Ventral Hernia
Description
A weakening in the abdominal wall that allows abdominal contents to protrude through the defect. If the intestines poke through the defect they can become blocked. At times the intestine can lose blood supply and die leading to a life threatening infection. Ventral hernias can occur after surgery and are more likely to develop if the patient is obese. Ventral hernias involving the belly button are called umbilical hernias.
Symptoms
A soft bulge abdomen that becomes larger with coughing, crying or straining, and becomes smaller with relaxation. The bulging area can be tender. If the intestines become blocked then vomiting, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension occur.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. The doctor can usually find the hernia during a physical exam. At times a CT scan or MRI will be performed to establish the diagnosis and the extent of the hernia.
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Some hernias do not need any treatment. Hernias that are very painful, or that have abdominal contents trapped in the defect require surgery. If the intestines become blocked secondary to being lodged in the hernia surgery needs to be performed as soon as possible to prevent death of the intestine. If the intestines loose blood supply (strangulation) and die they can rupture resulting in an infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and can result in death.
Related Videos
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Ventral hernia?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.