Abdominal Wall Hernia
Abdominal wall hernia, also known as ventral hernia, refers to the protrusion of intestines or other tissues through a weak area or gap in the abdominal wall. At Nova Bariatrics and General Surgery, we offer comprehensive care for abdominal wall hernia in Irving, Arlington, and Paris. You can always consult with Dr. Alibhai for a personalized treatment plan.
Causes
The causes of abdominal wall hernia may differ depending on its location, your medical history, and overall health. The weakness in your abdominal wall can be a part of your natural anatomy, or it may occur due to other reasons such as:
- Severe or chronic coughing
- Chronic vomiting
- Diabetes
- Heavy weight lifting
- Abdominal wall injury
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Prior surgery
- History of hernias
- Straining during bowel movements
Although it can affect people of any age, the risk of this type of hernia increases with age. Older people have weaker muscles, which may eventually result in the protrusion of the intestine or other organs through the abdominal wall.
Diagnosis
Our doctor will record your medical history and note down your symptoms. We may ask questions regarding the severity and duration of your symptoms and any abnormal changes that you noticed during this period. We will also perform a physical examination of the area to assess the severity of your condition.
If, for some reason, the hernia is not clinically visible or difficult to detect, we will request a few scans such as ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, or other imaging tests to achieve an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of Abdominal Wall Hernia
Minor cases of abdominal wall hernia that do not cause pain or other symptoms may not require any treatment. However, larger hernias necessitate surgical repair to restore your health and wellness. Our doctor will discuss the treatment options during your consultation. We will finalize the final treatment based on your anatomy, past medical history, and anticipated level of physical activity in the future.
- Open Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopy
In this surgical procedure, our surgeon will make an incision in the abdominal wall over the hernia and push the protruding organs back into the abdomen. We will then repair the opening in the abdominal wall. In certain cases, we may place a surgical mesh to reinforce the weakened area. After the procedure, it may take several weeks to achieve full recovery.
This is a minimally invasive technique in which we make a few small incisions in your abdomen to insert surgical instruments and a tiny laparoscope (camera). The camera allows us to visualize the inner anatomy of your abdomen. We will push the protruding intestines back into the abdomen and repair the weakened wall. Since it is less invasive, you will likely recover within a shorter time frame after this procedure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hernia does Nova Bariatrics treat?
Nova Bariatrics treats abdominal wall, inguinal, umbilical, incisional, femoral, and recurrent hernias using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Alibhai, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and member of the American Hernia Society, performs these repairs across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
How do I know if I have a hernia?
A hernia often appears as a visible bulge or lump in the abdomen or groin that may be more noticeable when standing, coughing, or lifting, and it can cause discomfort or pressure. Some hernias cause little pain, but they don’t heal on their own and tend to worsen over time, so an evaluation is recommended.
Should I have my hernia repaired right away?
Most hernias should be repaired before they worsen, because delaying treatment can lead to enlargement, increased discomfort, and complications such as strangulation that may require emergency surgery. Nova Bariatrics offers minimally invasive repair with minimal downtime, so patients can return to their routine quickly.
How long is recovery after hernia surgery?
Recovery after minimally invasive hernia repair is typically shorter than open surgery, with many patients returning to light activity within one to two weeks. Exact recovery time depends on the hernia type and size. Dr. Alibhai provides each patient with specific post-operative instructions.