Index
Description:
The hernias of the abdominal wall are among the most common of all surgical problems. Knowing these hernias (usual and unusual) is essential for the general and pediatric surgeon’s arsenal. A hernia is a protrusion of tissue through a weakness in the abdominal wall, which can be external or internal.
Signs and symptoms
The abdominal hernias can be detected by a physical examination of the patient’s routine by the general practitioner or specialist, where pain on palpation is usually presented.
The characteristics of abdominal hernias are the following:
- Swelling or feeling of fullness at the hernia site (abdomen).
- The sensation of pain radiates towards the area where the hernia is located.
- Occasionally, there may be no pain or sensitivity during the physical examination.
- An increase in intra-abdominal pressure may occur.
The characteristics of imprisoned abdominal hernias are the following:
- The painful enlargement of a hernia or anterior defect.
- It can not be manipulated (either spontaneously or manually).
- Nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of intestinal obstruction (possibly) may occur.
The characteristics of strangulated abdominal hernias are the following:
- Patients have symptoms of an incarcerated hernia.
- Systemic toxicity secondary to intestinal ischemia is possible.
- Strangulation is likely if the pain of an incarcerated hernia persists after it reduces.
- Suspect an alternative diagnosis in patients with a large amount of pain and no evidence of incarceration or strangulation.
Causes and Development of an abdominal hernia
People can be born with weaknesses that make them prone to acquiring hernias. Anything or object that causes muscle tension weakens the tissue, causing an increase in abdominal pressure, which may eventually induce it or lead to an abdominal hernia.
The examples listed below to get a hernia include Obesity, lifting heavy objects, constipation, smoking, poor diet, or persistent cough.
