Abdominal Wall Hernias and Potential Complications

By Deon Kacy

Although hernias in and of itself are not dangerous, the resulting symptoms could have long-term and sometimes deadly effects. Hernias can develop in various regions of the body -- but abdominal wall hernias are the most common.

The abdomen can be thought of as a compartment that houses your rib cage, liver, stomach and groin. A hernia can occur when the abdominal wall becomes weak or stretched. Organs and tissue can protrude out of a damaged wall, causing a painful intrusion.

The demographic most at risk of developing hernias are males over the age of 35.

An inguinal hernia makes up the vast majority of abdominal wall hernias. The inguinal canal is a passage in the abdominal wall towards the front of the body. This passage contains the spermatic cord in men and what is known as the round ligament in women. There are two inguinal canals in each body - on both the left and right sides of the abdomen.

Many people go through life with a hernia but never come to detect it. However, those who do feel pain and discomfort in the abdominal area should check for lumps or unusual swelling - particularly in the groin region. The lump usually increases in size when you are standing or coughing. A simple physical examination from a doctor is usually all that's needed to confirm that a hernia does exist.

There are potential complications that can arise from an abdominal wall hernia. The lump can become trapped (or incarcerated) cutting off blood supply (known as strangulation) to the contents of the hernia. This is especially dangerous because gangrene or peritonitis can develop. Because hernias can indirectly affect bowel functions, patients may find themselves feeling nauseous and vomiting frequently.

If your hernia is not that severe, a gentle massage can usually coax it back into the abdominal wall. However, a more serious condition may require surgery.

Treating an abdominal wall hernia is a relatively simple procedure that takes less than an hour. The goal of repair is to strengthen the abdominal wall.

The Shouldice technique is one of the most trusted and reputable procedures in hernia repair. Developed during World War II by Dr. Edward Earle Shouldice, the technique is performed at the Shouldice Hospital in Thornhill, Ontario. While other hernia repairs involve placing a mesh over the weakened area, Shouldice does not insert foreign objects into the body. Rather, practising surgeons carefully sew muscle layers together in an overlapping fashion to strengthen the abdominal wall.

Some patients may refuse hernia repair because of the potential side-effects and complications of surgery. However, the benefits of a successful operation far outweigh some of the minor symptoms you may experience afterwards. Side-effects can include chronic fatigue, recurrence and perhaps infection.

Although this type of surgery is performed in hospitals across the country, patients should opt for a clinic that specializes in hernia repair. An experienced hernia doctor can provide you with treatment that is custom-tailored and appropriate for your particular condition.

Deon Kacy is an ardent reader and have an opinion for whatever she come across. Writing sometimes becomes an obsession and a way to get away from the asking of a busy day. Treating an abdominal wall hernia is a relatively simple procedure that takes less than an hour. The Article is all about the goal of repairing Abdominal hernia and strengthening the abdominal wall.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deon_Kacy