It is a condition in which organs or tissues inside the abdomen protrude through weakened abdominal muscles. It usually occurs around the navel, in the groin area, or near surgical scars. Pain, swelling, and discomfort are common symptoms. If left untreated, a hernia can grow and lead to serious complications.
Abdominal Wall Hernia Causes
An abdominal wall hernia occurs when organs or tissues protrude through the weakened abdominal muscles. A hernia usually occurs due to factors that strain or put pressure on the abdominal muscles. Several main factors stand out among the causes of this hernia.
One of the most common causes is excessive pressure on the abdominal area. Heavy lifting, strenuous physical activities or sudden movements can cause excessive strain on the abdominal muscles, causing a hernia. Individuals who lift weights with incorrect technique are especially at risk.
Chronic coughing can also cause the muscles to weaken by constantly putting pressure on the abdominal wall. The risk increases in smokers or those with long-term respiratory diseases. Similarly, chronic constipation can increase intra-abdominal pressure, causing a hernia.
Obesity is another factor that increases the risk of abdominal wall hernia. Excess weight puts constant pressure on the abdominal muscles, causing them to weaken. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of hernia by stretching the abdominal wall.
Abdominal Wall Hernia Symptoms
An abdominal wall hernia occurs when organs protrude through areas where the abdominal muscles are weakened or damaged. Hernia symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the size and location of the hernia. However, there are some common points among the common symptoms.
The most obvious symptom is a visible or palpable swelling in the abdomen. This swelling is usually more noticeable when standing, coughing, or lifting something heavy. However, this swelling may decrease or disappear completely when resting or lying down.
Pain and discomfort in the herniated area are also common. Pain usually increases during physical activity. Movements that put pressure on the abdominal area, such as coughing, sneezing, bending over, or lifting a heavy load, can trigger pain. As the hernia grows and puts more pressure on the abdominal muscles, the pain can become more severe.
Some people may also experience a feeling of fullness in the abdominal area, constipation or digestive problems. Especially in inguinal hernias, intestinal compression may cause difficulty in bowel movements.
Diagnosis of Abdominal Wall Hernia
Diagnosis of an abdominal wall hernia is usually made based on the patient's complaints and physical examination. The symptoms of a hernia are usually clear and characteristic. Therefore, the doctor first listens to the patient's story and asks when and how the complaints started. Attention is paid to whether the patient has a visible swelling or bulge, especially in the abdominal area.
During the physical examination, the doctor asks the patient to stand up, cough, or tense their abdominal muscles. During this time, a swelling or abnormal protrusion in the hernia area may be observed. The hernia swelling usually disappears when the patient is in a lying position. Doctors can reach a diagnosis by evaluating this situation.
Some imaging methods can also be used to clarify the diagnosis. Ultrasound is a frequently used method to evaluate muscle weaknesses in the abdominal wall and the contents of the hernia sac. In addition, advanced imaging techniques such as CT and MRI are preferred to determine the size and location of the hernia in more detail.
These imaging methods are especially important when the patient has small and difficult-to-see hernias. The size of the hernia and the risk of complications are taken into account when determining the treatment plan. Early diagnosis is critical to preventing possible complications.
Abdominal Wall Hernia Treatment
The treatment of an abdominal wall hernia is usually determined by the size of the hernia, the symptoms, and the patient's general health. Since a hernia does not heal on its own, it requires treatment. The main purpose of treatment is to relieve the discomfort caused by the hernia and eliminate the risk of complications.
For small, asymptomatic hernias, doctors will monitor the condition closely and evaluate the need for surgery. However, if the hernia is growing or is causing symptoms such as pain, surgery is usually considered the most effective solution.
Surgical intervention is performed by two main methods: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery, an incision is made in the area where the hernia is located. This is done by placing the herniated tissue back into the abdomen and repairing the weak muscle area. Usually, a synthetic mesh (patch) is used to strengthen the muscle wall and reduce the risk of recurring hernia.
Laparoscopic surgery, is a less invasive method, allowing the hernia to be repaired by making a few small incisions in the abdominal area. In this method, a mesh can also be used and the patient recovers in a shorter time. It is a preferred method, especially with its faster recovery time and less pain.
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