Incarcerated Hernia – Symptoms and Treatment

INCARCERATED HERNIA – SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT BY DR.VALERIA SIMONE MD, (SOUTHLAKE GENERAL SURGERY,TEXAS)

OVERVIEW An organ or tissue that has become trapped in a hernia and cannot be pulled back into the abdomen is known as incarcerated hernia. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention as it can cause extreme pain, swelling, and even internal bleeding. Left untreated, incarcerated hernias can lead to tissue death and infection, so it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Treatment for incarcerated hernias often involves hernia surgery to release the trapped organ or tissue and resolve the symptoms.

CAUSES OF INCARCERATED HERNIAS There are several possible causes of incarcerated hernias, including: • weakened abdominal muscles • heavy lifting • straining during bowel movements, and • an increase in abdominal pressure due to pregnancy or obesity. In some cases, it can be caused by a birth defect or previous surgery that did not heal properly. It’s important to note that incarcerated hernias can occur in any area of the abdomen, from the diaphragm to the groin.

SYMPTOMS OF INCARCERATED HERNIAS Symptoms of incarcerated hernias may include severe and sudden abdominal pain, a visible lump on the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, a feeling of pressure in the abdominal area, and difficulty urinating. In some cases, the lump may be visible only when the patient is standing up or coughing. If the hernia is strangulated, the patient may experience fever, chills, and a rapid heartbeat. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

DIAGNOSIS OF INCARCERATED HERNIAS To diagnose an incarcerated hernia, a doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include a gentle abdominal massage to locate the hernia. To be sure, a doctor may order imaging tests like an X-ray or CT scan. There are times when it is necessary to check for an infection with a blood test. It is often advised that a person with a suspected hernia undergo surgery to remove the organ or tissue that has become trapped.

TREATMENT OF INCARCERATED HERNIAS According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD, an experienced general surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, the treatment of incarcerated hernias typically involves surgery to release the trapped organ or tissue and repair the hernia itself. Depending on the size and location of the hernia, the surgery may be Laparoscopic Repair Hernia Surgery or open hernia surgery. It typically takes between one and two hours to do the procedure under general anesthesia. In order to remove the trapped tissue or organ, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and use surgical instruments to perform the procedure. Following the removal of the affected tissue, the hernia will be treated with sutures and mesh reinforcement.

RISK FACTORS OF INCARCERATED HERNIAS Those with certain risk factors are more likely to develop an incarcerated hernia, such as people who are overweight or obese, women who are pregnant, and those who have recently lifted heavy objects or strained during bowel movements. Additionally, people who have weakened abdominal muscles due to age or previous surgery may be more likely to experience an incarcerated hernia. It is important to recognize these risk factors and take steps to reduce them whenever possible. By doing so, individuals can reduce their risk of a serious medical issue such as an incarcerated hernia.

COMPLICATIONS OF INCARCERATED HERNIAS Complications of an incarcerated hernia can be serious and may include: • tissue death • infection • internal bleeding • obstruction of the intestine. In some cases, the hernia may not be able to be repaired and may require more extensive surgery or even removal of part of the intestine. Additionally, long-term complications can arise if the hernia is not repaired in a timely manner, such as chronic pain and an increased risk of the hernia becoming incarcerated again. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any of these symptoms are present to reduce the risk of further complications.

PREVENTION OF INCARCERATED HERNIAS  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding activities that can increase abdominal pressure, like heavy lifting or straining during bowel movements, can help prevent incarcerated hernias.  Let’s explore more: Incarcerated Hernia – Symptoms and Treatment - Southlake General Surgery

APPOINTMENT  For more information on the topic “Incarcerated Hernia – Symptoms and Treatment” or consultation about Hernia with Dr. Valeria Simone MD, at Southlake General Surgery, Texas. You can contact our healthcare expert today for a quick appointment at +1 (817) 748-0200. You can also make an online appointment with us.  Follow us on Facebook and YouTube.  Source: Incarcerated Hernia – Symptoms and Treatment - Southlake General Surgery

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