Hernia of the white line of the abdomen

A hernia of the linea alba is a pathology that occurs as a result of the formation of gaps in the tendon fibers that run along the midline of the abdomen, through which fat and then internal organs penetrate.

Symptoms of an abdominal hernia:

• the formation of a protrusion along the midline of the abdomen, accompanied by pain;
• pain in the abdomen when trying to strain or make a sudden movement (especially in the upper segments);
• separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis);

How is a hernia of the linea alba recognized?

The main diagnostic methods are X-ray examination of the stomach and duodenum and abdominal cavity, examination by a surgeon, endoscopic examination performed using a gastroscope inserted into the stomach, as well as ultrasound and computed tomography. Depending on the location, hernias located near the navel, above the navel and below the navel are differentiated. There are cases when the hernia does not manifest itself and can be discovered by chance.

Stages of disease development:

• Preperitoneal lipoma - is defined as a round, compacted formation. Fat begins to seep through the muscle gaps.
• The initial stage is the formation of a hernial sac, direct divergence of the muscles;
• The appearance of a hernial orifice through which abdominal organs penetrate (they can reach twelve centimeters in diameter).

The pain syndrome of this pathology is expressed quite strongly even in the initial phase of the disease development. Emergency care is necessary in case of strangulation of the hernia and the appearance of nausea, vomiting, constipation or bloody discharge in the stool, as well as rapidly increasing pain. With timely assistance, the prognosis for the outcome of the disease is favorable.

The cause of the disease may be excessive weakening of the connective tissue of the white line of the abdomen, which may be either congenital or acquired. Often, males aged approximately twenty to thirty years are susceptible to this pathology. In turn, excess weight and the occurrence of scars after surgery contribute to the weakening of the connective tissue. Constipation, physical overload, severe prolonged cough, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, and pregnancy may lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure.

To prevent the disease, it is recommended to have a balanced diet, strengthen the abdominal muscles, correct weight, perform regular physical activity, and wear a special support bandage during pregnancy.

How is an abdominal hernia of the white line treated?

Treatment of this disease is carried out surgically using hernioplasty methods:

1. Plastic surgery using local tissues (muscles, tendon elements, fascia) aimed at eliminating the defect. Sometimes after using this method, relapses of the disease occur and the hernia of the white line of the abdomen occurs again.
2. Alloplasty is performed using non-toxic implants that are highly durable and elastic and do not cause inflammatory or allergic reactions.

Before the operation, a preliminary examination is prescribed, including blood and urine tests, an electrocardiogram. Contraindications for surgery are poor blood clotting, prostate adenoma of the second or third stage, purulent-inflammatory skin diseases, pregnancy, the presence of severe pathologies. After hernioplasty, the patient can stay in the hospital from several hours to two days. To eliminate pain in the postoperative period, the patient is prescribed painkillers. Within a month after the operation, due to such a condition as a hernia of the white line of the abdomen, the patient is recommended to wear a special support bandage.