Hernia Repair Q & A
What is a Ventral Hernia?
A ventral hernia is when a portion of the stomach or intestines protrudes through a hole in the abdominal wall. Holes in the abdominal wall can be caused by pressure or scar tissue. Weaknesses in the abdominal wall may be caused by incisions from prior surgical procedures that may or may not have healed properly. Ventral hernias can occur anywhere along the abdominal wall and will not heal on their own. The discomfort of the hernia may be relieved by gently pressing the intestine back through the hole, but this type of remedy will not last. A surgical procedure in which a layer of mesh is placed over the hole or weakened area of the abdominal wall is the main form of treatment.
What is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs near the groin and is characterized by a large lump that may or may not be painful. Like a ventral hernia, an inguinal hernia is when a portion of the intestines protrude through a hole in the wall of the abdomen. Weaknesses in the abdominal wall can be the result of straining while lifting a heavy object or due to a surgical procedure in which the incision was not allowed to heal properly. Inguinal hernias are treated through a surgical procedure in which a piece of mesh is placed over the hole or weakened area of the abdominal wall to support and maintain the tissues integrity.
How are They Treated?
Hernias can be caused by structural weakness or by damage that is a result of lifting heavy objects, straining to move an object, or due to incisions that do not heal properly. No matter what the cause, if the wall is not strong enough to support the contents of the abdominal cavity, portions of the organs may work themselves through the hole. To prevent this from occurring, laparoscopic hernia repair can be used to effectively repair and restore the abdominal wall so that it can properly contain the organs and eliminate the hernia. This type of procedure can also be used to perform an appendectomy or to treat other structural damage that may be present.
