Ventral Hernia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A ventral hernia is a bulge through the wall of your abdomen (stomach). The bulge may be caused by tissue, fat, or an organ such as your bowels. Three common types of abdomen hernias are incisional, epigastric, and spigelian. You may have an incisional hernia in places where you have had a surgical cut. An epigastric hernia occurs above your bellybutton and a spigelian hernia occurs on the side of your abdomen. You may get a ventral hernia when the muscles of your abdomen become weak. You may be born with muscle weakness or you may get it after having surgery on your abdomen. Other common causes of muscle weakness include straining, such as when you lift heavy things or during pregnancy.
  
  
• Your risk for a ventral hernia increases with age and weighing more than your caregiver advises. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, and cancer may also increase your risk. With a ventral hernia, you may have bulging, swelling, or pain in your abdomen. You may have trouble urinating or having a bowel movement. Surgery may help prevent your hernia from getting bigger and your bowel from getting tangled. You may be in less pain. Your stomach may not have bulging and you may feel better about your appearance. You may return to work and your other normal daily activities faster than without surgery.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This family of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). Some NSAIDs may also be used to decrease a high body temperature (fever). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is redness, pain, and swelling.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

You may need to return for a follow-up visit so your caregiver can check your surgery site. If you have stitches, you will also need to have them removed.

Preventing a ventral hernia after having surgery: Your caregiver may want you to do one or more of the following to help prevent another ventral hernia:

• Do not lift heavy objects until your caregiver says that it is OK.
  
  
• You may need to wear a support belt or girdle. Ask your caregiver for more information about support belts and girdles.
  
  
• Your caregiver may suggest that you do exercises to strengthen your abdomen. Swimming and walking may also help. Ask your caregiver for an exercise plan. Do not exercise more than your caregiver says is OK.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when it is OK to return to your normal daily activities.
  
  
• Follow your caregiver's advice about losing weight. If you are overweight, ask your caregiver for a diet that is right for you.
  
  
• Avoid straining (pushing too hard) when you cough, urinate, or have a bowel movement. Ask your caregiver for ways to avoid straining.

Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• You have vomited (thrown up).
  
  
• You have trouble urinating.
  
  
• You have trouble having a bowel movement.
  
  
• You have swelling, bleeding, or pus near your stitches.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your abdomen is rigid (very hard).
  
  
• You have abdominal pain or back pain that does not go away, even after taking pain medicine.
  
  
• You have bleeding that does not stop.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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