What does a lateral hernia feel like?

A common sign of this hernia is a lump or bulge either below or to the side of the belly button. The lump may feel soft to the touch. Another symptom is constant or intermittent abdominal pain .

How serious is an abdominal wall hernia?

Treatment of Abdominal Wall Hernias Most go away without treatment within several years. Very large umbilical hernias may be repaired after the infant is 2 years old. Umbilical hernias in adults cause cosmetic concerns and can be repaired at a time that is convenient for the person (called elective surgery).

What is a lateral hernia?

Patients undergoing orthopedic or spinal surgery, especially through an abdominal approach, have an increased risk of nerve injury and herniation to the abdominal wall musculature. When this occurs, it is called a lateral hernia.

Do abdominal wall hernias require surgery?

Abdominal wall reconstruction is an advanced surgical procedure that restores the normal function of the abdominal wall. It is recommended for patients with advanced hernias and requires specialized surgical expertise. If not fixed properly, these hernias have a high risk of recurrence and complication.

How is lateral hernia diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you have a spigelian hernia, they will ask you to get an ultrasound or computed tomography scan (CT scan). These imaging methods usually diagnose the hernia.

How do you treat an abdominal wall hernia?

Your doctor will discuss your options with you which may include surgery or watchful waiting. Larger hernias, however, or hernias that are causing pain, may require surgical repair to relieve pain as well as to prevent complications. There are two types of surgical hernia repair: open and minimally invasive surgery.

How do you fix an abdominal wall hernia?

Hernias are repaired by surgeons. They close the hernia either by pulling the muscles at the edge of the hernia together with stitches (sutures) or by placing synthetic mesh material over the defect.

How do you get a lateral hernia?

Like other hernias, the spigelian type is mainly caused by an opening or a weakness in the abdominal wall. Other common causes include: Long-standing medical conditions that increase abdominal pressure, like chronic coughing, liver cirrhosis with fluid collection (ascites), pregnancy, and obesity.

How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?

You may have a hernia if you have swelling and a bulge that is able to be “pushed back” into your abdomen. If it continues to grow, you will need to have hernia surgery in order to repair it….Symptoms include:

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Fever.
  • Intensifying pain.
  • A bulge that turns red or purple.