Abdominal hernia is a common disease. Usually this pathology occurs with the same frequency, regardless of age. This disease has many different types, in this regard, each person should know how this pathology manifests itself and what measures should be taken.
Basic information
Abdominal hernia is considered a disease. It is characterized by prolapse of abdominal organs directly onto the surface of the abdomen. It is also possible loss through the hernia gate. By hernia gates, there are glades that form in the walls of the abdomen. Such deformation can have a natural origin, but can also occur as a result of injury, after surgical interventions.
According to statistics, approximately five percent of the population suffers from a white line hernia. Often this pathology is diagnosed in men. They account for as much as eighty percent of cases. The remaining twenty percent are observed in women and children. Hernia is divided into several types, depending on the following factors:
- The location. For example, an external and internal hernia is distinguished.
- Localization of a hernia. Depending on this criterion, there may be an umbilical hernia of the abdomen, umbilical, inguinal, ventral, femoral, lumbar, obstructive and so on.
- According to the criterion of infringement, the strangulation and obstructive types are distinguished.
- Full or incomplete hernia is allocated depending on the volume.
- In addition, there are special types of hernia, for example, congenital and vagus.
Causes of hernia
A hernia of the abdomen never occurs just like that. For it to form, several factors must act on the body at once. So, the underlying reasons are the following:
- The patient has a hereditary predisposition to this disease.
- Presence of congenital muscle weakness.
- Getting injured.
- The effect of surgery and exhaustion.
Other factors that can lead to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure can also affect. These are the following factors:
- Regular heavy physical exertion.
- The presence of excess weight.
- The appearance of tumors directly on the internal organs of the abdominal region.
- The presence of persistent cough. This factor is relevant in the presence of lung diseases that occur in a chronic form.
- The appearance of irregularities in urination.
- The occurrence of constipation of a permanent nature.
- Bearing a child along with heavy births.
- The presence of certain diseases, for example, tuberculosis, cirrhosis, enlargement of the prostate in men, paralysis of the legs, poliomyelitis and so on.
Next, we find out what symptoms may accompany the appearance of a hernia of the abdomen.
What are the symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of a hernia of the abdomen can be different. Such patients always have a feeling of discomfort. In this case, symptoms such as soreness, visual protrusion of the formation can be observed. It is most often seen when the patient is in a horizontal position. Other signs of the development of this pathology can manifest themselves in the form of the following symptoms:
- The appearance of a painful aching feeling of a aching or pulling character.
- The occurrence of disorders during urination.
- The appearance of various digestive disorders. For example, this pathology is often accompanied by bloating, and, in addition, such symptoms as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, nausea and constant belching.
In case of the above symptoms of abdominal hernia, you should urgently consult a doctor for help. The doctor must evaluate the condition of the patient and conduct the necessary examination.
White line abdomen
The white line of the abdomen is a vertical muscle strip starting at the xiphoid process of the sternum and passing through the umbilical region. It ends at the pubic joint (pelvic part).
The width of the tendon layer is on average 2-3 mm, and its widest part reaches 20 mm. A hernia of the white line of the abdomen develops when the tendon bundles at the navel level diverge.
In the area of such formations, the omentum and intestinal loops protrude. The lumen width can reach several centimeters.
Stages of development of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen:
- The formation of preperitoneal lipoma.
- Transformation of lipoma into a hernial sac.
- The formation of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen.
Diagnostics
Symptoms of a hernia of the abdomen are very different. But the most characteristic sign is the appearance of protrusion in the abdomen. In this case, pain may occur during palpation. As a rule, pain with this diagnosis is diverse. Often they are pulling or aching.
In the event that there is a suspicion of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen, you should urgently consult a specialist. In order to identify this pathology, the patient is laid on his back, after which he is asked to take a deep breath. In this case, along the line of the abdomen, a small tubercle can be seen. To make the correct diagnosis, an examination should be done. As a rule, the examination involves the following procedures:
- Performing gastroscopy.
- Radiography.
- Performing herniography. This technique consists in the administration of a contrast medium.
- Ultrasound examination.
All of the above methods help the doctor make the correct diagnosis, after which the patient is prescribed the required treatment for abdominal hernia in women and men.
Hernia treatment
The treatment depends on the type of disease, and, in addition, on the location. For example, if a patient was diagnosed with ventral hernia, then it will have to be removed with the help of surgical intervention.
Conservative treatment
A similar method of treatment is carried out in order to avoid complications, and, in addition, the possible growth of the neoplasm. Thanks to this treatment, the symptoms of the disease are mitigated. Conservative treatment is used for those patients who are strictly contraindicated in the implementation of surgical intervention. So, conservative therapy consists in the following treatment methods:
- Conducting drug therapy.
- Taking measures to eliminate the causes leading to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.
- Compliance with a strict diet.
- Regular performance of various gymnastic exercises.
- Wearing a special bandage for patients.
- Conducting therapeutic massages.
Surgical intervention
Doctors say that only one type of hernia can disappear on its own. It is an umbilical hernia that occurs in babies under the age of five. The remaining types of this disease always have to be treated. The way in which treatment should be carried out directly depends on the size of the hernia and the general course of the disease.
In case of the first symptom, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible. The sooner a person visits a doctor, the better his recovery will take place, and the probability of possible complications will directly decrease to almost zero.
What is the operation for a hernia of the white line of the abdomen?
It is removed using hernioplasty. There are three options for the operation:
- Stretch operation. As part of such an intervention, the hernia is completely removed, and the hole through which the operation was performed is independently tightened using its own tissue structure.
- Lumbar hernia surgery. In this case, in order to close the hole, implants made of polypropylene mesh are used.
