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.
Additionally, wearing a supportive abdominal binder may help to prevent the development of hernias. It is also important to be aware of the risk factors associated with hernias, such as age, pregnancy, and obesity, and to take steps to reduce these risks whenever possible.
By taking these preventative measures and seeking medical attention when symptoms present, individuals can reduce their risk of an incarcerated hernia and its associated complications.
Outlook
The outlook for people with hernias that have become incarcerated depends on the severity of the hernia, the promptness with which it was treated, and the presence or absence of any underlying diseases. Patients who have had a hernia repaired often find that they may return to normal life with just minor modifications.
In more severe cases, complications such as tissue death, infection, and internal bleeding may occur and require further medical attention or surgery. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms of an incarcerated hernia are present to reduce the risk of further complications.
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.