Transcript Pre- Medical

Ventral Hernia Repair
Khalihia Hines
2010 Aliquippa High School
Senior Project
What is a Ventral Hernia?
• Occurs in the abdominal wall where a
previous surgical incision was made
• Abdominal muscles have weakened leading to
a bulge or a tear
• Inner lining of the abdomen pushes through
weakened area of the abdominal wall forming
a balloon-like sac
• Can cause a loop of intestines, other
abdominal contents to push into the sac
Where can Ventral Hernias occur?
• Belly button (Umbilicus)
• Any area along the abdominal wall
How do you know when you have a
Hernia?
• Recognized as a bulge under skin
• Occasionally causes no discomfort at all unless
lifting heavy objects, coughing, straining
during urination or bowel movement, or
prolonged standing or sitting
• Feel sharp or dull ache that gets worse
towards the ending of the day
• Redness, nausea or vomitting associated with
the bulge are signs the hernia is entrapped
What causes a Ventral Hernia?
• Develop through straining near or around a
surgical incision site
• Persistent coughing, difficulty with bowel
movements or urination, or frequent need for
straining
Advantages of the Ventral Hernia
Repair!
•
•
•
•
Less post-operative pain
Shortened hospital stay
Faster return to regular diet
Quicker return to normal activity
Preparations for Surgery!
• Cleansed colon and intestines through a
cleansing solution
• No eating or drinking after midnight the night
before
• Preoperative Preparation; blood work,
medical evaluation, chest x-ray, and an EKG
depending on your age and medical
conditions
How is the Operation Performed?
• Incision is made on the abdominal wall using a
tiny laser
• Mesh or Screen is placed in the abdominal
wall for a sound closure
• Skin and Mesh are sewn together to close the
incision
• Performed under a general anesthetic or local
anesthesia with sedation or spinal anesthesia
What Should Be Expected After
Surgery?
• Pain medicine will be needed for frequently
mild or moderate pain
• Lump may occur in area where hernia was, if
so contact physician
• Fever, chills, vomitting, complicated urination,
or drainage from incisions
When to call the Doctor!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Persistent fever over 101 F
Bleeding
Increased abdominal Swelling
Pain that is not relieved by medications
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Chills
Persistent cough or shortness of breath
Drainage from any incision
Redness surrounding your incisions