Related articles: Abdominal hernia
Definition
An abdominal hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents through a zone of weakness of the wall that normally contains the viscera of the abdomen in their natural cavity.
The development of abdominal hernias can be favored by a congenital or acquired weakening of the muscular and connective tissues of the abdomen. Other predisposing factors include obesity, trauma, ascites, pregnancy, chronic peritoneal dialysis and previous abdominal surgery.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Bad digestion
- Colic
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- heartburn
- Abdominal swelling
- Abdominal mass
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Inflated stomach
- He retched
- Biliary vomiting
Further indications
The abdominal hernia can cause a small swelling visible from the outside, which makes the abdominal wall asymmetric, or it can form in the internal structures of the body.
Hernial swelling can be asymptomatic or cause mild discomfort. In many cases, the abdominal hernia manifests itself only in particular situations, such as during physical efforts or under coughing, and disappears when the subject lies down or exerts a gentle compression with the hand on the prominent area. However, if the mass further protrudes outside it may cause inconstant pain, a feeling of weight or a foreign body and difficulty in digestion.
The possible complications of the hernias of the abdominal wall are determined by the compression (up to the constriction) of the part of the intestine coming out of the abdominal breccia (incarcerated or strangled hernia).
The incarcerated form does not fall with the continuous and delicate palpation of the abdominal surface (for this reason it is called an irreducible hernia). The strangled abdominal hernia, on the other hand, determines a fixed, gradually worsening pain, typically associated with nausea and vomiting. The strangulated hernias are ischemic due to the physical constriction of their vascularization and can lead to the development of necrosis and perforation, with inflammation of the entire abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
The diagnosis is clinical. On palpation of the abdominal wall, the hernia appears as a soft swelling of variable volume. If the physical examination is doubtful, an ultrasound scan can be performed.
Treatment includes surgical correction to restore the integrity of anatomical structures. A complicated hernia (incarcerated or strangled) requires urgent medical intervention.
