large abdominal hernia

An abdominal wall hernia is an opening or area of weakness in the abdominal wall through which abdominal contents can protrude. An abdominal wall hernia causes a noticeable bulging but little discomfort. The diagnosis is made by physical examination and sometimes ultrasonography or a computed tomography scan.

Full Answer

Does a hernia Make Your Stomach Big?

Giant Abdominal Wall Hernia. A giant abdominal wall hernia can develop from an existing ventral or incisional hernia, sometimes arising after one or more failed repair attempts. These hernias may also result from a traumatic injury where the abdomen was required to be left open and healing was delayed. In giant abdominal wall hernias, multiple loops of intestines and sometimes other abdominal organs reside within the hernia sac.

How dangerous are hernias?

Other common causes include:

• Long-standing medical conditions that increase abdominal pressure, like chronic coughing, liver cirrhosis with fluid collection (ascites), pregnancy, and obesity
• Any weakness of the abdominal wall muscles brought on by aging, for example, or disease
• Constipation, with prolonged straining
• An injury to the abdomen

What does an abdominal hernia feel like?

When you have an inguinal hernia, you may feel like:

• Pressure, weakness, or heaviness in the abdomen
• Burning, gurgling or aching where the bulge is located
• Discomfort or pain in the affected area, especially when lifting, coughing, or bending over

How can abdominal hernias be treated?

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing an abdominal hernia including:

• Avoiding lifting or pushing heavy objects
• Avoiding overexertion
• Avoiding straining to urinate
• Eating a healthy diet
• Following recovery instructions and physical restrictions after surgery
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing constipation and avoiding straining to have a bowel movement
• Quitting smoking

How serious is a large abdominal hernia?

It's still covered by skin, and by itself a hernia is not a medical emergency. However, if the organ (most often the intestines) that's poking through the wall gets trapped outside, its blood supply can get cut off. This is a true medical emergency and can even be fatal.

What is considered a large abdominal hernia?

Giant ventral hernias are defined as hernia >10 cm with loss of domain. Preoperative CT with volumetry and cardiorespiratory exploration are advocated.

Can a very large hernia be repaired?

Large incisional hernias are difficult to repair, especially in elderly patients with thin abdominal walls. Although most such incisional hernias are simply observed, they do not spontaneously resolve. Previously reported procedures are inadequate for repair of all incisional hernias.

Can a hernia cause your stomach to be big?

While a hernia may start out as a harmless bulge, it can get bigger and start to hurt. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening. So even if it doesn't seem like a big deal, it's best to see your doctor if you have symptoms of a hernia, like a lump or bulge you can't explain.

How is a large hernia treated?

A hernia is usually treated with surgery. The three main types of hernia surgery are open repair, laparoscopic (minimally invasive) repair, and robotic repair. This article provides details of each procedure .

Do large hernias need surgery?

Hernias usually don't get better on their own. They tend to get bigger. In rare cases, they can lead to life-threatening complications. That's why doctors often recommend surgery.

How do you fix a large abdominal hernia?

In an open surgery, your surgeon will make an incision large enough to remove scar tissue and fat from your abdominal wall near the hernia. They may also apply a mesh patch to hold the weakened area in your abdominal wall.

How big can a hernia bulge get?

Umbilical hernia — Intestine or fat bulges through the abdominal wall under the navel. The area of weakness in the abdominal wall can be very small (less than half an inch) or it can be as large as 2 to 3 inches.

What happens if you have a hernia for too long?

If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis. Since hernias can happen to anyone at any age, knowing warning signs of hernias and being aware of them are essential.

When is a hernia an emergency?

Symptoms of a hernia in need of emergency treatment include: Severe pain, swelling or redness at the hernia site. Hernia bulge growing quickly. Nausea and/or vomiting.

How long can you wait to have hernia surgery?

Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia. If the hernia is small and you don't have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don't bother you much, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur.

Can a umbilical hernia cause a big belly?

An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. In babies who have an umbilical hernia, the bulge may be visible only when they cry, cough or strain. Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort.

How to treat abdominal hernia?

Treatment of an abdominal hernia begins with a lifelong course of regular medical consultation and care. With regular visits, your health care provider is better able to screen for various conditions, and can more promptly evaluate symptoms and your risks for developing abdominal hernia.

What are the consequences of abdominal hernia?

Complications of abdominal hernia include: Bowel obstruction.

What is the surgical procedure for peritoneal defect?

The surgical procedure involves pushing the protruding tissues and organs back into the abdominal cavity; removing the stretched, protruding portion of the peritoneum; and closing the peritoneal defect in the abdominal wall. Often, the site will be reinforced with mesh to reduce the risk of recurrence.

How do you know if you have a hernia in your abdomen?

Common symptoms of abdominal hernia. Common symptoms of abdominal hernia include: Bulging area or lump in the belly or groin. Enlargement of the lump with an increase in abdominal pressure. Lump that is reducible with gentle pressure.

Where do hernias occur?

