There are two types of ventral hernias: umbilical and incisional.
Ventral hernias are located anywhere in the anterior (front) abdominal wall.
It could also feel like a dull ache or a pulling sensation.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Who Gets Ventral Hernias?
How Prevalent are Ventral Hernias?
At this time, surgery will be necessary.
The surgeon repairs the opening in the muscle wall manually.
Sometimes, a mesh insert is placed to reinforce the muscle wall and prevent the hernia from occurring again.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgeryinvolves making several small incisions into the abdomen.
Other tools are guided into the abdomen through the remaining small incisions to repair the hernia.
In some cases, this surgery can be performed using robotic arms in what is known asrobotic-assisted repair.
Choosing the Surgery Thats Right for You
There are pros and cons to both types of surgeries.
Laparoscopy is often considered superior because there is less recovery time and post-op discomfort.
Surgical Complications
Several complications are associated with ventral hernia repair surgery.
Aseroma,an accumulation of fluid where the hernia used to be, can also occur.
Most seromas will heal on their own; however, some may require separate surgery.
Other possible complications that can occur following ventral hernia surgery include:
How Common Is Hernia Recurrence?
According to research, rates of ventral hernia recurrence are high following surgery.
They range from 30% to 80%.
They occur when the abdominal wall does not heal adequately, leaving space or a weakness near the incision.
After developing a hernia after anunrelated surgery,a person will need a second surgery to fix the hernia.
How Common Are Incisional Hernias?
Roughly five to 15 out of every 100 people will develop an incisional hernia following surgery for another reason.
Typically, incisional hernias are treated only after a few months have passed after the initial surgery.
It may also be advised that a person lose weight after surgery to reduce pressure in the abdomen.
Recovery Timeline
The timeline for recovery will depend on the individuals ability to heal.
How Much Time Will I Have to Take Off Work?
Typically, people can gauge how well they feel to return to work.
Always speak to your healthcare provider to get the go-ahead before returning to your regular activities, including work.
Complications From Untreated Symptoms
You should never leave a ventral hernia untreated.
While treatment isnt always done immediately, the ventral hernia will require surgery at some point.
These hernias can be both symptomatic or asymptomatic.
In some cases, if there are no symptoms, people can avoid having surgical treatment for some time.
Eventually, though, all ventral hernias will require treatment.
Surgery is the only way to treat a ventral hernia and there are two options to choose from.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ventral (abdominal) hernia.
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Osmosis.org.Seroma - What is it, causes, treatment, and more.
University of Pittsburgh Schools of Health Sciences.Hernia surgery benefits, risks, and what to expect.
University of California San Fransisco Health.Ventral hernia.
