About this disease
What it is about
When intestines become trapped in an abdominal wall hernia, incisional hernia or inguinal hernia, the tissue can no longer be spontaneously pushed back. As a result, the tissue swells, blood circulation deteriorates and the bowel perishes.
Types
We distinguish various typical locations of abdominal wall hernias. These are located at the navel, directly above the navel, below the sternum or, less frequently, laterally at the transition from the straight to the oblique abdominal muscles.
Symptoms and consequences
Incarceration of viscera in a hernia is usually very painful. Swelling at the affected area of the abdominal wall can almost always be felt or seen, and the discomfort increases as it progresses. Because of the irritation of the peritoneum, vomiting, sweating and circulatory problems may also occur. If left untreated, entrapment of the bowel in an abdominal wall hernia is dangerous and can become life-threatening.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
An incarcerated abdominal wall or inguinal hernia can usually be easily detected by physical examination. However, if there is any doubt, the diagnosis is confirmed with a computer tomography of the abdominal cavity.
Treatment
If the trapped hernia can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, the pain quickly decreases significantly. Time is then gained and surgical treatment of the hernia can be planned within the next few days. If this does not succeed, an emergency operation is necessary.