Approximately 90,000 ventral hernia repairs are performed each year in the United States. Many are performed by the conventional “open” method. Some are performed laparoscopically. This presentation can help you understand what a ventral hernia is and more about the laparoscopic treatment of ventral hernia. The laparoscope allow the surgeon to view very clearly the hernia from the inside. Other small incisions will be required for other small cannulas for placement of other instruments to remove any scar tissue and to insert a surgical mesh into the abdomen. This mesh, or screen, is fixed under the hernia defect to the strong tissues of the abdominal wall. It is held in place with special surgical tacks and in many instances, sutures. Usually, three or four 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch incisions are necessary. The sutures, which go through the entire thickness of the abdominal wall, are placed through smaller incisions around the circumference of the mesh. This laparoscopic surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF VENTRAL HERNIA?

Results may vary depending on the type of procedure and each patient’s overall condition. Common advantages may include:

• Less post-operative pain
• Shortened hospital stay
• Faster return to regular diet
• Quicker return to normal activity