Hernias Umbilical Hernia When to See a Surgeon? What Are Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia? How is Repair Performed?

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Milo Hutchinson
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Hernias Umbilical Hernia An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias are common and typically harmless.

1 Hernias Umbilical Hernia An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias are common and typically harmless. They are most common in infants, but they can affect adults as well. An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort. When to See a Surgeon? If you have a bulge near your navel. Seek emergency care if the bulge becomes painful or tender. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications. What Are Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia? In adults, too much abdominal pressure can cause an umbilical hernia. Possible causes in adults include: Obesity Multiple pregnancies Fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) Previous abdominal surgery Chronic peritoneal dialysis Adults with umbilical hernia are somewhat more likely to experience incarceration or obstruction of the intestines. Emergency surgery is typically required to treat these complications. How is Repair Performed? An small incision is made in the folds of the bellybutton. The hernia sac and its contents are pushed back into the abdominal cavity and the hernia defect is closed back with strong suture. Placement of a mesh may also be necessary.!

2 Ventral and Incisional Hernias Hernias most commonly develop in the abdominal wall, where an area weakens and develops a tear or hole. Abdominal tissue or part of the intestines may push through this weakened area, causing pain and potentially serious complications. Ventral hernias are a type of abdominal hernia. They may develop as a defect at birth, resulting from incomplete closure of part of the abdominal wall, or develop where an incision was made during an abdominal surgery, occurring when the incision doesn't heal properly. Incisional hernias can develop soon after surgery or many years later. They affect as many as 30 percent of the patients who have abdominal surgery, such as an appendectomy. What Are the Signs and Symptoms? Ventral hernias cause a bulge or lump in the abdomen, which increases in size over time. In some cases, the lump may disappear when you lie down, and then reappear or enlarge when you put pressure on your abdomen, such as when you stand, or lift or push something heavy. When tissue inside the hernia becomes stuck or trapped in abdominal muscle, it can cause pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. In rare cases, this may lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as strangulation, which requires emergency surgery. This occurs when the blood supply to the herniated bowel is cut off or greatly reduced, causing the bowel tissue to die or rupture. Other symptoms of a strangulated hernia include severe abdominal pain, profuse sweating, severe nausea, vomiting, fevers and a rapid heartbeat. How is ventral or Incisional Hernia Diagnosed? In most cases, a hernia can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the abdomen.

Your doctor will examine the area where a ventral hernia may exist and may ask you to cough while examining your abdomen. A CT scan may be performed as part of the diagnosis.

3 Your doctor will examine the area where a ventral hernia may exist and may ask you to cough while examining your abdomen. A CT scan may be performed as part of the diagnosis. How Is a Ventral or Incision Hernia repaired? Hernias can be repaired in the traditional open fashion or laparoscopically. In our practice, we use advaned laparoscopic techniques to repair most. The laparoscope, a tiny telescope with a television camera attached, is used to view the hernia from the inside. The laparoscope is placed inside a cannula, or small, hollow tube, which is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. In most cases, three or four incisions of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size are made to insert the cannula, instruments used to remove any scar tissue and a special mesh. The mesh is placed behind the abdominal muscles instead of between the muscles. It is held in place by surgical tacks or sutures. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Compared to traditional hernia surgery, laparoscopic repair includes less post-surgery pain, less wound numbness and an earlier return to work and normal activities. What is a Parastomal Hernia? A parastomal hernia is an incisional hernia at or near the site of a colostomy or ileostomy. How is it repaired? It can be repaired in the same manner as any other incisional hernia, but may also require the relocation of the ostomy to a different site in the abdomen.

Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic

4 Inguinal Hernia An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak area in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge in the groin can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object. Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men. An inguinal hernia isn t necessarily dangerous. It doesn't improve on its own, however, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that's painful or enlarging is the gold standard. Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure that can be done both open and laparoscopically.

-All patients cleared for general anesthesia with bilateral, unilateral or recurrent inguinal hernia -Previous intraabdominal surgical procedures are not a contraindication How Is TAPP Performed?

5 What is the TAPP Laparoscopic Repair? -The TAPP laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is a common and safe procedure in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic general surgeon Who Is a Candidate for TAPP? -All patients cleared for general anesthesia with bilateral, unilateral or recurrent inguinal hernia -Previous intraabdominal surgical procedures are not a contraindication How Is TAPP Performed? -Under General Anesthesia, two 5mm incisions are made to each side of a 10mm incision over the umbilicus -These incisions are use to place ports that allow for the use of a camera and working instruments -The hernia contents and sac are reduced and a mesh is used to cover the muscle defect, thus covering and strengthening the area of weakness What is the Post Op Care? -TAPP is a same day surgery -Patients can return to most activities (except for heavy lifting, swimming), including a regular diet and shower -Some pain, swelling and constipation can be experienced after surgery -You ll need to return to the office 7-10 days after surgery

Hernia. emoryhealthcare.org

Hernia. emoryhealthcare.org Hernia Have you noticed a bulge or pain in your abdominal wall or groin? If so you may have a hernia. You may be in the process of confirming this diagnosis with your Primary Care Physician or already