Ventral Hernia – Causes & Modern Surgery Options
A ventral hernia occurs when internal tissues or a part of the intestine push through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. This type of hernia appears as a bulge in the central abdomen and may increase in size while standing, coughing, or lifting weights.
Ventral hernias do not heal on their own and often require surgical repair to prevent pain, complications, and enlargement over time.
What Is a Ventral Hernia?
A ventral hernia can be:
1. Primary Ventral Hernia
Occurs naturally due to muscle weakness.
2. Incisional Hernia
Appears at the site of a previous surgical incision because the muscle did not heal strongly.
Both types behave similarly and require timely evaluation to avoid complications.
Common Causes of Ventral Hernia
- Previous abdominal surgery (common cause)
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Chronic cough
- Heavy lifting
- Aging and muscle weakness
- Stomach infections or poor wound healing
- Smoking
- Multiple surgeries over the same area
Symptoms of Ventral Hernia
- Visible bulge in the abdomen
- Pain or discomfort on movement
- Pulling or dragging sensation
- Bulge increases when standing, coughing, or straining
- Nausea or vomiting (late stage)
- Constipation in some cases
If the hernia becomes painful, hard, or cannot be pushed back inside, seek immediate help.
Risk of Ignoring a Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia can lead to:
- Strangulation: Blood supply to intestine gets blocked
- Obstruction: Food/stools stop passing
- Infection: Risk increases in long-standing hernias
- Enlargement: Hernia grows bigger with time
- Severe pain & vomiting
Strangulated ventral hernias are a surgical emergency.
Diagnosis
To understand the size and complexity, the surgeon may advise:
- Physical examination
- Ultrasound
- CT scan – especially useful for large or incisional hernias
Modern Surgery Options for Ventral Hernia
Ventral hernia treatment is surgical only. Exercises, belts, or medicines cannot cure it.
1. Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair (Most Advanced)
- 3–4 small keyhole incisions
- Mesh placed from inside to strengthen the wall
- Very low recurrence
- Less pain
- Quick recovery
- Minimal scars
- Short hospital stay
Best for small–medium hernias and many incisional hernias.
2. Open Mesh Repair
Recommended when:
- Hernia is very large
- Hernia contains a lot of bowel
- Abdominal muscles need reconstruction
Mesh is placed from the outside to reinforce the area.
3. Component Separation Technique (For Very Large Hernias)
Advanced reconstructive method used when abdominal muscles are widely separated.
Why Mesh Is Important in Ventral Hernia Repair?
Mesh provides strong reinforcement to prevent recurrence.
Benefits of Mesh Repair
- Durable repair
- Low recurrence rate
- Strong muscle support
- Faster healing
- Safe and globally preferred
Recovery After Ventral Hernia Surgery
- Hospital stay: 1–2 days
- Light activities after 3–5 days
- Full recovery in 3–4 weeks
- Avoid weight lifting for 6 weeks
- Wear abdominal support belt if advised
Prevention Tips
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Treat chronic cough or constipation
- Follow proper post-surgery care
- Keep sugar and BP under control to improve healing
When to See a Specialist?
If you notice a bulge, pain, or discomfort in the abdomen, do not ignore it.
Ventral hernias can enlarge and become dangerous if left untreated.
Dr. Ankur Bhanushali specializes in laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repairs, using modern mesh techniques for strong and long-lasting results.
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🏥 Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
👨⚕️ Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
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