Abdominal Hernia Support

Hernia Treatment And Prevention

Although there are many different kinds of hernia, when people speak about a hernia,they are most likely to be referring to an abdominal hernia.

About five million Americans have an abdominal hernia, according to statistics provided by the National Center for Health Statistics.

An abdominal hernia occurs when either fatty tissue or an organ in the abdomen protrudes through a weak point or tear in the muscles or tissues around it. The protrusion can be labeled either as reducible, which means it can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity and seem to disappear, or non-reducible, which means it cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.

The American Medical Association says that when a non-reducible protrusion involves a portion of the intestine it is possible for it to become tightly trapped, subsequently losing its blood supply and then that section of the intestine dies. This dangerous condition, called strangulation, often requires immediate surgical repair.

A hernia may be caused by anything that creates increased pressure in your abdominal area. The most common causes of this increased pressure, from which a hernia may result, are:

strenuous coughing;
vomiting
straining, particularly that resulting from constipation;
sudden physical exertion;
obesity;
pregnancy.

Treatment and prevention:

The American Medical Association suggests that most people who develop a hernia should see their doctor, even if the only symptom is the visible protrusion. Depending on the location and size of the protrusion, and considering other factors including your age and general health, the doctor may recommend surgery to reduce the risk of possible strangulation in the future.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) advises that there two basic methods of surgery:

conventional surgery - which involves an incision in the abdomen. The protruding tissue is then either removed or pushed back into the abdomen and the abdominal wall repaired. If necessary, that section of the abdominal wall can be strengthened either by sewing surrounding muscle over it or by covering that section with a special type of mesh;

laparoscopic surgery - which uses a long metal tube inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen. This minimally invasive surgical procedure uses telescopes and instruments that are much smaller than normal. If this procedure is appropriate for your condition, smaller incisions will be made and post-operative abdominal tenderness may be significantly reduced. The actual operation is much the same.

Statistics from ACS report that over half a million people undergo hernia surgery each year.

If you have had hernia surgery, or if you have been fortunate enough to avoid developing a hernia to date, there are some ways you can reduce your future hernia risk. This requires you to avoid those things that contribute to the development of hernias - as outlined earlier in this article. These include:

avoiding heavy lifting or strain;
as smoking often leads to chronic coughing, quitting smoking can help;
a high fiber diet combined with plenty of fluids can help avoid constipation and the consequent strain during bowel movements;
losing weight can reduce abdominal strain.

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Author: John Vanse has a network of health related websites providing information to help you establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your Hernia Solutions The Better Health Guide

Taking Care Of A Hernia - Causes Of Hernia - Hernia Treatment 

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publisher: springer isbn: 3540375457 isbn-13: 9783540375456 publication date: 12 june 2007 book descriptionrecurrence is a significant public health problem

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Journal of Cancer Research & Clinical Oncology.

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A Hiatal Hernia Can Really Bite!

A hiatal hernia occurs when there is an abnormality in the abdomen in which a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest cavity.

There are two primary types of hiatal hernias.

The first type is known as the sliding hiatal hernia and is the most common type of hernias.

In the sliding hernia, the stomach and the section of the esophagus that connects to the stomach push slide up into the chest wall and through the weakened opening.

The second type of hiatal hernia is less common and is known as a paraesophageal hernia. Although less common, it is more serious than the sliding hiatal hernia.

With the paraesophageal hernia, the esophagus and stomach stay tucked into their traditional but a portion of the stomach manages to force its way through the hiatus and move into position next to the esophagus.

In this serious health condition you may exhibit no hiatal hernia symptoms but you could be experiencing a condition in which the blood supply to the stomach is literally cut off. This could lead to complications such as tissue death. This hiatal hernia could require surgical repair if it is serious enough.

Hiatal hernias develop for reasons including injuries to the area and performing bodily actions, such as pregnancy, weight gain, or even straining during a bowel movement, all of which can increase intrabdominal pressure. This increased pressure is thought to possibly contribute to the development of a hiatal hernia.

Some folks who suffer from a hiatal hernia may not experience obvious symptoms. Most commonly one of the initial symptoms of a hiatal hernia are symptoms similar to GERD otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.

These symptoms of hiatal hernia occur because the hernia interferes with proper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. When the sphincter works properly it keeps the stomach acid from refluxing upwards into the esophagus.

So you can get the picture, if it functions poorly the stomach acid pushes up and into the esophagus causing pain and irritation. Your physician may choose to order either an x-ray or endoscopy in order to definitively diagnose a hiatal hernia.

This abnormality in the esophagus must be properly diagnosed in order to effectively treat the underlying issue. It is important to note that some hiatal hernias can be rather serious and can even require surgical intervention. So if you are experiencing symptoms of GERD which may indicate a more serious hiatal hernia it is important that you see your healthcare provide in order to get a proper diagnosis. A hiatal hernia is not something that should be ignored, it is a serious matter and requires treatment.

By: Jeff Foster -

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For more information on healthy living, be sure to visit www.the-health-hub.com where you’ll find information on health topics such as hiatal hernias, back pain, fitness, diet & nutrition & more

Anybody with a hiatal hernia? - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band
Anybody out there with a hiatal hernia before surgery OR found during surgery? I am suspect that I have one and my primary doc told me to go get a scope and have it checked out.

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I am going to have my Lapband surgery next Monday, January 19th at Fair Oaks Hospital in Virginia. On my upper GI they found a small-moderate hiatal hernia which my surgeon will repair.

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Here is some information about what is a hiatal hernia, heartburn and acid reflux, how to control a hiatal hernia and is surgery necessary for a hiatal hernia.  

Hiatal Hernia symptom and treatment through surgery and diet …
Hiatal Hernia Treatment:A treatment is unnecessary if there are no signs and symptoms of Hiatal hernia; it’s required only when recurrent gastroesophageal reflux shows up as a sign and symptom of Hiatal hernia.

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