The epidemiology of hernias changed significantly at the beginning of the 21st century due to the increased number of surgical operations. Postoperative ventral hernia is formed in cases when the muscle-aponeurotic layer of the anterior abdominal cavity diverges in the area of surgical intervention. This leads to paralytic relaxation of the muscles with their further atrophy. The anterior abdominal wall ceases to fulfill the function of the skeleton.
Development reasons
Ventral hernia develops for the following reasons:
- improperly performed suturing during surgery;
- suture inflammation;
- the use of suture material of low quality.
A weak postoperative scar provokes the development of a hernia. Additional factors that increase the risk of postoperative complications are:
- obesity;
- chronic lung diseases, diabetes, pancreatitis and other diseases;
- connective tissue disorders;
- errors in the postoperative recovery period (alcohol intake, physical activity, diet failure, and others).
Ventral hernia: stages
The development of a hernia occurs gradually. Initially, it is a slight protrusion, almost without pain, which can easily be put into the abdominal cavity in the supine position. Unpleasant sensations sometimes occur when lifting weights, sudden movements, bumps, sudden stress. In this case, slight pain appears, and the formation slightly increases in size. The more hernia grows, the more pain increases, accompanied by seizures and spasms. This stage is characterized by impaired bowel function: constipation, stagnation, flatulence, nausea. General weakness develops, physical activity decreases. Deformation of the abdomen is invisible in the initial stage of the disease. Medium-sized formations are localized near the navel, in the groin or on the side. See ventral hernia, photo.
A large hernia occupies a significant area of the anterior abdominal wall and causes significant discomfort. A giant ventral hernia extends to the entire abdominal cavity and causes malfunctioning of the whole organism.
Symptoms
The main signals of the appearance of a hernia can be considered:
- nausea, vomiting
- lack of bowel movement;
- severe pain;
- the impossibility of setting education in a prone position.
Ventral hernia: operation
The hernia treatment consists in the operation - hernioplasty. Depending on the location of the hernia and its stage, there are various methods for performing the operation. At the first, plastic hernia gate is performed. As a material, the patient’s own tissues are taken. This treatment method is indicated for small education sizes - up to 5 cm. Surgery rarely causes complications, it is carried out quickly and with local anesthesia. Large ventral hernia is eliminated by the second method of hernioplasty. As a material, a synthetic prosthesis (special mesh) is used, which supports the intestines. To prevent the occurrence of a hernia, all the recommendations of doctors in the recovery postoperative period should be clearly followed: use a special bandage, follow a diet, and exclude physical activity.