Ventral Hernia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A ventral hernia is a bulge through a hole in the wall of your abdomen muscles. The bulge may be caused by tissue, fat, or an organ such as your bowels. Three common types of ventral 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 muscle weakness after having abdomen surgery. 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 as you get older. You may also have a higher risk if you weight more than your caregiver suggests. Medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, and cancer may also increase your risk. With a ventral hernia, you may have bulging, swelling, and pain in your abdomen. With treatment, your hernia may no longer bulge through your abdomen muscles. It may be easier for you to have a bowel movement and urinate. Treatment may decrease your pain. It may also help prevent your hernia from getting bigger and your bowel from getting twisted.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or 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: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

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.

Do not smoke:

Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• You have vomited (thrown up).
  
  
• You urinate little or not at all.
  
  
• You have constipation (dry, hard stools).
  
  
• You have swelling, bleeding, or pus near your wound.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your hernia, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

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

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. 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.

Learn more about Ventral Hernia (Aftercare Instructions)