What are the Treatments for Ventral Hernia?
Small asymptomatic ventral hernias can be followed closely reserving repair if they should increase in size or become symptomatic, ie. pain. Symptomatic or large ventral hernias usually require surgical repair. Surgical repair can either be performed with an incision (open) or laparoscopically. Mesh is usually utilized for hernia repairs, except for smaller defects. Laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias is performed through multiple small incisions with placement of mesh-securing the mesh to the inner side of the abdominal wall muscle. The open repair is usually performed through the prior scar. The majority of ventral hernias are repaired using a mesh screen. The mesh is composed of either polypropolene, PTFE (Gortex) or polyester. In addition, biological grafts derived from skin are gaining popularity. A newer surgical technique which is gaining popularity is the component separation technique. This technique is especially useful for the larger ventral hernias, as well as recurrent
