Abdominal hernia: what it is, symptoms and causes

Abdominal hernia is characterized by a bulging of some organ in the belly out of the body, which usually does not cause symptoms, but can cause pain, swelling and redness in the area, especially when there is a trapping or twisting of the organs that are inside the hernia..

The treatment for abdominal hernia is done through surgery to replace that part of the organ behind the abdominal muscles. The surgery is simple, without the need for general anesthesia and, generally, the person remains in the hospital for only 1 day.

Main symptoms

The presence of an abdominal hernia is noticed due to the existence of a swelling or a lump in the belly region, mainly in the region above the navel, inside the navel and in the groin. This swelling is formed when the contents of the belly, usually the intestine, manage to overtake the belly muscle, forming a hernial sac.

Generally, the contents of the hernia sac can move in and out freely, without causing symptoms, or causing minor discomfort. However, when the orifice of the passage of the organs becomes narrower, the so-called imprisoned or strangled hernia occurs, which can present symptoms, such as:

Severe pain at the hernia site or in the abdomen; Swelling and redness at the hernia site; Nausea and vomiting.

This condition is serious, and should be treated with surgery as soon as possible, due to the risk of lack of blood circulation to the organs, causing inflammation, perforation, infection and death of the cells, which is necrosis.

Possible complications of abdominal hernia

Although most hernias are resolved only by manipulating the hernia to the abdominal cavity, in some cases this is not possible, and may result in complications. One of the main complications is the strangulation of an organ in the abdominal region, most of the time in the intestine, with decreased blood circulation to the site, which may result in necrosis.

In addition to strangulation, there may also be intestinal obstruction, in which the intestinal contents cannot pass through the hernia region, which can cause nausea and vomiting, in addition to constipation.

What causes abdominal hernia

The hernia happens when there is a weakening of the belly tissue, which can be genetic, or which can arise after an increase in pressure inside the belly, as in activities that require a lot of physical effort, due to obesity or pregnancy, for example.

The main types of abdominal hernia are:

Inguinal, in the groin area, which is the most common type. Learn how to identify and treat an inguinal hernia; Epigastric, which is above the navel, at the junction between the muscles of the abdomen. Learn more about epigastric hernia; Umbilical, is the most common in babies, and usually regresses without needing surgery in the first years of life. See what to do in case of umbilical hernia; Incisional, it happens in the place of some old surgery, due to the weakening of the place where the suture was made.

To diagnose abdominal hernia, the doctor may do a physical examination to assess the swelling of the belly, but confirmation is made by an ultrasound examination of the abdomen.

Abdominal hernia surgery

The main treatment for hernias is surgery, however, in some cases, they may regress on their own, as in the case of small hernias or hernias in the baby, especially the umbilical.

The surgery is performed in a surgical center, with local or spinal anesthesia, and can be done by opening the abdomen or by laparoscopy, in a procedure that lasts about 1 hour. Thus, the organs are pushed and reintroduced into the abdomen, and the opening is closed with suture.

When the muscles of the belly are very weak, it may be necessary to place a mesh to reinforce the protection and reduce the chances of forming a new hernia.

How is recovery

The postoperative period of abdominal hernia surgery usually takes place with a quick recovery, and in 1 to 2 days you are discharged from the hospital. The recommendations are:

Use of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, prescribed by the doctor; Do not make efforts such as driving or carrying weight for 7 to 10 days; Return to the reevaluation consultation with the surgeon in 7 days; Perform more intense physical activities, such as sports after 1 month.

Most of the time, the hernia is cured with the surgery and, therefore, there is a very small risk of returning.