A hernia is a protrusion of tissue from one area of the body through the wall that contains it. The abdomen is a common place for hernias to occur. Hernias may be present at birth due to incomplete closure of a structure, or they may develop later due to increased abdominal pressure pushing against a weakened area of muscle or its fibrous sheath ...

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have symptoms such as severe abdominal pain; increased swelling of a known hernia; a painful new bulge or mass; severe nausea and vomiting; inability to have bowel movements or pass gas; decreased or absent urine output ; or high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit).

Where do umbilical hernias occur?

Umbilical hernias occur directly beneath or near the navel. Hernias that occur where a surgery has taken place are called incisional hernias. Two other types of abdominal hernias, known as ventral and epigastric hernias, often occur in the middle of the abdomen, although ventral hernias can also occur in other locations in the abdomen.

What is a hernia in the abdominal area?

A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through the wall of muscle that encircles it. There are several different types of hernias that can occur in the abdominal and surrounding areas. These include umbilical hernias, epigastric hernias, incisional hernias, and others. For more information on these specific types of hernias, ...

Why do people get abdominal wall hernias?

However, the risk of developing a hernia tends to increase as you age. Most abdominal wall hernias are caused by an area of weakness in the abdominal walls. A number of different factors can contribute to the development of that weakness.

What is an incisional hernia?

Incisional Hernia. A hernia that occurs in the area of a previous surgery is known as an incisional hernia. These hernias may occur when the abdominal wall has been weakened by surgery, or when a surgical incision becomes infected, further weakening the area. Incisional hernias are relatively common because surgical incisions weaken ...

Why do umbilical hernias need surgery?

Because they tend to grow bigger over time, umbilical hernias require treatment. Treatment typically involves surgery, but your doctor will discuss all your options with you in detail. Without treatment, you are at risk of developing a strangulated hernia, which means that blood supply to the tissue has been cut off.

How long does it take for an incisional hernia to develop?

That weakness makes it easier for a part of the intestine or other tissue to protrude. Incisional hernias can develop soon after surgery, or they can develop slowly, over months or even years. They typically occur alongside vertical incisions. Incisional hernias tend to be large and rather painful.

What is the term for a lump in the belly button?

An umbilical hernia occurs when a weak spot in the belly allows a bit of fat, fluid, or intestine to push through, creating a lump or bulge near the belly button.

What does a hernia look like?

Symptoms. Abdominal wall hernias are generally visible: they will look like a lump or bulge beneath the skin. These hernias don’t usually cause any other symptoms except for mild pain or discomfort, usually when you are straining (for instance, lifting something heavy).

How long does it take to heal a hernia?

That’s why they use an artificial mesh patch to reinforce the repair when the hernia is bigger than three centimeters across, Dr. Ortiz says. The surgery typically lasts from three to six hours, and patients spend about three days in the hospital. Full recovery usually takes about six to eight weeks.

Can a hernia be repaired?

For some patients, a hernia is a harmless bulge in their belly or groin that is either watched by their doctor or repaired surgically. But when an abdominal hernia gets too large, surgical repair gets much more difficult and likelier to cause complications.

What does it mean when you have a hernia?

Constipation, "narrow" or "thin" stool. Lump or protrusion in the abdomen; you may be asked to stand and cough, which increases abdominal pressure and makes the hernia more pronounced and easier to diagnose. Nausea, vomiting, fever or rapid heart rate. Pain in the abdomen, especially around the protrusion. If the protruding portion of intestine has ...

How to identify a ventral hernia?

To identify a ventral hernia, a health care provider may use multiple diagnostic techniques but will begin with a medical history and physical examination. The provider will inquire about and/or look for: Constipation, "narrow" or "thin" stool.

What causes a ventral hernia?

The cause of a ventral hernia can differ depending on its location as well as your medical history, health and personal anatomy. The weakness in the abdominal wall through which the intestine protrudes may be part of your body’s natural formation. It can also result from: 1 Chronic coughing, severe or chronic vomiting 2 Diabetes or other diseases 3 Heavy lifting 4 Injury or obesity 5 Pregnancy 6 Prior surgery

What causes a weakness in the abdominal wall?

It can also result from: Chronic coughing, severe or chronic vomiting. Diabetes or other diseases. Heavy lifting. Injury or obesity. Pregnancy. Prior surgery.

What is the procedure called when a camera is used to see the abdomen?

Laparoscopy. In this minimally invasive surgical procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the lower abdomen and inserts a tubelike instrument equipped with a camera, called a laparoscope, into one of the incisions. The images are displayed on a large monitor that the surgeon uses to guide the operation.

What tests are done to check for intestinal protrusion?

If your provider suspects this is the case, additional diagnostics may include: Blood tests to look for infections caused by intestinal blockage or necrosis. Ultrasound, MRI, CT or other imaging to check for blockage or actual location of the intestinal protrusion.

Where is the incision for hernia surgery?

In this surgical procedure, also known as herniorrhaphy, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen above the hernia, pushes any protruding intestine back into the abdomen and repairs the opening in the muscle wall.

