From the Research
Yes, a fat-containing abdominal hernia can cause abdominal pain, as evidenced by the fact that over 50% of obese patients with ventral hernias are symptomatic 1. When abdominal fat protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, it can create discomfort ranging from mild to severe pain. This pain typically worsens with physical activity, coughing, or straining and may improve when lying down. The pain occurs because the herniated fat tissue stretches the surrounding tissues and can become compressed at the hernia opening. In some cases, the blood supply to the herniated fat may become compromised, leading to inflammation and more intense pain.
Key Points to Consider
- The combination of symptomatic hernia and obesity is a challenge for the treating surgeon, as the risk of perioperative complications and recurrence increases with increasing BMI 1.
- Recent data show the benefits of robotic hernia surgery in obese patients, as it allows for the mesh to be implanted in a variety of extraperitoneal positions in the abdominal wall with low morbidity 1.
- Laparoscopic repair is associated with shorter recovery time, earlier resumption of activities of daily living, less pain, and lower recurrence rates than open repair 2.
- While some hernias can be managed conservatively with activity modification and pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, surgical repair is often the definitive treatment.
Management and Treatment
- Surgical repair is often the definitive treatment for fat-containing abdominal hernias, especially in symptomatic patients 1, 2.
- The choice of procedure should be based on the individual patient's needs and the surgeon's expertise, with consideration of the benefits and risks of each approach 3, 2.
- Watchful waiting may be a reasonable option for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias in men, but not for symptomatic hernias or in nonpregnant women 2.