Ventral hernia: symptoms and treatment

The epidemiology of hernias significantly changed at the beginning of the 21st century due to the increased number of surgical operations. Postoperative ventral hernia is formed in those cases when the muscular aponeurotic layer of the anterior wall of the 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 function as a carcass.

Causes of development

The ventral hernia develops for the following reasons:

• Incorrectly performed suturing during surgery;
• Suture inflammation;
• Use of suture material of poor quality.

A weak postoperative scar provokes the development of a hernia. Additional factors that increase the risk of postoperative complications include:

• obesity;
• Chronic lung diseases, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis and other diseases;
• Connective tissue disorders;
• Inaccuracies in the postoperative recovery period (alcohol intake, exercise, non-compliance with diet and others).

Ventral hernia: stages

The development of a hernia occurs gradually. Initially, it is a small protrusion, almost without painful sensations, which can easily be inserted into the abdominal cavity in the prone position. Unpleasant sensations sometimes arise when lifting weights, sudden movements, bumps, sudden tension. At the same time, there is a slight pain, and the formation somewhat increases in size. The more the hernia grows, the more soreness increases, accompanied by bouts and spasms. This stage is characterized by a violation of the intestinal functions: constipation, stasis, flatulence, nausea. General weakness develops, physical activity decreases. The deformity of the abdomen is imperceptible in the initial stage of the disease. Formations of medium size are localized near the navel, in the groin or on the side. See the ventral hernia, photo.

The large hernia occupies a considerable area of the anterior wall of the abdomen and gives a tangible discomfort. The giant ventral hernia extends to the entire abdominal cavity and causes disruption to the entire body.

Symptoms

The main signals of the appearance of a hernia can be considered:

• Nausea, vomiting;
• Absence of defecation;
• Severe pain;
• Impossibility to correct education in the supine position.

Herniated hernia: operation

Treatment of hernia consists in the operation - hernioplasty. Depending on the location of the hernia and its stage, there are different methods of performing the operation. When the first is performed, the plastic of the hernia gates. As material, the patient's own tissues are taken. This method of treatment is shown at small sizes of formation - up to 5 cm. The operation rarely complicates, it is carried out quickly and with local anesthesia. Ventral hernia of large size is eliminated by the second method of hernioplasty. The material is a synthetic prosthesis (special mesh) that supports the intestine. To prevent the onset of a hernia, it is necessary to strictly follow all the recommendations of doctors in the recovery postoperative period: to use a special bandage, to maintain a diet, to exclude physical activity.