The epidemiology of hernias has changed significantly at the beginning of the 21st century due to the increased number of surgical operations. Postoperative ventral hernia is formed when the muscular-aponeurotic layer of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity diverges in the area of surgical intervention. This leads to paralytic relaxation of the muscles with their further atrophy. The anterior abdominal wall ceases to function as a framework.
Reason for development
Ventral hernia develops for the following reasons:
- Incorrect suturing during surgery;
- inflammation of the suture;
- use of poor quality suture.
Weak postoperative scar provokes the development of a hernia. Additional factors that increase the risk of postoperative complications are:
- obesity;
- chronic lung disease, diabetes, pancreatitis and other diseases;
- connective tissue disorders;
- errors in the postoperative recovery period (alcohol intake, physical activity, non-compliance with diet andothers).
Ventral hernia: stages
The development of a hernia occurs gradually. At first, it is a small protrusion, almost without pain, which can be easily set into the abdominal cavity in the supine position. Unpleasant sensations sometimes occur when lifting weights, sudden movements, shocks, sudden tension. In this case, there is a slight pain, and the formation slightly increases in size. The more the hernia grows, the more soreness increases, accompanied by seizures and spasms. This stage is characterized by impaired bowel function: constipation, congestion, flatulence, nausea. General weakness develops, physical activity decreases. Deformation of the abdomen is invisible in the initial stage of the disease. Medium-sized formations are localized near the navel, in the groin or on the side. See ventral hernia, photo.
A large hernia occupies a significant area of the anterior wall of the abdomen and causes significant discomfort. A giant ventral hernia extends to the entire abdominal cavity and causes disruption of the entire body.
Symptoms
The main signals of the appearance of a hernia can be considered:
- nausea, vomiting;
- lack of bowel movements;
- severe pain;
- impossibility of repositioning the formation in the supine position.
Ventral hernia: operation
Treatment of a hernia is an operation - hernioplasty. Depending on the location of the herniaand its stages, there are various methods for performing the operation. At the first, the plastic of the hernial ring is performed. The patient's own tissues are taken as the material. This method of treatment is indicated for small formations - up to 5 cm. During the operation, complications rarely occur, it is performed quickly and with local anesthesia. A large ventral hernia is eliminated by the second method of hernioplasty. The material used is a synthetic prosthesis (special mesh) that supports the intestines. To prevent the occurrence of a hernia, you should clearly follow all the recommendations of doctors in the recovery postoperative period: use a special bandage, follow a diet, and exclude physical activity.
