If you’ve recently learned you have a ventral hernia, you’re probably wondering what your treatment options are. It’s important for you to learn about the various ways ventral hernias are surgically repaired so you can make an informed decision on the most appropriate treatment for your circumstances.
Continue reading to learn more about how to choose the best ventral hernia repair surgery and some strategies to help ensure an optimal recovery.
- What Is a Ventral Hernia?
- What Causes Ventral Hernias?
- Tips to Choose the Right Hernia Repair Specialist
- Ventral Hernia Repair Surgery in Orange County, CA
- Open Surgery Ventral Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair
- Robotic Ventral Hernia Repair
- Schedule a Ventral Hernia Repair Consultation Today
What Is a Ventral Hernia?
A ventral hernia develops when there is a hole or weakness in your abdominal wall muscles. The gap allows intestinal tissues or abdominal organs to protrude and bulge. More specifically, ventral hernias occur along the vertical center of the abdominal wall. There are three different kinds of ventral hernias.
Epigastric Ventral Hernia: Occurs between the breastbone and naval.
Umbilical Ventral Hernia: Occurs in the naval area.
Incisional Ventral Hernia: Develops in the area of a previous incision.
What Causes Ventral Hernias?
The most common cause of a ventral hernia is from old abdominal incisions from previous surgeries. Abdominal surgery often thins and weakens the muscles and connective tissues in the abdominal wall, increasing the likelihood of a ventral hernia. As the abdominal cavity contents push against the weakened area, it starts to swell and create a bulge.
Ventral hernias are progressive and can continue to grow and become more serious without treatment. The longer ventral hernias exist and grow without proper treatment, the greater the risk of complications and recurrence. Complex hernias can become difficult to treat and require the skill of a highly qualified and experienced hernia repair specialist.
Without proper and timely treatment, ventral hernias can become incarcerated. Incarceration happens when the hernia gets stuck in the abdominal wall, cutting off its blood supply. Strangulation prevents blood flow to the intestines. Strangulated hernias are a medical emergency. If you have a ventral hernia and experience a sudden increase in abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, head to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Open Surgery Ventral Hernia Repair
Open surgery is the traditional method of repairing your ventral hernia. Dr. Khosravi makes a large incision in the abdomen so he can repair the ventral hernia. During the procedure, he rearranges the misplaced organs and tissues back into their proper place before repairing the defect in the abdominal wall.
In some cases, Dr. Khosravi installs a surgical mesh over the hole to strengthen the weakened area and prevent hernia recurrence. After repairing the abdominal wall, he closes the incision with dissolvable stitches and surgical glue. Typically, Dr. Khosravi performs conventional hernia repairs under general or local anesthesia.
Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair
During laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, Dr. Khosravi makes several small incisions near the hernia site. The diameter of each incision ranges between ¼ and ½ inch. He then inserts a thin tube with an attached light and a camera (laparoscope) into the abdominal cavity. The laparoscope goes into one of the incisions while Dr. Khosravi works through the other incisions to repair your hernia. Laparoscopic surgery patients receive general anesthesia before the procedure starts.
Many patients prefer laparoscopic surgery to open surgery. There is less pain and discomfort during recovery because the incisions are significantly smaller. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair surgery is less invasive than open surgery, which means a shorter stay at the hospital. Most patients go home the same day. Laparoscopic surgery also puts less strain on the body, so patients can return safely to their regular diets and normal day-to-day activities quicker than with open surgery.
On the other hand, laparoscopic surgery is not suitable for all patients. If your ventral hernia is in a location that is hard to reach, or you have already had abdominal surgery in the past, laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is not the best option. A consultation is required so Dr. Khosravi can carefully evaluate your medical situation and provide his expert treatment recommendation.
Robotic Ventral Hernia Repair
This type of ventral hernia repair is better than open surgery because it is more precise and minimizes scar tissue. Open surgery leaves one large scar across the abdomen, whereas robotic surgery leaves a few tiny scars. Robotic surgery also results in less pain and discomfort after the procedure.
At Orange County Robotic General Surgery, Dr. Khosravi utilizes the da Vinci Surgical System to perform robotic surgery. This advanced system provides a 3D, high-definition image of your anatomy. The da Vinci Surgical System also offers more precise motion than the human hand.
Robotic surgery is superior to open and laparoscopic surgery. The da Vinci system uses state-of-the-art technology which allows Dr. Khosravi improved access to your abdomen. Robotic surgery is more precise, offers improved vision, and allows more movement than human capabilities. Dr. Khosravi will decide whether you are an ideal candidate for this safe, minimally invasive surgery during your initial consultation.
Tips to Choose the Right Hernia Repair Specialist
Because there are many surgeons that perform hernia surgery, finding the right one may seem like an overwhelming task, especially if this is your first hernia repair procedure. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right surgeon for your hernia repair.
Look for a Hernia Specialist
It is best to choose a surgeon who specializes in hernia repair as opposed to a general surgeon. An expert hernia surgeon knows how to treat your ventral hernia and minimize future risks.
Choose a Surgeon With Experience
There are many types of hernias. If you have a ventral hernia, you should approach a surgeon who has experience treating all types of hernias, especially ventral hernias. You need a hernia repair specialist whose expertise matches your surgical needs.
Find a Patient-Focused Surgeon
A patient-focused surgeon won’t only treat your ventral hernia, they’ll ensure that you feel comfortable with the procedure. During your consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the procedure. If they can answer all your questions patiently, you know they are patient-focused and vested in your well-being.
Ventral Hernia Repair Surgery in Orange County, CA
As previously mentioned, a ventral hernia doesn’t always go away on its own. Ventral hernia surgery repairs the hole in your abdominal wall to prevent the intestines and organs from pushing through. Surgery repairs the defect in the abdominal wall and reinforces the weakness to prevent a future or recurrent hernia in the area.
Dr. Abtin Khosravi, MD, specializes in abdominal surgery and performs the following three types of ventral hernia surgeries at Orange County Robotic General Surgery.
- Open surgery ventral hernia repair
- Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair
- Robotic ventral hernia repair
There are certain factors to consider before choosing a ventral hernia repair procedure. As Dr. Khosravi carefully examines your hernia to determine the best course of action, he takes the following factors into consideration:
- Your age
- The size of your ventral hernia
- The severity of your ventral hernia
- Existing health conditions
- Previous hernia repair procedures
Schedule a Ventral Hernia Repair Consultation Today
Your health is in excellent hands with Dr. Khosravi, who has performed over 1,000 robotic surgeries. Contact Orange County Robotic General Surgery at (714) 541-4996 for ventral hernia repair in Orange County, CA. You can also request a consultation online.
Contact Us
To find out if inguinal hernia repair surgery is right for you, Contact Orange County General Robotic Surgery at (714) 706-1257 for a consultation with Dr. Abtin H. Khosravi.
