Obstructed Hernia
A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of an abdominal organ or a part of an organ through an abnormal opening in the abdominal wall. Various types of hernias are inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia femoral hernia etc. Baby may be born with a hernia. An elderly person develops an inguinal hernia due to enlargement of his prostate, which makes him strain for passing urine. A hernia may develop in the scar of an abdominal incision too, due to poor healing of the wound. Usually the opening is big enough so that the contents of the hernia can be reduced back into the abdominal cavity. Sometimes this cannot be done. Such a hernia is said to be obstructed.
The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
- There is history of a reducible lump on the abdominal wall.
- There is an inability to reduce the lump over the last few day’s
- There may be constipation and vomiting due to intestinal obstruction.
- There may be severe pain locally due to strangulation of the hernia.
First Aid
- Do not try reducing the contents of the hernia back into the abdominal cavity.
- Do not give him anything orally.
- Shift him to a hospital immediately.
