Ventral hernia is a bulge in the anterior abdominal wall. It occurs as a result of a tear in the abdominal wall musculature or fascia. It is often seen in the midline between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process. Other terminologies used to describe this hernia include epigastric hernia, supraumbilical hernia, periumbilical hernia, or spigelian hernia, describing the anatomic locations of these ventral hernias. Factors resulting in a ventral hernia include excess weight, pregnancy, strenuous activities, etc. With time, contents of the abdomen protrude through the hernia as a bulge. This may result in pain, disfigurement, or sometimes incarceration and compromise of bowel.
Incisional hernia is a common type of hernia that occurs at the site a previous surgical incision. When deeper tissues within an incision fail to heal adequately, a defect or hernia is created. Factors resulting in incisional hernias include wound infection, diabetes, long-standing steroid use, excess weight, strenuous activities, etc.
Ventral and incisional hernias are challenging problems that require specialized care. Repair of ventral or incisional hernia is one of the most common procedures performed at our practice.