A hernia, an abnormal bulging of the internal organs, can develop in many areas of the body, but it often develops in the intestine.

The most common type of hernia is called an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is caused by a weakness or defect in the lining of the abdominal (belly) wall or pelvic (groin) wall. It can be present at birth or develop over years. A hernia can also develop in the abdominal wall around a previous incision. This is called a ventral hernia.

A ventral hernia usually occurs in the abdominal wall because of a weakening due to a previous surgical incision. The result is a bulge or tear in the abdominal wall that allows a balloon-like sac to form in the weakened area.

Hernias can also occur in many other areas of the body including the groin (inguinal or femoral hernia), the middle of the abdomen (epigastric hernia), in the diaphragm (which is the muscle between the abdomen and chest), and around the esophagus (hiatal hernia). While this website contains information primarily about ventral hernias, more information can be found about other types of hernias and treatment options in the Recommended Websites section.

Some hernias are quite bothersome or painful. Others cause no symptoms. A hernia may cause tenderness and pressure or discomfort when you bend over, cough or strain. You may notice a lump or bulge at the site of the hernia that moves inward when you push on it.

Left untreated, a hernia will not go away. It will frequently get bigger. Without surgery, complications are possible. Tissue that is a part of the intestines may become stuck in the hernia, cutting off the blood supply to that tissue. The result can be very serious, and emergency surgery may be required.

Like other hernias, a ventral hernia may become worse if left untreated. And ventral hernias can be dangerous, because abdominal structures, like the intestines, can become stuck or twisted in the hernia, leading to a more complex and riskier operation.  While the only known treatment is to have the ventral hernia repaired through surgery, it is generally considered to be a low-risk surgical procedure associated with few complications.

One type of surgery performed to help with this condition is Minimally Invasive Procedure (MIP) for ventral hernia repair. Learn more about the benefits of MIP for ventral hernia repair.

Traditionally, surgeons have repaired a hernia through an open incision in the abdomen. Today, however, more and more people are having their ventral hernias repaired by MIP.  During a conventional hernia repair, an incision, often several inches long, is made in the abdominal wall, through the skin, into the abdomen. The contents of the hernia are pushed back into the abdomen and the muscles are sutured back together. Most repairs include placing mesh to cover the weak area of the abdominal wall. The mesh is a thin prosthetic material that helps repair and reinforce the abdominal wall.

MIP ventral hernia repair, on the other hand, is typically less invasive, and requires three or four small incisions—each about the size of a dime.

MIP for ventral hernia repair has significant benefits over conventional surgery. These benefits include a shorter hospital stay and smaller incisions - so you can get back to your life sooner.