Ventral hernia surgeon Gold Coast
Ventral hernias occur when tissue pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles, creating a bulge that can contain parts of organs like the intestines. On this page, we will explain the symptoms and how they are treated.
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Ventra hernia explained
What are ventral hernias?
A ventral hernia occurs when tissue bulges through a weak opening in the muscles of your abdomen. The bulge can contain parts of organs like the intestines.Â
Ventral hernias often happens at the site of a previous abdominal surgery (incisional hernia). It can also occur in the navel area (umbilical hernia) or in the groin are (inguinal hernia).
Ventral hernias are common in patients who have undergone abdominal surgery although this isn’t exclusive, and they can also appear in those who have not. If a ventral hernia is a side effect of surgery, the hernia often forms to the side of the incision wound.Â
Ventral hernia symptoms
Symptoms of a ventral hernia vary and develop over time. For some of you, the only noticeable sign will be a bulge in the abdominal area. This bulge can often be pushed back in, and the hernia won’t have any other impact on your day-to-day life.Â
For others, there may be pain and discomfort in the area surrounding the hernia which gets worse with coughing, standing or bending.
Extreme pain in the abdomen or persistent vomiting or nausea may be signs of complications with a ventral hernia. It could mean that blood supply is cut off (strangulation) or that the hernia causes a bowel obstruction. Both strangulation and obstruction can be life-threatening and need urgent medical attention.
How are ventral hernias diagnosed?
Your doctor may perform a physical exam. When they think you may have a ventral hernia, they may order some more detailed tests like an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests let them see inside your abdomen and will help them identify the best treatment options.Â
Ventral hernia surgeon Gold Coast
How are ventral hernias treated?
Ventral hernias won’t resolve by themselves and they may require medical treatment. Typically, when the hernia grows larger and causes discomfort, surgery may be required.Â
Ventral hernias continue to grow and, if not treated, they can develop into an enlarged hernia. Without treatment, an enlarged ventral hernia can lead to increased pain and discomfort; they can fill the abdomen or develop into an incarcerated hernia which poses a severe risk to health.Â
Ventral hernia repair
The aim of ventral hernia surgery is to put the protruding tissue back in place and join the abdominal walls back together. In severe cases, the abdominal wall will be reinforced with mesh to strengthen the area.Â
We generally perform laparoscopic or keyhole surgery to minimise your recovery time. It is done under general anaesthetic. As a hernia surgeon, I will make a 3 or 4 small incisions in your abdomen. I will insert a laparoscope or a thin tube with a camera on the end through one of these incisions and the other keyholes will be used for surgical instruments.Â
Synthetic mesh is then inserted and fixed in place to cover the weak spot in the muscle wall, and then all instruments are removed and the incisions are closed. In around 5% of procedures laparoscopic surgery may need to be converted to open surgery, in which case a larger incision is made at the site of the hernia.Â
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Core Specialist Group for hernia repair
Core Specialist Group Gold Coast
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