Abdominal Wall Hernias
General SurgeryAbdominal hernias; It is one of the most common and treated diseases in surgical clinics. They have different names depending on the area where the defect in the abdominal wall is located.
Depending on their location, abdominal wall hernias can be called epigastric hernia located between the navel and the chest from top to bottom, umbilical hernia (umbilical hernia), periumbilical hernia around the navel, inguinal hernia (groin hernia) in the groin areas, and femoral hernia. Special types of hernia, such as Spiegel hernia through the abdominal muscles and obturator hernia in the deep areas of the groin, are rare. A type of hernia called incisional hernia may develop in any area where there is an incision due to weakness or opening in the abdominal wall after surgery.
Conditions such as chronic cough, difficulty urinating due to prostate disease, presence of intra-abdominal masses, chronic constipation, obesity and pregnancy are risk factors for the formation of abdominal wall hernias. Some connective tissue diseases also contribute to the formation of hernias.
The most common hernias are inguinal hernias. During the embryo period, your testicles migrate to the bag called the scrotum. Meanwhile, the vessels feeding the testicles and the reproductive tract pass through an opening from the inside of the abdomen to the outside. This opening is normally closed. With advancing age and the above risk factors, this opening may widen or the groin wall may weaken and herniate. This is called inguinal hernia.
Femoral hernias occur when the space next to the veins going to the leg expands.
The most important reason for treating hernias is strangulation, which can be described as the compression of the contents and disruption of blood circulation. Apart from this, they may cause pain complaints, especially in the early periods.
Untreated hernias grow larger and worsen the patient's quality of life and aesthetic structure.
Hernia Treatment
Since they are real anatomical disorders, the only treatment is surgical repair methods. Various types of patches can be used to provide tissue support during repair.
Hernia surgeries can now be performed laparoscopically. With this technique, it is possible to get rid of this disease with fewer incisions and less pain. It should be considered as the ideal treatment option in experienced hands. The choice of open or laparoscopy in treatment should be made by mutual decision of the surgeon and the patient.
After the surgery, the patient is asked to follow some protective measures such as not lifting heavy objects or doing heavy abdominal exercises for a while. Relapses may occur, although rare, especially in patients who cannot comply with these precautions.