MIP uses state-of-the-art technology to repair ventral hernias. When performing MIP, the surgeon creates small, dime-sized incisions that allow the use of a miniature camera, or videoscope, and specialized instruments to perform the procedure—avoiding a large, conventional incision.  Click here to watch animated versions of open and minimally invasive ventral hernia repair surgeries.

Patients that have MIP can generally leave the hospital and get back to the things that are important to them sooner than patients who have conventional surgery.

Hernia, an abnormal bulging of the internal organs, can develop in many areas of the body:

• The groin (inguinal or femoral hernia)
• Abdominal wall around a previous incision (ventral hernia)
• The middle of the abdomen (epigastric hernia)
• Around the esophagus (hiatal hernia)
• The diaphragm

Inguinal and ventral hernias are common types of hernias. This website contains information you should know about treatment options for ventral hernia repair.  You can access more information about the other types of hernias and treatment options in the Recommended Websites section.

While an inguinal hernia (the most common type of hernia) is caused by a weakness or defect in the lining of the abdominal (belly) wall or pelvic (groin) wall, a ventral hernia usually occurs because of a weakening in the abdominal wall due to a previous surgical incision. If left untreated, a ventral hernia will not go away, and will frequently get bigger. 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.¹

Traditionally, surgeons have repaired ventral hernias through a large incision in the abdomen. Today, however, more and more people are having their ventral hernias repaired by MIP.

During a conventional ventral 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. 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 is typically less invasive and requires three or four small incisions—each about the size of a dime.  Click here to watch animated versions of open and minimally invasive ventral hernia repair surgeries.

MIP for ventral hernia repair is an excellent alternative to conventional surgery, and its benefits are significant:

• Less time in hospital
• Smaller Incisions

With MIP for ventral hernia repair, there’s no need for a large, conventional incision that may cut through large amounts of skin and muscle. Instead, three or four small, dime-sized incisions are made in the abdomen and a videoscope is inserted through one of these incisions.

Is MIP right for your ventral hernia surgery? Here are some tips to help you talk with your doctor.

As with any surgery, MIP for ventral hernia repair is associated with some risks and complications.