A ventral hernia can show itself by a bulge that protrudes through the abdominal wall. Surgery is the most recommended treatment.
Ventral hernias are common. The most common sign that you have a ventral hernia is a bulge that appears anywhere on your abdomen.
We refer to many of these hernias as incisional hernias due to their tendency to form along with the healed sites of past surgical incisions. The procedure may have weakened the abdominal wall, allowing organs or fatty tissue to push through.
Another name for the severe case of the condition is a strangulated ventral hernia. This is where the intestinal tissue that is pushed through the abdominal wall gets trapped within the wall opening. Eventually, the blood flow to the tissue can be cut off. When this occurs, emergency surgery becomes necessary.
Who is Most at Risk for Ventral Hernias?
Some people are born with naturally thin abdominal walls. For these individuals, a hernia could occur at any age. Other people form hernias as the muscle wall weakens with age. Other factors that can also put you at a higher risk for a ventral hernia include pregnancy, obesity, a history of hernias, and a history of abdominal surgeries.
What are the Symptoms of a Ventral Hernia?
Ventral hernias can produce a variety of symptoms that can take weeks to appear. Some people experience no symptoms at all. You might experience slight discomfort or severe pain. With most ventral hernias, any pain you feel becomes worse when lifting heavy objects or standing from a seated position.
In addition to that, if you experience abdominal pain, an outward bulge of the skin or abdominal tissue, nausea, and/or vomiting, you should call Healthy Life Bariatrics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki.
How Can We Diagnose Ventral Hernia?
An official diagnosis can only be provided following a thorough physical examination and advanced imaging tests. A private, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Moeinolmolki will involve a physical exam, and imaging tests. He will also have a discussion with you where you can get your questions answered.
Once a diagnosis has been provided, you can then be cleared for ventral hernia repair surgery.
How Does Dr. Moein Perform Ventral Hernia Repair Surgery?
Dr. Moein performs ventral hernia repair using laparoscopic surgery. This common procedure requires tiny incisions that function as openings for the laparoscopic camera and associated tools. The camera also contains a light, allowing Dr. Moein to view the interior of your abdomen on a nearby monitor.
The tools allow Dr. Moein to meticulously push the abdominal contents back into place. He uses a piece of mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall. Dr. Moein also repairs the hole in your abdominal wall by stitching the healthy portions together. Then, he closes the original incisions, which ends this simple and safe procedure.
Because the ventral hernia surgery strengthens the abdominal wall, a reoccurrence of the problem is unlikely.
Ready to Discuss Ventral Hernia Repair Surgery?
A ventral hernia that goes untreated can lead to bowel obstructions, intestinal strangulation, nerve damage, necrosis (tissue death), and shock.
If you have a ventral hernia bulge and experience discomfort or pain, call Healthy Life Bariatrics to schedule a consultation with world-class hernia surgeon Dr. Moein. Call our office from anywhere you happen to be throughout Los Angeles, Encino, or Glendale, California. (310) 807-2378