Abdominal Wall Hernias

Abdominal wall hernias refer to the protrusion of internal abdominal organs due to a tear or weakening of the abdominal wall. The abdominal wall contains muscles and connective tissues whose function is to protect the tissues and organs inside the abdomen. Tears or weaknesses in this wall can lead to internal organs protruding outwards from the abdominal wall. This condition is defined as an abdominal wall hernia. Serving his patients in Adana, Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan explained what abdominal wall hernias are, their symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment methods.

What are the Symptoms of Abdominal Wall Hernia?

The symptoms caused by an abdominal wall hernia vary for each patient. Symptoms are shaped by the location, type, size, and severity of the hernia. If we need to list the symptoms seen in abdominal wall hernias;

• Swelling or lump formation
• Pain and discomfort felt in the area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Infection in the hernia area and redness resulting from this infection

It is recommended that individuals experiencing one or more of these symptoms for some time consult a doctor without delay.

What Causes Abdominal Wall Hernia?

The main cause of abdominal wall hernias is a tear or weakening of the abdominal wall for any reason. Multiple factors can lead to weaknesses in the abdominal wall and, consequently, abdominal wall hernias. If we need to list these causes:

• A history of abdominal hernias in the person's family
• Congenital weakness in some points of the abdominal wall
• Suddenly lifting heavy objects
• Being excessively overweight
• Pregnancy
• Feeling pressure on the abdominal wall due to chronic cough complaints
• Weakening of muscles and connective tissues with advancing age
• Incisions and stitches in the abdominal wall due to past surgical operations

How Many Types of Abdominal Wall Hernia Are There?

Abdominal wall hernias are classified into different types according to their location. Inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, femoral hernia, spigelian hernia, or incisional hernia are among the types of abdominal wall hernias. If we need to examine them one by one:

Inguinal Hernia – It is one of the most common abdominal wall hernias. It occurs in the groin area of the patient and is more common in men than in women. It can lead to internal organs protruding outwards in the groin area.

Femoral Hernia – It appears in the canal located immediately below the patient's groin area, between the thigh and the abdomen. Femoral hernia cases are more common in women than in men.

Umbilical Hernia – Umbilical hernia cases occur around the navel. Umbilical hernias, which are more common in babies, are usually congenital, meaning present from birth.

Incisional Hernia – These types of hernias form in the upper part of the abdominal wall, between the navel and the breastbone. They are seen more rarely than other abdominal wall hernias.

Spigelian Hernia – These hernias, which form in the lateral part of the abdominal wall along the line called Spigelian, are also among the rare types of hernias.

How is Abdominal Wall Hernia Diagnosed?

To diagnose an abdominal wall hernia, a physical examination is performed first. Afterward, the doctor uses imaging technologies to confirm the diagnosis. During the physical examination, the doctor checks for a lump in the hernia area. They inquire about any history of hernia in the patient's family. They investigate how long the symptoms suggesting a hernia have been present or which movements trigger these hernia symptoms.

Following the physical examination, imaging technologies such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance, and computed tomography are used. All these imaging technologies enable the determination of the hernia's size and location. After an abdominal wall hernia is diagnosed, the necessary evaluations are made to decide which treatment method will be preferred.

How is Abdominal Wall Hernia Treated?

The first stage in the treatment of abdominal wall hernia is observation and follow-up. To stop the growth of abdominal wall hernias and reduce bothersome symptoms, it is beneficial for the patient not to lift heavy objects and to support the abdominal muscles when sneezing or coughing. A hernia belt may be applied to some patients, thereby closing the area in asymptomatic hernias. For definitive treatment of abdominal wall hernias, surgical operations are generally resorted to. With hernia surgeries, the internal organs are placed back into their natural positions. Afterward, the weak area in the abdominal wall is closed and reinforced with a mesh to prevent recurrence. Surgical operation can be performed by open surgery or laparoscopic surgery method depending on the patient's condition. In laparoscopic abdominal hernia surgeries, several minimal incisions are made in the patient's abdominal wall. A camera and small surgical equipment are inserted into the patient's body through these incisions. The prolapsed internal organs are placed back into the abdomen. Afterward, a mesh is applied to the weak area. Since the incisions made are minimal, the recovery process is much faster and more comfortable compared to open surgeries. In surgeries performed by the open surgery method, larger incisions are made. In such cases, the recovery process is longer, and the risk of complications is higher. Therefore, open surgery is preferred in cases of large hernias.

Is Abdominal Wall Hernia Dangerous?

Hernias occurring in the abdominal wall can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Therefore, it is beneficial to consult a specialist doctor without delay when symptoms suggesting an abdominal wall hernia appear.

Where Does Abdominal Hernia Pain Radiate To?

Pain caused by abdominal hernia usually manifests around the navel and in the groin area. This pain can especially increase during sneezing and coughing.

Which Department Should Be Visited for Abdominal Hernia?

When symptoms of abdominal wall hernias are encountered, it is necessary to consult the general surgery department without delay.

Does Umbilical Hernia Cause Swelling in the Abdomen?

Umbilical hernia cases can often lead to swelling and lump formation in the abdomen. As organs protrude outwards, they can create a visible swelling.

Does Umbilical Hernia Show Up on Ultrasound?

Umbilical hernia is a condition that can be detected with an ultrasonography examination. The size and location of the hernia can be determined using ultrasound technique.

How Long Does Umbilical Hernia Surgery Take?

Every operation has its unique dynamics. The duration of surgery can vary depending on numerous factors. Umbilical hernia surgeries can generally be completed within one to two hours. This duration may vary depending on the complexity of the surgical operation.