- Combined operation. As part of its use, the grid and the patient’s own tissue structure are used.
Most often, in medical practice, doctors resort to the use of a combined technique. The advantage of such an operation is that the tissues do not stretch during its operation, and the propylene mesh creates a protective shell, which makes it possible to withstand any load.
Surgery for a hernia of the white line of the abdomen may be different.
For women, laparoscopy is very often performed. This type of procedure does not involve making large cuts. In this case, it is enough to make an incision up to five millimeters long. In order to create a working space for patients, carbon dioxide is introduced into the peritoneum. Then doctors introduce a device that is equipped with a flashlight and a video camera.
How quickly can I recover after removing a hernia?
Patient recovery after surgery
The postoperative period involves the restoration of the whole organism. At this time, it is important to think about proper nutrition. In the event that a hernia of the white line of the abdomen occurs, the operation is performed urgently. At the same time, the day before her, absolutely nothing can be eaten.
Immediately after removal of a white line abdominal hernia for two days, the patient also cannot eat anything. To avoid dehydration, the patient is allowed to moisten his lips. Two days later (in the event that the patient's condition has stabilized), it is already possible to gradually start eating.
In the first few weeks after the operation to remove the abdominal hernia, you should use exclusively liquid dishes in the form of cereals on the water, low-fat meat soups, broths, mashed vegetables and the like. Such patients can only drink water and stewed fruit, they are also allowed green tea. In the event that the section area begins to hurt, then you should check it for infection. To avoid infection, antiseptic agents are used. In addition, painkillers are prescribed for patients inside.
After discharge of the patient for ten days, he should go to the attending physician for dressings. If something goes wrong, the doctor will be able to recognize the presence of adverse factors at any time and take appropriate measures to avoid complications.
After removal of the hernia, the abdomen will not return to normal very quickly.
The abdominal muscles need to be given some time to recover. As part of this, any physical activity should be completely excluded for several months. On average, the postoperative period after removal of the hernia lasts from one to four months. After surgery, with a hernia of the abdominal line, patients should wear a bandage.
Other hernia techniques
It is impossible to cure a hernia of the abdomen with the help of folk methods. But after the operation, they help patients recover faster. In order to treat the wound, a decoction of chamomile should be used. As part of the restoration of digestive functions, infusions of sage, calendula or mint are used.
In the event that a hernia of the abdomen is detected in babies up to five years, then you can try to get by with massages. Massage movements make it possible to strengthen the umbilical ring, preventing organ prolapse.
At the end of the operating period, it is advisable to do special gymnastics. What kind of exercises should be performed? This should prompt the doctor. Gymnastics can help children. With the constant exercise, some patients subsequently manage to avoid surgery.
Abdominal hernia: using a brace
When using a bandage in the presence of a hernia, the following rules should be followed:
- The bandage should be worn while lying down.
- In that case, if wearing a bandage is recommended before surgery, then the protrusion should be straightened into the abdomen by means of light pressing movements.
- The cushion is located in the area of the hernial formation.
- The bandage is wrapped around the torso, and then fixed with a sticky retainer.
- Correctly fixed bandage should fit the body, pressing the hernial formation. Against this background, the bandage should not squeeze the body too much or cause inconvenience.
To prevent the risk of developing this disease, special preventive measures must be taken. In order to prevent a hernia, a pregnant woman should wear a bandage. It is advisable to use it even after childbirth if the stomach does not fall. When there is overweight, all measures should be taken to reduce weight. For example, moderate exercise will strengthen your abdominal muscles. It is very important to monitor the diet. In this regard, it should be noted that human nutrition should be balanced.
Within the postoperative period, it is important to adhere to medical recommendations, observing a special diet and avoiding any excessive physical exertion. It is impossible to leave a hernia without attention and not to treat it, since the development of more serious complications is possible. Thus, one should understand the full danger of such consequences. It is necessary to take measures to eliminate the hernia when the first signs appear.
White abdominal hernia in children
It is one of the rare pathologies in children.
The risk of developing the disease increases after five years, but in most cases the disease occurs in adult patients.
Pathology causes suffering to the child and cannot develop asymptomatically.
Conservative treatment of hernia of the white line of the abdomen in children is prescribed only with early diagnosis of pathology and the absence of a tendency to rapid development.
Drug therapy is carried out in order to eliminate additional symptoms.
The child may be prescribed painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs appropriate to his age.
Such medications do not affect the hernia, but alleviate the general condition.
Non-surgical methods of treatment of pathology:
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- massage procedures;
- wearing a bandage;
- reduction of hernia;
- proper nutrition;
- taking medication.
Forecast and Prevention
Provided that the bandage is regularly worn, many patients manage to avoid the subsequent increase in protrusion. But he cannot completely rid a person of a hernia. There are also preventive measures to overcome this ailment, as well as prevent its development. It is required to minimize the load exerted on the abdominal region. Thus, it is very important to refuse to wear various weights. In that case, if a person’s work is associated with such loads, it is better to look for something else.
Hernias can occur due to persistent constipation. In order to bring stool back to normal, you need to properly adjust your diet. On the menu of each person should be laxative foods, fiber and dairy foods. In the event that the problem in the form of constipation does not disappear, laxatives can be drunk with a course.
The basic rule is regular exercise. A sedentary lifestyle should be completely excluded. In the event that this advice is not followed, the abdominal wall will become very loose and emaciated. The likelihood of such damage is only increasing. But do not forget that sports and body loads should be moderate.
If you experience unpleasant symptoms or a protrusion occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor. The specialist will conduct the necessary examination and make the correct diagnosis by prescribing the appropriate treatment.