What is abdominal wall hernia?

About abdominal wall hernias. Your abdominal wall, which is made up of muscles, protect the organs in your abdomen (belly). A hernia happens when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles or connective tissue (see Figure 1). Figure 1. An abdominal hernia.

What type of surgery is needed to fix a hernia?

You’ll need surgery to fix your hernia. There are different types of hernia surgeries, including an open surgery or a laparoscopic surgery. Your surgeon will speak with you about what type of hernia surgery is best for you.

How to remove scar tissue from abdominal wall?

They may also apply a mesh patch to hold the weakened area in your abdominal wall.

How does a laparoscopic surgeon repair a hernia?

In a laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen. Your abdomen will be inflated with air so that your surgeon can see your organs. Your surgeon will insert a thin, lighted scope called a laparoscope through the incision. They’ll insert tools to repair the hernia through the other incisions.

Can an incisional hernia develop in the groin?

An incisional hernia can develop around the incision (surgical cut) in the scar tissue from an earlier surgery (see Figure 2). This can happen in any surgery that was done in your abdominal area from the breastbone down to the groin. Figure 2. An abdominal incisional hernia.

What is the most common type of hernia?

The most common is a type I her nia where the place where the esophagus and stomach meet goes upward through the diaphragm, according to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. These hernia types often cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is a hernia in medical terms?

Hernias by Picture. A hernia occur s when a piece of skin or organ tissue (like the intestine) bulges through the outer tissue layer that normally holds the area in . Several different hernia types exist — and some can be extremely painful and medical emergencies. Keep reading to find out more about hernias, plus view images of some ...

What is hiatal hernia?

What it is. A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the upper portion of the stomach goes up through the diaphragm. Normally, the diaphragm keeps the stomach firmly in place, but defects can develop that allow the stomach to slide upward. Different hiatal hernia types exist. The most common is a type I hernia where the place where ...

How many percent of hernias are epigastric?

An epigastric hernia may occur in as much as 10 percent. Trusted Source. of the population, including children and adults, according to an article in the journal Hernia. While these types of hernias don’t always cause symptoms, you may be able to feel a small bump or mass that may feel tender at times.

What to do if your doctor doesn't recommend surgery for a hernia?

If your healthcare provider doesn’t recommend surgery for a hiatal hernia, you can take steps to avoid reflux symptoms. Examples include: avoiding spicy and high-fat foods. taking over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. taking H2 receptor blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) to reduce symptoms.

Where is a femoral hernia located?

A femoral hernia occurs in the lower portion of the pelvis, near the inner thigh and usually on the right side of the body. Sometimes a healthcare provider may initially diagnose a hernia as an inguinal hernia. However, after a closer look, they realize its lower location indicates it’s a femoral hernia. .

How to care for yourself after a hernia surgery?

If your surgeon is comfortable with monitoring the hernia, you should notify them immediately if you have symptoms that suggest strangulation, which can include: sharp abdominal pain. unexplained nausea. failure to pass gas or a bowel movement regularly.

What is the name of the hernia that occurs in the vertical center of the abdomen?

Ventral Hernia. A ventral hernia occurs along the vertical center of the abdominal wall. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, especially when lifting or straining. Treatment is with surgery, including open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair. Appointments 216.444.7000.

How long does it take for an abdominal hernia to develop?

Up to one-third of patients who have had an abdominal surgery will develop an incisional hernia at the site of their scar. This type of hernia can occur anytime from months to years after an abdominal surgery.

What is the purpose of ventral hernia surgery?

The goal of ventral hernia surgery is to repair the hole/defect in the abdominal wall so that the intestine and other abdominal tissue cannot bulge through the wall again. The surgery often restores the tone and shape of the abdominal wall by repairing the hole and bringing the muscles back to their normal position.

How to tell if you have a ventral hernia?

Often, the first sign is a visible bulge under the skin in the abdomen or an area that is tender to the touch. The bulge may flatten when lying down or pushing against it.

Why is mesh used in hernia repair?

A surgical mesh material may be inserted to strengthen the weakened area in the abdominal wall. Advantages of this approach compared with open hernia repair include a lower risk of infection, because smaller-sized incisions are used.

What tests are done to check for a ventral hernia?

These tests may include an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study.

Why is my abdominal wall weak?

There are many causes including: Weakness at the incision site of a previous abdominal surgery (which could result from an infection at the surgery site or failed surgical repair/mesh placement). Weakness in an area of the abdominal wall that was present at birth.

Types of Abdominal Wall Hernias

• Epigastric Hernia
  An epigastric hernia occurs when a weakened area in the abdominal wall allows a bit of fat to push through. Epigastric hernias are typically small. They occur in the middle of the belly, in the area between the belly button and the breastbone. Some patients develop more than one epigas…
• Incisional Hernia
  A hernia that occurs in the area of a previous surgery is known as an incisional hernia. These hernias may occur when the abdominal wall has been weakened by surgery, or when a surgical incision becomes infected, further weakening the area. Incisional hernias are relatively common …

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