A strangulated hernia is a perilous ailment. Fatty tissue or a part of the small intestines pushes through a debilitated space of the abdominal muscle. The nearby muscle then locks down all over the tissue, blocking the blood circulation to the small intestine.
This sort of strangulation of the small intestines can prompt intestinal damage, gangrene (passing), or shock of the distending tissue, which can prompt demise.
How to identify the symptoms of a strangulated hernia?
In contrast to various sorts of hernias, a strangulated hernia causes various serious indications. Several individuals have noticeable lumps in their abdomen or crotch area, which is an obvious sign of a hernia. Other symptoms might include:
- constipation, unable to pass gas, nausea, and vomiting
- inflammation around the hernia
- sudden acute pain that gets worse
- blood in stools
- darkening or redness of the skin over the hernia
- fatigue, or increased heart rate
- fever
Difference between Strangulated Hernia and Incarcerated Hernia
An incarcerated hernia happens when herniated tissue gets stuck and can only be moved once again into the right spot with significant effort. An incarcerated hernia can also prompt a bowel blockage or strangulation a life-threatening condition. This states, a strangulated hernia can’t cause an incarcerated hernia.
But an individual can have a strangulated hernia from an incarcerated hernia. A strangulated hernia should be treated immediately by medical experts. However, incarcerated hernias are not dangerous for life.
Causes of strangulated hernia
Strangulated hernias may be available upon birth; however, they can develop at any age throughout life. When the tissue in the abdomen debilities you are more likely to have a strangulated hernia prompting potential sections where tissue folds can fall through the muscle tissue.
The risk factor that may cause strangulated hernia include:
- prior abdominal surgery such as C-section delivery that can debilitate the stomach wall
- stressing during bowel movements
- pregnancy
- chronic coughing
- strenuous activity
When to consult a doctor?
A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency, and it is treated immediately. Your doctor examines your medical condition and performs surgery. Your doctor will diagnose the health condition in the emergency room due to a medical emergency. The doctor may prescribe for X-ray or ultrasound to examine the hernia’s size and look for bowel obstruction.
It is always recommended to consult your doctor if you notice any type of hernia and don’t until you notice any symptoms.
Treatment of a strangulated hernia
Hernia surgery is the lone treatment of a strangulated hernia for any individual. Hernia surgery should be performed as early as possible to avoid further complications or tissue damage.
Strangulated hernia surgery can be performed in two ways – Laparoscopic hernia surgery or Open surgery. In this process, the doctor starts by reducing the hernia by tender pressure to the hernia to release the stuck tissue to its original place in the abdomen.
Thereafter, the surgeon examines the condition if required damaged tissue will be removed. The surgeon will fix the hernia and strengthen the hernia site with mesh to forestall recurrence or other complexities. The doctor will use local or general anesthesia based on the type of surgery prescribed for the patient.
The doctor recommends open hernia surgery for strangulated hernias. Based on the patient’s medical condition and medical history, the doctor will recommend the type of surgical procedure to repair the hernia.
Recovery after hernia surgery
Recovery time after hernia surgery is based on the surgical procedure and medical condition of the patient. The patient heals faster with less blood loss, less scars, minimal invasion, and the patient can discharge within 24 hours after the laparoscopic surgery. Open Surgery takes a little longer to heal after the surgery and the patient needs to stay in the hospital for a couple of days.
The doctor recommends avoiding any physical activities such as lifting heavy weights and extensive workouts for few weeks after the surgery for a speedy recovery. However, the patient can resume their routine activities in a week or two.
What are the complications that might happen without treatment?
The complications could be severe if an individual doesn’t receive treatment for strangulated hernia. Strangulated tissue or fold can block the blood circulation to the small intestines. This can prompt gangrenous in a couple of hours consequently; the tissue dies and releases toxins in the blood. It further prompts sepsis and possible demise.
Takeaway
With proper treatment, an individual can avoid the complication and it is good to receive the strangulated treatment at the earliest.
Anyone can forestall a strangulated hernia by recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical advice on time. It will reduce the risk of hernia becoming strangulated. In case you notice your symptoms are getting worse immediately seek medical help or call your local medical services.
For more information on Strangulated hernia – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and consultation. Please contact our healthcare expert today at +1 (817) 748-0200. You can also make an online appointment.
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