In modern surgery, one of the most common problems is a hernia. For many people, this name remains incomprehensible and they do not even know what they are dealing with when they hear such a diagnosis. Some even mistakenly believe that this is one of the varieties of a benign tumor. But in reality, everything is completely different. By and large, this pathology develops due to the protrusion of part or the entire organ entirely into the subcutaneous region between the soft and muscle tissues. Despite the fact that such a disease is serious, nevertheless, it is not among the dangerous ones.
Thanks to the high level of development of modern medicine, doctors manage to quickly put patients on their feet. Let's understand the main methods of treatment and symptoms of a hernia, so that no one else has questions about this. However, it should be noted that all information is presented for informational purposes only, and in case of any he alth problems, consultation with a qualifiedspecialist.
General information
Hernia surgery in our country is very well developed. Operations are carried out at a high level and without consequences for the he alth of patients. Further, this issue will be covered in more detail, but first we will understand the main aspects. As mentioned earlier, a hernia is the exit of any internal organ from the area occupied.
It consists of the following components:
- Hernial contents - soft tissue or the organ itself, with which the anomaly occurs.
- Gate - a hole through which the protrusion occurs.
- A bag is a shell consisting of one or more layers of soft tissues.
This is the standard anatomical structure of a hernia. Depending on the location of the pathology are divided into several types. This will be discussed in more detail later.
General classification
Protrusion can occur in various parts of the body. Depending on this, anomalies are divided into several varieties. In modern hernia surgery, there are:
- abdominal;
- vertebrates;
- groin;
- umbilical;
- perumbilical;
- femoral;
- ventral;
- diaphragmatic;
- pulmonary;
- muscular;
- spinal.
Each type of pathology has its own distinctive features and is accompanied by certain symptoms. The most commonly diagnosed varieties will be detailedSee below.
The impact of pathology on human he alth
According to doctors, hernia surgery should be carried out in the early stages of the anomaly, as it has a strong impact on the quality of life.
In addition, it leads to the following:
- development of a cosmetic defect;
- pain of varying intensity;
- feeling of weakness in lower limbs;
- problems walking in case of vertebral hernia;
- digestion and constipation.
In addition, the person should periodically go to the hospital to reduce the protrusion and wear a bandage at all times. In the absence of timely treatment, a person can even remain disabled for life. And with some very serious types of pathology, a high probability of death is created. According to medical statistics, with timely admission to the hospital for hernia surgery, approximately 99% of cases can completely cure the disease.
Possible Complications
Any disease associated with internal organs is serious, so therapy should be approached thoroughly. This is especially true for their protrusion. With timely surgery, the complications of a hernia are minimal. But if the patient turned to the doctor late, then there is a high probability of developing the following he alth problems:
- the occurrence of an inflammatory process;
- strangulated hernia;
- soft tissue injury;
- appearanceneoplasms.
Particularly dangerous is infringement. As a rule, it develops as a result of heavy lifting or spastic contraction of tissues. In abdominal hernia, it can cause compression of the intestine and lead to fecal stasis. In addition, the blood circulation of the affected organ is gradually disturbed, and it begins to function worse, as a result of which the entire body suffers.
Who should I contact?
Today, faculty hernia surgery is practiced in every medical school, so there is no shortage of qualified specialists. If you suspect a protrusion of an internal organ, then in the hospital you should contact one of the following doctors:
- surgeon;
- neurosurgeon.
- vertebrologist;
- neurologist.
The surgeon is the universal specialist. He specializes in all types of hernia, so it is best to contact him. If necessary, he will refer you for a consultation with other doctors.
Abdominal hernia
This group is the most extensive and frequently diagnosed. It includes the following types of protrusion:
- groin;
- umbilical and paraumbilical;
- Spigel line hernia;
- postoperative;
- esophageal-diaphragmatic.
According to doctors, it is for the surgery of a hernia of the anterior abdominal wall that people come to the hospital most often. It develops as a result of congenital anatomical features orexcessive physical activity. Among the main clinical manifestations are the following:
- tumor-like formation on the abdomen;
- discomfort and occasional pain;
- cough push;
- bloating;
- prolonged constipation.
Surgery is the only possible treatment for abdominal wall hernia. In the early stages, the operation goes very quickly and well. But many people go to the hospital too late, because they think that the pathology does not threaten anything serious. However, the danger exists. With prolonged absence of therapy, the patient may develop:
- infringement;
- uncontrollability;
- inflammation;
- formation of purulent accumulations.
