About 90,000 ventral hernia repair operations are performed in the United States each year, with thousands being performed in New Jersey.
What is a Ventral Hernia?
A ventral hernia occurs when a weak spot in the abdomen enables an organ (such as an intestine) to protrude through a cavity muscle area. These hernias are visibly identified by a bulge in the belly area.
Ventral Hernia Risk Factors
Anyone can develop a ventral hernia. However, the following groups tend to be at higher risk:
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- Those who have had prior surgery with an incision;
- Those who have had lung disease;
- Women who have been pregnant;
- Men and women who are obese;
- Those who have a weakened immune system.
Ventral Hernia Symptoms
The symptoms of a ventral hernia include:
- Sharp abdominal pain
The most common symptom, this sharp pain can present during physical activities such as walking, jogging lifting or even simply sneezing or coughing. - Vomiting
Incisional hernias can cause digestive complications, some of which may lead to vomiting. - Constipation
Since this type of hernia can causes the intestines to move out of place, it can make bearing down during a bowel movement difficult, challenging an individual’s regularity.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your physician.
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Laparoscopic Surgery for Hernias
I have been successfully repairing hernias laparoscopically using only a few small incisions at CentraState Medical Center for several years.
The tissues or organs herniating are repositioned back into the abdomen and an underlay patch, called a mesh, is used to cover the defect with a wide overlap, reinforcing the strength layer. This more modern surgical approach has proven to be more durable than operations that involve suturing the edges of the defect together.
With today’s minimally invasive hernia operations, patients experience far less pain, blood loss and recovery time. In fact, many patients are back to most of their daily routines within two to three weeks of surgery.
I would like to remind patients, however, that there will be some discomfort and fatigue for about a week after the surgery and that regular activities will be restricted after the operation.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Sowemimo is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery. To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at 732-982-2002.
