A hernia is a condition in which an organ becomes displaced from its natural position due to weakening of the supporting tissue. Surgery aims to restore the organ’s proper position and remove excess tissue if necessary. Hernias can be treated using various methods, including classical and laparoscopic methods.
Symptoms of a hernia, regardless of its location:
A soft lump or bulge appears at the site of the hernia.
Burning, a “pulling” sensation.
Pain – occurs when tensing muscles, lifting, coughing, or defecating. It may radiate to other areas of the body.
In its initial stages, a soft lump can be retracted into the abdominal cavity and is easily movable. Symptoms, even in the initial stages, should prompt the patient to consult a specialist. In addition to pain, an untreated hernia can lead to what’s known as an incarcerated hernia. In cases of incarceration, emergency surgery is necessary, usually performed during an emergency surgical procedure. As a result, the passage of intestinal contents and its blood supply may be disrupted, which can result in intestinal necrosis. The risk of complications after such a procedure is higher than after an elective procedure performed after appropriate patient preparation. There is no conservative treatment for hernias. Certain preventative measures can only be taken to prevent complications.
Hernia surgery is not an extensive procedure, and the patient can leave the clinic the day after the procedure. Pain may occur in the first few days. The sutures are inspected and removed approximately seven to ten days after the procedure. Each patient’s recovery period is individual, and it is generally accepted that work can be resumed within 14 days of the procedure. It is recommended to avoid driving for 7 to 10 days during the postoperative period, and to avoid intense physical activity for up to three months.
An abdominal hernia is a bulge of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity). It forms when internal organs protrude outside the abdominal cavity. This bulge appears as a hard, tense lump that cannot be retracted. This lump usually enlarges with coughing, straining, or after defecation. Accompanying symptoms may include pain, which may worsen with coughing or straining. As the hernia progresses, bloating, nausea, and vomiting may also occur. Hernias most often develop due to high intra-abdominal pressure caused by physical exertion.
We distinguish between oblique inguinal hernias, direct inguinal hernias, and femoral hernias. An inguinal hernia causes a section of the abdominal cavity to become visible. It can occur as a result of persistent coughing, strenuous physical labor, childbirth, chronic constipation, prostate enlargement, trauma, or obesity. The bulge can reach several centimeters in size. This is the most common type of abdominal hernia.
It is a displacement of abdominal components under the skin, manifesting as a bulge around the umbilicus. Causes of an umbilical hernia include weakening of the transverse fascia, previous pregnancies, obesity, ascites, and abdominal tumors. Umbilical hernias are divided into congenital and acquired. Congenital hernias occur in newborns, while acquired hernias occur in adults.
The linea alba, also known as the white line, is the junction of the right and left abdominal muscles. It runs in the middle of the abdominal cavity, between the sternum and the pubic symphysis. As a result of weakening or damage (due to surgical procedures) to the abdominal muscle fibers, a hernia develops. In the initial phase, the hernia exhibits no symptoms, but in later stages, pain and discomfort appear in the epigastric region and around the umbilicus. A bulge or lump can be felt under the skin.
This is a digestive disorder that leads to the displacement of part of the stomach into the chest, resulting in a malfunction of the diaphragm. It most commonly affects obese people, smokers, the elderly, and women during pregnancy and childbirth. Lifting heavy objects, prolonged constipation, vomiting, and even prolonged stress can contribute to the condition.
Symptoms most often appear about an hour after a meal or when lying down and are associated with gastroesophageal reflux:
Treatment
During the consultation, the doctor will interview the patient, perform an ultrasound examination, and, if necessary, order additional tests, such as X-rays or a gastroscopy. In the initial phase of the disease, pharmacological treatments are initiated, but if symptoms do not improve and worsen, surgery is the only option. Surgery involves fixing the stomach in the abdominal cavity or strengthening the ring surrounding the esophageal hiatus. Treatment is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing potential complications. The symptoms should not be underestimated; an untreated hiatal hernia can lead to ulceration or inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, which in turn can even lead to cancer.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the pathological reflux of acidic gastric or non-acidic duodenal contents into the esophagus, causing symptoms and/or inflammatory changes in the esophagus. The disease is caused by an excessively frequent, transient reduction in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. In some patients, GERD is accompanied by a sliding hiatal hernia. Reflux of gastric and/or duodenal contents may be caused by an inappropriate diet, hormones, certain medications, anatomical abnormalities, or various post-operative conditions. The most common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, frequent belching, and difficulty swallowing. Surgical treatment is used in patients in whom pharmacological treatment is ineffective, who experience pulmonary and laryngeal symptoms, or who are at high risk of developing serious complications. The primary goal of antireflux surgery is to improve the function and restore the efficiency of the lower esophageal sphincter. The surgery involves creating a cuff from the gastric fundus around the abdominal portion of the esophagus (fundoplication) and stabilizing the connection between the esophagus and the stomach below the diaphragm. The surgery is performed laparoscopically. Untreated reflux disease causes inflammation of the esophagus, which leads to bleeding, ulceration, narrowing, and shortening of the esophagus. Despite regular medication, symptoms may worsen. Pharmacological therapy is not intended to address the cause, but rather to address symptoms. Forgoing surgery carries the risk of developing adenocarcinoma in the affected esophagus.