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Category:

Abdominal Wall Disorders

Number of Conditions: 1

Hernias (e.g., Inguinal, Femoral, Umbilical)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Abdominal Wall Disorders

Sub-category: Structural Disorders

Symptoms:
visible or palpable bulge, discomfort or pain (especially with straining), and, in severe cases, bowel obstruction symptoms.

Root Cause:
Weakness or defect in the abdominal wall allows internal organs or tissue to protrude.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through physical examination; imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) is used for unclear cases or complications.

Treatment:
Surgical repair (e.g., open or laparoscopic herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty); conservative management with watchful waiting in asymptomatic cases.

Medications:
No specific medications; analgesics may be used for pain management post-surgery.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Inguinal hernias occur in 27% of men and 3% of women; other hernia types are less common.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex (inguinal hernias), chronic cough, obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with surgical repair; untreated hernias can lead to complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Incarceration, strangulation, bowel obstruction, and ischemia.