If you suspect you have a hernia or have been diagnosed with one, prompt medical attention is critical. Leaving it untreated puts you at risk of serious and possibly even fatal consequences if the hernia becomes “strangulated.” Our highly sought-after hernia specialist, Dr. Gregory Dumanian, explains what that means in this post.
Anatomy of a Strangulated Hernia
A hernia occurs when a weakness or hole develops in the muscular wall holding the abdominal organs in place. Tissues and organs can herniate, or protrude, through the opening, creating a noticeable bulge. Hernias may develop due to a complication of abdominal surgery, physical activity or medical problems that increase pressure on the abdominal wall.
Some hernias cause no more than painless swelling while others cause discomfort and pain that worsens when lifting heavy objects, straining or standing for long periods of time. It depends on the circumstances.
Neglecting to repair a painful, large or severe hernia increases the risk of a serious complication called strangulation. A strangulated hernia describes part of the intestines becoming trapped in the opening of the abdominal wall in a way that cuts off blood supply to the organs. Strangulated hernias are considered medical emergencies and require immediate surgery to repair.
Do Strangulated Hernias Cause Warning Signs?
Strangulated hernias cause a noticeable bulge in the abdomen or pelvis. They can also cause excruciating abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and rapid heartbeat. Gastrointestinal complications of a strangulated hernia include bloody stools and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
Treating a Strangulated Hernia
If you experience the aforementioned symptoms and suspect you have a strangulated hernia, go straight to the emergency room. The doctors there will ask you about your symptoms, perform a visual inspection and possibly imaging testing (i.e., computed tomography or CT scan) to confirm the problem. Rapid treatment is critical.
When treating a strangulated hernia, the surgeon gently releases the trapped intestine and returns it to the abdominal cavity. Then, the surgeon repairs the weakness in the muscle wall. This may involve placing a piece of mesh for additional support to prevent the hernia from coming back.
Neglecting to seek medical attention could cause the tissue that has been cut off from its blood supply to die; this can lead to potentially fatal complications such as sepsis.
Prevent Hernia Complications
Generally speaking, it is better to deal with an operable hernia rather than risk a serious complication and emergency surgery. For trusted hernia advice from a knowledgeable expert, please request a consultation with Dr. Dumanian. Upon learning more about your circumstances, he can discuss the benefits and risks of elective treatment.
Preparing for tummy tuck is an exciting time — it’s thrilling to think about the beautiful results you will soon enjoy. But tummy tuck is a major operation, and you want to be careful not to rush the recovery process. Avoiding certain risky habits and behaviors can help ensure a smooth, safe recovery and a stunning result. Read on as Dr. Gregory Dumanian reveals four things to avoid during tummy tuck recovery.
1. Excessive or Strenuous Movement
Plan to lay low right after your tummy tuck surgery. At first, you may not have much of a choice: your energy will probably be limited, and it may be uncomfortable to move around a lot. Make it easier on yourself by prepping your recovery space ahead of time so you can stay off of your feet.
Prior to surgery, run necessary errands and place all of your recovery essentials (e.g., pain relievers, ice packs) where they are easy to grab from your bed or couch. Try to set up your space near your kitchen and bathroom for your comfort and convenience. Do not place any needed items in spots where you would need to bend or stretch to reach them. Recruit a loved one to help out around the house and go to the store if you need anything.
As your energy slowly returns, light walking is encouraged to promote circulation and healing. But strenuous activity or vigorous exercise is off-limits for at least four to six weeks.
2. Drinking or Smoking
Smoking can not only delay your recovery but also interfere with your final result and cause prominent scars. Alcohol is also off-limits during recovery, as it interferes with proper healing, dehydrates you and does not mix well with pain relievers. Dr. Dumanian will give you a clear timeline of when it is OK to enjoy a cocktail again after surgery.
3. High-Sodium Foods
Proper diet is essential after tummy tuck surgery. Eating lots of fresh produce and lean protein will help fuel your body as it recuperates. On the other hand, salty foods can hinder your recovery by worsening swelling. Avoid foods that are high in sodium or overly processed (i.e., soft drinks, frozen meals, fast food).
4. Sexual Activity
Like all other types of strenuous activity, sexual activity after a tummy tuck requires common sense. The abdominal surgery site should be fairly pain-free before activities with a partner, and this can take three to six weeks after surgery.
Contact Our Chicago Tummy Tuck Surgeon
Dr. Dumanian will make himself available to you during your tummy tuck recovery to answer questions and address any concerns. To learn more about what to avoid after tummy tuck or more about the procedure itself, please give us a call or send us an email today.