Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia is a bulge (of tissues) through an opening, or defect, within the abdominal wall muscles. It can occur at any location on the abdominal wall. Many are called incisional hernias because they often form at the healed site of past surgical incisions where the skin has become weak or thin.

An increasing number of patients have large or complex abdominal wall defects. Such defects may result from incisional hernia related to multiple abdominal operations, surgical resection of the abdominal wall, necrotizing abdominal wall infections, or therapeutic open abdomen.

Hernias generally grow larger due to pressure on them, such as a loop of intestine or fatty tissue pushing into the weak abdominal tissue or tear.

The result is a sac that forms in the abdominal wall. A bulge may appear.

If left untreated, a hernia as it grows, may become more painful. A portion of the intestine could become trapped in the abdominal wall. This can obstruct the bowel, causing severe pain, nausea, and constipation

What Causes a Hernia?
Hernias happen in all ages and in both men and women. Adult hernias usually are the result of strain on the abdominal wall.

Factors that contribute to this include aging, genetic predisposition, heavy lifting, pregnancy, athletic activities, obesity, previous surgery, constipation, and chronic coughing.

Surgical Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is a technique to fix tears or openings in the abdominal wall using small incisions, laparoscopes (small telescopes inserted into the abdomen) and a patch (screen or mesh) to reinforce the abdominal wall.

Robotic Surgery – Robotic assisted surgery for hernia repair can increase precision, shorten both time under anesthesia and recovery duration.