A hernia is a protrusion of normal cavity contents, such as the intestine, through a weakness in the muscular layers that are normally designed to contain them in the abdominal wall. 

Hernias are caused by tears resulting from sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure, weakness of the muscular tissue due to the normal aging process, or failure of complete development prior to birth.  A hernia can be compared to a worn tire with a tear in the side where the inner tube starts to push its way through the opening, bulging out from the surface of the tire.

Hernia symptoms include a noticeable bulge and a pulling or tearing pain when straining or lifting.  If a bulge persists and cannot be reduced or pushed back through the muscle wall, it is termed incarcerated. 

This is when a loop of intestine is trapped outside its normal cavity and becomes blocked, causing intensive pain, cramping, vomiting, and abdominal distress.  If left untreated, it may result in gangrene and perforation of the intestine, which can be life threatening.

Hernias are classified according to their location.  An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin; a femoral hernia occurs below the groin; and an umbilical hernia protrudes through the navel. 

An epigastric or ventral hernia occurs in the central upper abdomen.  An incisional hernia develops following a surgical incision in the abdominal wall.  Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, with more than 500,000 inguinal hernia repair operations performed annually in the United States.

Your surgeon will repair your hernia in a fashion that results in minimal pain. These "tension-free" repairs may involve the use of implanted mesh. The mesh provides a permanent reconstruction of the hernia defect.

Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Surgery

This surgery involves internally stapling a synthetic mesh against the weakness or hernia defect using the laparoscopic technique of examining the abdominal cavity with an endoscope or viewing tube. 

This thin viewing tube has a small optical system attached to it and is inserted through a small surgical incision.  This optical "camera" system allows the doctor to view the inside of the cavity on a television screen and perform the procedure without making a large incision. 

Recurrence only occurs in 1-4% of cases. Other types of Hernia repair are availiable. Your surgeon will determine which is best for you. This type of surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis resulting in less post-operative pain, and the patient can return to work in only a few days.