An internal abdominal hernia is a protrusion of an abdominal organ through a normal or abnormal mesenteric or peritoneal opening. Internal abdominal hernias can be acquired (due to trauma or surgical procedure) or constitutional (related to congenital peritoneal defects or abnormal embryologic development including small-bowel malrotation).
Symptoms of internal abdominal herniations are nonspecific, consisting of mild abdominal discomfort alternating with episodes of intense periumbilical pain and nausea. An internal hernia should be taken very seriously (as with any other hernia) because it can be complicated by incarceration. Incarceration indicates acute ischemia and necrosis (infarct) of the herniated organ (usually intestines). This manifests through severe abdominal pain. Intestinal infarction is a life threatening condition and is treated with immediate surgical intervention (laparotomy).
The diagnostic tool for detecting an internal hernia is the abdominal CT-scan. A CT-scan allows physicians to make a precise anatomical diagnoses and to identify acute complications. If diagnosis of an internal abdominal hernia is confirmed, a laparoscopy has to be performed to solve the problem.
You have to consult abdominal surgeon about further treatment.
DISCLAIMER:
"Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer
their time on eHealth Forum.
For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our
medical experts page.
You may also visit our Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass , for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician.
Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
