Incisional/Ventral hernia

An incisional hernia is a hole in the fascial or strength layer of the abdominal wall by an incision from a previous surgery.   This can be anywhere on the abdomen.  A spigelian hernia is a hole through the abdominal wall between the rectus muscle and the oblique muscle, on the side of the abdomen usually from a previous surgery.  These can also be called flank hernias which can be anywhere on the side and are usually at sites of previous incisions.

A ventral hernia is a hole in the fascial or strength layer of the abdominal wall, usually in the midline.  This can refer to an umbilical hernia or an epigastric hernia.  This is naturally occurring, not from a previous surgery.  

An umbilical hernia is a hole in the fascial or strength layer of the abdominal wall behind the belly button.  This is usually naturally occurring but can occur at this location if you had a previous incision at this location.

There are open, laparoscopic and robotic laparoscopic repair options for these hernias.  Several factors are considered when your surgeon is determining the option for each patient.  Some factors may be location of the hernia, hernia contents, previous surgical history including any previous repair, if the hernia is reducible or not, to name a few.  If you feel you have a hernia, you should be evaluated by a surgeon.  If it is an incisional hernia and/or a recurrent hernia, if possible, bring previous surgical reports and any imaging you may have had done to your appointment.