Ventral & Incisional Hernia Repair
Ventral and incisional hernias are bulges through a weak spot in the front wall of the abdomen — including belly-button (umbilical), upper-abdomen (epigastric) and incisional hernias that form at the site of a previous operation. Repair pushes the contents back and reinforces the wall, usually with a mesh, by open, keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic surgery.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A ventral hernia is any hernia through the front wall of the abdomen. Common types include umbilical (at the belly button), epigastric (in the upper midline), and incisional hernias, which develop at or near the scar of a previous abdominal operation and can become large over time. The repair returns the bulging tissue to the abdomen and strengthens the weakened wall.
Most repairs use a mesh to reinforce the area, which markedly reduces the chance of the hernia coming back. The operation can often be done with keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic techniques through small incisions, meaning less pain and a quicker recovery; larger or recurrent hernias may need open surgery, and very large defects may need a specialized technique (component separation) to close the abdominal wall. The approach is chosen for each person based on the hernia's size and position and their general health, guided by examination and, where needed, a CT scan.
For international patients, a dedicated coordinator arranges evaluation, and our surgeons can review your history and imaging remotely to plan the repair and confirm whether a minimally invasive approach is suitable. You receive a written plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, with clear after-care guidance for your recovery at home.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a symptomatic umbilical, epigastric or incisional hernia
- Those with a hernia that is enlarging, uncomfortable, or affecting daily life
- People with a hernia that has come back after a previous repair
- Patients with a large abdominal-wall defect needing specialized reconstruction
- Those fit enough for surgery, as assessed by the surgical and anesthesia teams
What happens
- 1
Assessment and planning
The surgeon examines the hernia and, for larger or complex cases, arranges a CT scan to map its exact size and position. The best technique — open, laparoscopic or robotic — is chosen with you.
- 2
Preparation
You meet the surgical and anesthesia teams and receive instructions on medicines, fasting and, where relevant, optimizing your health before surgery to lower the risk of the hernia returning.
- 3
The repair
Under general anesthesia, the contents of the hernia are returned to the abdomen and the weak area is reinforced, usually with a mesh. Keyhole or robotic repairs use small incisions; large or recurrent hernias may need open surgery or component separation.
- 4
Recovery and follow-up
Small repairs are often day cases; larger ones need a short stay. You are advised on activity, lifting and wound care, and international patients receive a written after-care plan to continue at home.
Benefits
- Relieves the bulge and discomfort and restores the abdominal wall
- Reduces the risk of the hernia becoming trapped (a strangulation emergency)
- Mesh reinforcement markedly lowers the chance of recurrence
- Keyhole and robotic options can mean less pain and a faster recovery
- Specialized techniques allow even large or recurrent hernias to be repaired
Risks & considerations
- The hernia can occasionally return, especially with large or recurrent hernias
- Mesh-related problems such as discomfort or, rarely, infection
- A collection of fluid (seroma) or bruising under the wound, usually temporary
- Wound infection and the general risks of surgery and anesthesia
- Larger repairs involve a longer recovery and more temporary discomfort
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our General Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Ventral & Incisional Hernia Repair — frequently asked questions
They are all hernias through the front wall of the abdomen. Umbilical hernias occur at the belly button and epigastric ones in the upper midline. Incisional hernias develop at the site of a previous surgical scar. The type and size guide the best repair, which the surgeon plans with you.
Most ventral and incisional hernia repairs use a mesh, because it reinforces the weakened wall and greatly reduces the chance of the hernia returning. Very small hernias are sometimes repaired without mesh. Your surgeon explains what is best for your hernia.
Often, yes. Many ventral and incisional hernias can be repaired laparoscopically or robotically through small incisions, which usually means less pain and a quicker recovery. Large, complex or recurrent hernias may need open surgery, sometimes with a component-separation technique.
Yes. Our surgeons can review your history and any imaging remotely to plan the repair and advise whether a minimally invasive approach is suitable, before you decide to travel.
Small hernias are often day cases, while large or complex repairs need a few nights plus recovery — your coordinator confirms the timeline. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online because each repair is individual.
Related treatments
Considering ventral & incisional hernia repair?
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