A ventral hernia is a bulge in an opening in the abdominal muscles. If your abdominal muscles are weakened in a particular area or you’ve undergone abdominal surgery, ventral hernias may arise from the weakened site. The inner lining of the abdomen may push through the weak or damaged abdominal wall, leading to a balloon-like sac known as a hernia.
What is Ventral Hernia?
When the contents of the abdomen are stuck in the sac, the blood supply to the intestines can get cut off, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as hernia strangulation. In such cases, a ventral hernia can be life-threatening. Dr. Ahuja uses minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted techniques to perform an abdominal wall (ventral) hernia surgery with precision.
Symptoms of Ventral Hernia:
- Bulge formation under the skin
- Pain in the area after long periods of sitting or standing
- Pain in the area while lifting heavy objects
- Pain in the area while straining during bowel movements
- Sharp or dull pain that worsens over time
- Nausea, vomiting, and redness (signs of an incarcerated hernia)
How is Ventral Hernia Diagnosed?
Dr. Ahuja will perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose a ventral hernia. During the physical examination, he will ask you to cough, which might help him determine the likelihood of a ventral hernia. He may also order a few diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound of the abdomen, a CT scan, and an MRI scan. After a thorough diagnosis and evaluation, he will determine if you have a ventral hernia and curate a personalized surgical plan.
Your Abdominal Wall (Ventral) Hernia Surgery
An abdominal wall (ventral) hernia surgery is the only treatment for a ventral hernia. Numerous surgical techniques can be used to repair ventral hernias, but Dr. Ahuja favors minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted techniques that ensure optimal results with minimal risks and complications. Dr. Ahuja will explain every step of the process in advance, so you’ll know what to expect from ventral hernia surgery.
During laparoscopic ventral hernia surgery, Dr. Ahuja will make small incisions in the abdomen. He inserts hollow tubes through the incisions and into the abdomen, following which carbon dioxide gas is channeled to inflate the abdomen and give the surgeon a clear view. The surgeon removes the hernia sac and places a porous mesh in the abdominal wall to minimize the risk of hernia recurrence.
Recovery After Ventral Hernia Surgery
The recovery process after ventral hernia surgery depends on the size/location of the hernia and the surgical techniques used during the procedure. A laparoscopic ventral hernia is generally performed as an outpatient procedure that involves around 2 weeks of recovery. Dr. Ahuja will provide an overview of aftercare guidelines to ensure optimal recovery.
Schedule an Appointment
Ahuja Bariatric & Beyond is a state-of-the-art medical center specializing in laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries. Dr. Ahuja is a fellowship-trained surgeon with 4000+ bariatric surgeries and thousands of other gastrointestinal surgeries under his belt. He takes a specialized approach to hernia surgeries to ensure optimal results with minimal risks of complications. Please schedule an appointment if you have a ventral hernia in Mount Vernon.
