Suggest Treatment For Hernia In Belly Area

Posted on Wed, 9 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 9 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 5 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I think i may have a hernia - belly area. Im female 61 yrs. what should i expect , also in regards to risks etc...thank you - i already paid for this website

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer: you should go for surgery Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to HCM. Hernia in belly area can cause swelling and even pain. If its gets obstructed can cause constipation and vomiting. In later stage it may even go into strangulation leading to gangrene of part of a bowel. The risk for the above complications depends upon the type of hernia and the size of the defect and the content. Incisional, umblical and epigastric hernia are usually seen in the belly area. If you had undergone any abdominal surgery in the past and the hernia is arising from below the scar or from one end of the scar, its incisional hernia. Here the risk of going into complications are highest as the content here is usually the bowel. In the other two, the content is usually omentum, so complications are less. In my opinion, you need to get an ultrasound of your abdomen to quantify the defect size and the content of your hernia and show to a surgeon for a physical evaluation and definitive repair before any complications occur. Hope i have been helpful. Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (38 minutes later)

Thank you for your informative reply. I'm waiting on blood results to rule out Parasite. The nurse will schedule a cat-scan. Would ultrasound be a better choice? The bulge is in the area of my navel and my belly is quite swollen. They're waiting for authorization from Medicaid which could take 3 days. It concerns me that I have to wait and there are few doctors that take Medicaid. I recently had several hip replacements and many dislocations, as a result of metal on metal implant, two hyperparathyroid surgeries and a breast reduction. I have spinal stenosis/ scoliosis with no surgeries, just epidurals . So no surgeries in stomach area. Any suggestions would be welcomed, thank you. P.s.My bowel movements have been normal.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: it can be umblical hernia then Detailed Answer: Hi, Swelling in the naval area can be an umbilical or para-umblical hernia. Cat scan will be better as compared to a ultrasound scan. If there is no pain or discomfort, you can wait for authorization. If it indeed comes out be be a hernia in the scan then you should discuss about surgical repair with the doctor. It can be done in epidural. Its not a major surgery nor an emergency as you dont have any severe pain or bowel disturbance. So you can go at ease with it. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (8 days later)

Thank you for following up with me. The result of my cat scan was : 1) small fat containing umbilical hernia 2) mild thickening of the wall of the stomach antra which may be related to mild inflammation / infection. Please correlate this finding clinically. 3) border enlarged liver. No liver masses. My H.pylori blood results were negative and liver blood results were ok too. The clinic is setting up an appointment with surgeon in regards to hernia, upon my request- because I'm bloated I wish to have the surgery. I have not heard anything yet- because I have Medicaid , it will take a while for referral. I'm most concerned about the note about the inflammation and thickening of stomach antra wall?? Is this ascites? Infection, cancer?? I do too much Googleing! Thanks, would like to hear your insight on this matter

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: its not cancer or ascites nor infection Detailed Answer: Hi, That mild stomach wall thickening is nothing to be worried about. Its not cancer, ascites or infection. It can be due to inflammation from gastritis following your stress and prolonged intake of painkillers following various surgeries. So avoid excessive stress. Regarding the umbilical hernia, its not an emergency, take your time to find a surgeon and then get it repaired. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T