What is laparoscopic ventral hernia repair?
A ventral hernia develops because of a defect in the front abdominal wall, through which fat, omentum, or abdominal organs can bulge under the skin or into other anatomical spaces.
Ventral hernias include, in particular:
- umbilical hernias
- epigastric hernias
- hernias of the linea alba
- incisional (postoperative) ventral hernias
- hernias at the site of previous laparotomy incisions
During laparoscopic surgery, the abdominal wall is examined through small punctures, the hernia contents are reduced, and a mesh implant is placed to reliably reinforce the defect area.
Our approach
At MSI, the treatment strategy for a ventral hernia is determined individually, taking into account:
- the size and location of the defect
- the number of hernia defects
- the condition of the muscles and aponeuroses
- the presence of diastasis
- previous operations
- the presence of previous mesh implants
- adhesions
- the patient's general condition
For large, complex, and recurrent hernias, *CT of the abdominal wall and abdominal cavity* may be recommended for detailed surgical planning.
We pay special attention not only to closing the hernia defect but also to restoring the function of the front abdominal wall.
When technically feasible, we prefer the minimally invasive approach.
When is surgery needed?
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may be recommended for:
- a symptomatic ventral hernia
- an enlarging hernia defect
- pain or discomfort
- large incisional hernias
- recurrent ventral hernias
- irreducible hernias
- multiple defects of the front abdominal wall
- a hernia combined with diastasis
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- pain
- hernia enlargement
- limited physical activity
- impaired function of the front abdominal wall
- irreducibility
- recurrence after previous hernia repair
- repeated episodes of incarceration
- a significant cosmetic and functional defect
An incarcerated ventral hernia requires emergency surgical care.
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
A laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity through small punctures.
After the abdominal cavity is examined, the following are performed:
- identification of the number and location of hernia defects
- division of intra-abdominal adhesions
- reduction of the hernia contents
- assessment of the condition of the front abdominal wall
- preparation of the repair area
- closure of the hernia defect when indicated
- placement of the mesh implant
- fixation of the implant
- verification of complete coverage of the defect
Multiple defects can be repaired at the same time.
Reconstruction of large ventral hernias
For large and complex defects, simply placing a mesh implant may not be enough.
In such cases, a comprehensive reconstruction of the front abdominal wall may be performed, aimed at:
- restoring the midline
- closing the hernia defect
- restoring the normal position of the muscles
- correcting diastasis
- reducing tissue tension
- reliably reinforcing the abdominal wall
The reconstruction method is determined individually depending on the anatomy and size of the defect.
Treatment of incisional ventral hernias
Incisional ventral hernias develop at the site of a previous surgical incision.
In their treatment, it is especially important to assess:
- the previous surgical approach
- the size and number of defects
- the condition of the aponeuroses
- the presence of adhesions
- previously placed mesh implants
- the possibility of restoring the midline
In suitable cases, the laparoscopic approach allows the repair to be performed through small incisions while assessing the entire abdominal wall.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery
- Minimally invasive approach
- Small skin incisions
- Less surgical trauma
- Less postoperative pain
- Lower risk of wound complications
- Early mobilization
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- The entire front abdominal wall can be examined
- Several defects can be repaired in the same operation
Recovery after surgery
After surgery, the patient is mobilized as early as possible.
Postoperative care includes:
- pain control
- early walking
- a gradual return to eating
- prevention of postoperative complications
- a gradual increase in physical activity
The length of recovery depends on the size of the hernia, the reconstruction technique, the extent of the operation, and the patient's individual characteristics.
After major reconstructive procedures, recovery may take longer.
Patient care follows the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)*.
Our advantages
- Experience in minimally invasive treatment of ventral hernias
- Treatment of large and complex incisional hernias
- Individual planning of the reconstruction
- Comprehensive assessment of the front abdominal wall
- A laparoscopic approach when technically feasible
- Several defects can be treated in the same operation
- Reconstruction of the front abdominal wall
- Treatment of recurrent hernias
- Use of modern mesh implants
- Individual choice of technique and repair plane
- Enhanced recovery program (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Whether laparoscopic surgery is possible depends on the size and location of the defect, previous operations, adhesions, the condition of the tissues, and the required extent of reconstruction.
In many cases, mesh reinforcement is an important part of the operation and reduces the risk of recurrence. The final decision depends on the size of the defect and the chosen technique.
Yes. If there are several defects in the front abdominal wall, they can be repaired during a single operation if it is technically and medically appropriate.
Yes. When a ventral hernia is combined with diastasis, a comprehensive reconstruction of the front abdominal wall may be performed.
In suitable cases, yes. The strategy depends on the previous operation, the position of the mesh, the size of the recurrence, and the condition of the tissues.
Sudden pain, irreducibility of the hernia, nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool may be signs of incarceration. In this situation, *an urgent assessment by a surgeon* is needed.
The timeframe depends on the size of the hernia and the complexity of the operation. After a simple minimally invasive repair, recovery is usually faster, whereas after complex reconstruction of the front abdominal wall a longer period of gradually increasing exertion is needed.