abdomen.
Postoperative hernia
The protrusion of organs is most often localized in places of sutures imposed after surgery. This is due to the fact that blood circulation is disturbed there, and soft tissues lose their elasticity. It is almost impossible to independently diagnose pathology in the early stages. Over time, the anomaly becomes noticeable upon palpation. With this disease, conservative treatment is ineffective, so the only option is postoperative hernia surgery. The specialist makes a second cut and dissects the bag. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and lasts no more than one hour.
Conclusion
A hernia, regardless of the variety and location, is a serious disease that can lead to very dangerous consequences. It is not recommended to self-medicate and postpone a visit to the doctor for too long. Modern surgery is well developed, so do not be afraid to lie down on the operating table. Doctors will quickly and efficiently do everything, and you can return to your usual life in just a few weeks of rehabilitation.