If a hernia ruptures, the chances of saving a person will be very small. Therefore, doctors advise not to delay too long, and if the first symptoms occur, immediately go to the hospital.
Umbilical hernia
Most often, women experience this type of pathology during pregnancy or after childbirth. This is due to the fact that the umbilical muscles are weakened when carrying a baby. In addition, umbilical hernias can be congenital and appear in young children as a result of various developmental anomalies. But, as a rule, they pass on their own when growing up to 4-5 years of age.
As for adults, there is also a chance that the disease will disappear on its own in a few months. If this does not happen, then umbilical hernia surgery is necessary. However, beforesurgical intervention patients are prescribed conservative treatment. It involves wearing bandages and performing a set of physical exercises aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles.
Inguinal hernia
This disease mainly affects the stronger sex because of the anatomical features of the structure of the body. The protrusion can be observed on the left or right side, and also be bilateral. According to medical statistics, in men, this type of hernia is diagnosed in approximately 73% of cases.
At the first stages of the development of pathology, a tumor-like formation is clearly observed in the groin, but as it grows, it gradually shifts to one side. As with other types of pathology, the most effective method of treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery. The medical history is carefully studied by the doctor, after which the date of the operation is set. This also takes into account contraindications.
Among the main ones are:
- old age;
- various severe heart pathologies;
- liver failure;
- some serious brain disease.
A pre-qualified specialist conducts a complete examination of the patient and prescribes a range of tests. If necessary, pre-treatment of existing he alth problems is carried out. Surgical intervention can be performed both in the traditional way through a small incision, and under general anesthesia through several punctures inlower abdomen.
Very often, pathology manifests itself in newborns. However, in most cases, it is congenital, not acquired. The protrusion can be observed both from the first days of birth, and become noticeable after a few months. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, pediatric inguinal hernia surgery is performed. The operation is possible at any age and is performed using the same technology as in adults.
Vertebral hernia
It is considered one of the most dangerous, since the protruding organ can compress the spinal cord, which, in turn, is fraught with complete paralysis. In addition, due to constant pressure, displacement of the vertebral discs often occurs.
Among the most characteristic symptoms of this disease are the following:
- severe back pain that can radiate to the pelvic area and lower and upper limbs;
- numbness and weakness of arms and legs;
- problems with urination;
- impaired mobility.
In about 80% of cases, a conservative therapy program is selected for patients. She suggests:
- drug treatment;
- limit physical activity;
- wearing special corsets;
- physiotherapy;
- vitamin therapy.
The duration of therapy is 2-3 months, however, patients will need to take a course every few years. If no result is achieved, then a surgical operation is prescribed.
Diaphragmatichernia
A very serious disease in which the protrusion is localized in the esophagus. Due to constant pressure in the stomach, a focus of secondary inflammation develops, causing erosion.
The main symptoms are:
- acute pain in the upper peritoneum;
- heartburn;
- nasty burp;
- pain when swallowing;
- lack of appetite.
The pathology is very serious and poses an immediate threat to life. Treatment can be conservative and operational. The first suggests:
- following a special diet;
- rejection of any physical activity;
- taking medications.
But in most cases, patients are not even aware of their problem and do not go to the doctor. Therefore, very often conservative treatment does not bring any results and hospital surgery for diaphragmatic hernia is required. The operation is done in the classical way through an incision in the abdomen.
Postoperative hernias
Protrusion of organs is most often localized in the places of sutures imposed after surgical intervention. This is due to the fact that blood circulation is disturbed there, and soft tissues lose their elasticity. It is almost impossible to independently diagnose pathology in the early stages. Over time, the anomaly becomes noticeable on palpation. With this disease, conservative treatment is ineffective, so the only option is incisional hernia surgery. Specialist doesre-incision and excision of the bag. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and lasts no more than one hour.
Conclusion
Hernia, regardless of the type and location, is a serious disease that can lead to very dangerous consequences. It is not recommended to self-medicate and postpone the visit to the doctor for too long. Modern surgery is well developed, so do not be afraid to lie down on the operating table. Doctors will do everything quickly and efficiently, and in just a few weeks of rehabilitation you will be able to return to your usual life.
