About this disease
What it concerns
Abdominal wall hernias are protrusions of abdominal fat or viscera at specific locations on the abdominal wall, which we define as weak points. Triggering mechanisms are high physical stress, obesity and familial predisposition. We distinguish between abdominal wall hernias in the midline - from the sternum to the navel to the pubic bone - and those on the lateral abdominal wall.
Symptoms and consequences
The visible protrusion, which looks like a swelling, is the typical symptom of abdominal wall hernia. It is usually located on the line connecting the sternum and pubis, but in rarer cases it can also be found on the side. It may occur with or without pain. Rarely, entrapment occurs. Portions of the intestine then slip into the abdominal wall gap and do not spontaneously come free. This can lead to a dangerous impairment of blood flow to the intestine, which requires immediate medical treatment.
How we can help you
Examination and diagnosis
Abdominal wall hernias can usually be seen with the naked eye or felt with the hand. For a precise assessment of the abdominal wall, an ultrasound examination or a computer tomography of the abdominal wall is useful.
Treatment
Treatment of abdominal wall hernias is usually surgical. The aim is to anatomically restore all layers of the abdominal wall and close the gap. Depending on the size and location of the abdominal wall hernia, the use of plastic meshes may be necessary to achieve a long-term stable situation. A variety of surgical techniques are available, including minimally invasive ones.