Ventral Hernia
Treatments
Ventral hernias are repaired by surgery. Without treatment, most hernias will increase in size.
An untreated hernia may also result in intestinal blockage and "strangulation," which requires immediate medical attention. Strangulation occurs when the blood supply to the herniated bowel is cut off or greatly reduced, causing the bowel tissue to die or rupture.
Surgical repair of ventral hernias is a complicated, major procedure. Extremely large ventral hernias require a procedure called progressive pneumoperitoneum.
Laparoscopic Repair
In this approach, surgeons use a laparoscope, a tiny telescope with a television camera attached, to view the hernia from the inside. The laparoscope is placed inside a cannula, or small, hollow tube, which is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision.
In most cases, three or four incisions of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size are made to insert the cannula, instruments used to remove any scar tissue and a special mesh. The mesh is placed behind the abdominal muscles instead of between the muscles. It is held in place by surgical tacks or sutures.
This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. Bladder catheterization is required.
Compared to traditional hernia surgery, laparoscopic repair includes less post-surgery pain, less wound numbness and an earlier return to work and normal activities.
We can perform certain hernia repairs using robotic surgery, another minimally invasive technique with similar benefits.
At UCSF Medical Center, ventral hernias are treated by specialists in the Complex Abdominal Surgery Program.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.