Abdominal binders

Belts for hernias in the stomach and abdominal wall

A hernia in the stomach or in the groin can occur for several different reasons. It can be a result of straining from heavy lifting, intense coughing, or weakening of a scar after surgery. It can also be due to anatomical defects since birth or genetic problems. Anterior abdominal wall hernia is a common name for all kinds of hernias in the stomach and is usually referred to as incisional hernia, umbilical hernia or epigastric hernia. It is not entirely unusual for hernias to occur even in those who have undergone surgery for a stoma, a so-called stoma hernia. A hernia in the groin is called an inguinal hernia. A hernia is usually small at first, but can, if not treated, grow large.

A hernia in the stomach (except umbilical hernia in newborns) never disappears by itself, it must be treated with either conservative treatment (hernia belt) or a surgical procedure. Surgery is used when the hernia cannot be pushed back, nor does it sink back when lying down.

Incisional hernia is a common complication after any type of abdominal surgery. It can, for example, occur in the form of a hernia in the stomach after caesarean section and occurs at the surgical scar where the peritoneum has been weakened. 10-20% of those who have undergone abdominal surgery suffer from a hernia. Incisional hernias can lead to pain while moving, and if they grow larger, cosmetic problems are usually added. A hernia belt is most often used to hold back the incisional hernia. Studies show that you can proactively prevent hernias by wearing a hernia belt immediately after surgery during rehabilitation. The girdle helps you to start moving again, and reduces pain and discomfort. You should use the girdle both day and night for the first 6-8 weeks, then during the day for another 6 weeks.

Only extremely severe stoma hernias are repaired with surgery because there is a risk of getting it again. In the literature, the incidence of stoma hernia varies between 5-50 percent, but only 10-20 percent of these require surgery.

Umbilical hernia and epigastric hernia can occur even if you have not had an operation in the abdomen. Umbilical hernia is relatively common and occurs in approximately two percent of the adult population. The navel is a remnant of the umbilical cord and the area of ​​the abdominal wall, where the navel sits, is weak. Congenital umbilical hernias are not uncommon. Most heal spontaneously and surgery is not recommended before the age of two. Umbilical hernias in adults have a fairly high risk of entrapment and it is often recommended that these be operated on. An epigastric hernia occurs in the midline above the navel towards the sternum and is usually the size of a bullet. Epigastric hernia can occur in both children and adults and is usually operated on.