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Beverly Hills · 435 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 308Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pmMost PPO insurance accepted
Allen KamravaMD · MBA · FACS · FASCRS

Procedure

Incisional / Ventral Hernia Repair

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Back to work
1-6 weeks
Success rate
80-95%
Recurrence
5-20%

What it is

What is an Incisional/Ventral Hernia?

An incisional hernia is a type of ventral hernia that occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision. It results from a failure of the abdominal wall fascia to heal properly, allowing abdominal contents to bulge through the defect. These hernias are common, occurring after up to 20% of abdominal surgeries. They can range in size from very small to very large and complex, and can cause symptoms such as pain, a visible bulge, and, in some cases, bowel obstruction or strangulation.

Am I a candidate?

Who is a Good Candidate for Repair?

Surgical repair is typically recommended for patients with symptomatic incisional hernias. Ideal candidates are those who experience pain, discomfort, or limitations in their daily activities due to the hernia. Repair is also indicated to prevent complications such as bowel incarceration or strangulation, particularly in patients with narrow hernia defects. Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic hernias in patients who are poor surgical candidates may be managed with observation and an abdominal binder. Optimization of modifiable risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and poorly controlled diabetes, is crucial before elective repair to minimize the risk of recurrence and other complications.

Recovery

What is the Recovery Like?

Recovery varies depending on the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic) and the complexity of the repair. Minimally invasive repairs generally have a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to open repairs. After any hernia repair, there will be restrictions on lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks to allow the repair to heal. An abdominal binder may be recommended to provide support. It is important to avoid constipation and straining to minimize pressure on the repair.

Risks & considerations

What are the Risks?

Incisional hernia repair is a common procedure, but it has potential risks, including:

  • Recurrence: This is the most common complication, with rates varying depending on the size of the hernia, the technique used, and patient risk factors.
  • Surgical Site Infection: The risk of infection is higher in open repairs and in patients with obesity or other comorbidities. Mesh infection is a particularly serious complication that may require mesh removal.
  • Seroma/Hematoma: Fluid or blood can collect in the space where the hernia was, often requiring drainage.
  • Chronic Pain: A small percentage of patients may develop chronic pain after hernia repair, which can be related to the mesh or nerve entrapment.
  • Bowel Injury: There is a small risk of injury to the intestines during the dissection, particularly in reoperative cases with extensive adhesions.

Sources

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