Anywhere on the Front Side of the Body (Ventral) Hernia Repair
A ventral hernia is any hernia that develops on the front side of the body and not specifically identified as an umbilical, incisional or inguinal hernia. (This term can sometimes be used interchangeably when discussing an umbilical or incisional hernia, as these hernias all occur on the abdomen.)
Indications:
Ventral hernias will not repair themselves without surgery and most patients will choose to have them fixed. Surgical repair is often recommended for hernias that are enlarging and painful. The procedure is usually non-urgent and can often be scheduled on an elective basis.
However, watchful waiting is generally not recommended. When surgical repair is delayed, ventral hernias can grow to be quite large posing increased surgical risks. A large hernia can fill the abdominal cavity, making it difficult to separate from surrounding organs. As the hernia grows in size, the risk of re-occurrence also becomes higher.
Another risk with prolonging surgical repair is the development of an incarcerated hernia, which can become a life threatening emergency. With an incarcerated hernia, the hernia contents become trapped in the wall of the abdomen which can cut off the blood supply to the trapped organs and tissue. You should be able to gently push the hernia back into your abdomen when you're lying down. If you are concerned you might have a hernia, you should consult with a board certified general surgeon to discuss a plan of treatment specific to your hernia.
Some signs and symptoms of an incisional hernia include:
- A visible bulge in the abdomen
- Pain with or without pressure in your abdomen
- Unexplained nausea with or without vomiting
Pre-Operative Evaluation:
Most hernias can be detected upon physical examination by a trained surgeon. Occasionally additional testing is required such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Routine blood work and heart studies such as an EKG can be ordered prior to surgery based on your age and the presence of any existing medical conditions.
You may be instructed to stop taking some medications before surgery. Make sure your surgeon knows all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including natural or nutritional supplements. For more information related to preparation for surgery click here.
Procedure:
The two techniques used for ventral hernia repair are traditional open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Both techniques offer excellent outcomes and differ based on a few subtle areas. Individual patient factors will help the surgeon to decide the best choice for repair. It is important to find a surgeon who can offer both laparoscopic and open techniques.
Laparoscopic Repair
Laparoscopic repairs involve making small incisions (usually 3 or more in number) at a distance from the hernia through which instruments and a video camera are introduced to perform the repair. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide in order to create a work space for the surgery. In the course of repair the hernia contents are pulled back into the abdomen. The defect is sometimes sutured closed. Then a thin piece of carefully selected mesh is typically sutured or tacked to the surrounding supporting tissues covering the defect. Laparoscopic repairs may allow for an easier recovery due to reduced post-operative pain in the first few days following surgery.
Open Repair
Occasionally, the surgeon may recommend performing the surgery using an open technique. Open operations involve making an inch incision over the hernia, then reducing the hernia sac and repairing the defect. The size of the incision will depend on the size of the hernia. A carefully selected mesh is often implanted to prevent undue tension on the repair.
Recovery:
This varies from patient to patient and with the size of the hernia. Ventral hernias can be repaired in the outpatient or same day surgery setting, but large or complicated ventral hernias are usually repaired in the hospital and can require an overnight stay.
If your ventral hernia is repaired in the outpatient or same day surgery setting you will most likely have the following recovery instructions:
- You should prepare for lifting restrictions of 10-20lbs (about 1-2 gallons of milk) for 4-6 weeks following your procedure. You will want to plan the appropriate recovery time from work if you have a more strenuous job, such as those requiring heavy lifting. Many patients return to desk type work in around 1-2 weeks.
- You will need to arrange for a ride home the day of your surgery and we recommend someone stay with you for the first 24 hours at home.
- When you leave the facility after surgery, we will want you to go home and rest. Avoid making any other plans on the day of your surgery. Starting the following day, you can increase your activity as you feel up to it.
- Avoid fried foods, milk products and citrus juices for around one day after your surgery. Suggestions for foods to eat include soup, sandwich, pasta, potatoes, toast, and applesauce.
- You will likely be given a prescription for pain medication following your surgery. The recovery nurse will discuss a pain control plan following surgery specific to you and your needs including activities like ice applied over incisions and a medication regimen. Often times we will recommend taking Tylenol and Advil (same as Motrin, Ibuprofen) or Aleve in addition to the narcotic pain medication.
- It is often suggested to start taking a stool softener twice daily the day following your procedure. You will want to continue this regimen as long as you are taking narcotic pain medications.
- You may be able to shower within a couple of days after your surgery depending upon the type of hernia repair and you will need to plan to avoid soaking in a tub or pool for around 1-2 weeks.
- The dressings applied to your surgical site will be specific to your procedure. If surgical glue is used, there will be no dressings to remove. If bandages are applied, they can usually be removed at home in 24-48 hours. You will receive care instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional information for after surgery preparation click here.
For More Information
To listen to our board certified surgeons answer your most frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ page.
To Schedule an Appointment
To find out more about Hernia Repair services offered at CSA Surgical Center in Columbia, Missouri please call Columbia Surgical Associates at 573-443-8773 and schedule an appointment with a board-certified general surgeon.