Laparoscopic and Open Ventral Hernia Repair

What is Laparoscopic and Open Ventral Hernia Repair?

Hernias are caused by weakened abdominal muscles that allow fat and intestines to fall through the open holes in the muscles. Ventral hernia repair is a procedure for hernias specifically located between the belly button or navel, and the lower part of the breastbone. This procedure involves the insertion of a mesh to help strengthen the muscles by placing it over or under the hole in the muscle. There are two types of ventral hernia repair procedures: laparoscopic and open. The size, location and whether it is unilateral or bilateral will determine which type of repair is best for you, although open repair is most common.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair involves several small incisions made in the abdomen to allow ports, plastic tubes, to be inserted to allow a camera and the medical instruments through to perform the procedure and minimize recovery time and scarring. Open inguinal ventral repair is the more traditional procedure where we open up the skin and fat over the hernia with one larger incision without the need for a camera.

If possible, this treatment will be done robotically. The benefits are less pain and less tissue manipulation. For more information, please visit davincisurgery.com.

Your Initial Consultation

Before your procedure, we will undergo necessary advising to assure a safe and successful procedure. We will answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. We will need you to take several tests, which will include blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds of the hernia to help us understand the utmost details about your condition. At this time, you will need to inform us of any medicines, vitamins and other supplements you are currently taking. We will ask you to stop taking aspirins and other specific drugs that can cause a higher risk of excess bleeding during your surgery and recovery period. We will also advise you to prepare your home to allow the best mobility for you and safest environment to allow a proper and quick recovery.

The Surgical Procedures

Steps for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair:

Anesthesia will be administered to put you to sleep throughout the entire procedure
Three small incisions are made into the abdomen to give access to the ports, two for the instruments and one for the camera
Any present scar tissue between the intestine and the hernia is cut to allow us to get full exposure and access to the weakened hole in the muscle
Using special instruments, we will pull back the hernia into the abdomen from the hole in the muscle
A small mesh is then placed under the muscle and secured with sutures to strengthen reinforce it.
The incisions are then closed up and the procedure is finished.

Steps for open ventral repair:

Anesthesia is administered to put you to sleep throughout the entire procedure
One larger incision, in comparison to the laparoscopic method, is made over the hernia and the skin and fat are opened and pulled back
Any present scar tissue between the intestine and the hernia is cut to allow us to get full exposure and access to the weakened hole in the muscle
Using special instruments, we will pull back the hernia into the abdomen from the hole in the muscle
A small mesh is then placed under the muscle and secured with sutures to strengthen reinforce it.
The incision is then closed up, stitched and the procedure is finished.

Recovery Expectations:

The laparoscopic procedure allows for a faster recovery period and smaller scarring in comparison to the open procedure. Recovery varies depending on how your body feels, however, with both procedures patients most often resume normal activities within a week such as returning to work and lifting light loads. Within 4 to 6 weeks post procedure, patients may be able to return to more rigorous activities such as heavy lifting and exercise. We encourage you to walk around during your recovery and avoid staying immobile for long periods of time to ensure the best recovery.