Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Many hernia surgeries are performed by the conventional “open” method, but some are performed laparoscopically. Dr. Christopher J. Hart, Dr. William H. Johnson, Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brendon Curtis are trained in laparoscopic procedures and use this technique when indicated. Laparoscopic ventral hernia surgery involves using a laparoscope, or small telescope, to fix tears or openings in the abdominal wall. Small incisions are made and a patch of screen or mesh is used to reinforce the abdominal wall. For some patients, it offers a quicker return to work and normal activities with decreased pain.

About Hernias

A ventral hernia usually occurs in the abdominal wall where a previous surgical incision weakened it. A bulge forms where the tear occurred–not unlike the way an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire–the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestines or other abdominal contents to push into the sac. If the abdominal contents get stuck within the sac, they can become trapped or “incarcerated.” This could lead to potentially serious problems that might require emergency surgery. Other sites that ventral hernias can develop are the navel or any other area of the abdominal wall. A hernia does not get better over time. Surgery is the only way to repair it.

Symptoms

A hernia is usually recognized as a bulge under the skin. Sometimes the symptoms are mild to nonexistent or you may feel pain when lifting heavy objects, coughing, straining during urination or bowel movements, or with prolonged standing or sitting. A patient with a ventral hernia will feel discomfort or aching. Any continuous or severe discomfort, redness, nausea or vomiting associated with the bulge are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and immediate contact of your physician or surgeon is recommended.

Causes

An incision in the abdominal wall will always be an area of potential weakness. Hernias can develop at these sites due to heavy straining, aging, obesity, injury or following an infection at that site following surgery. They can occur immediately following surgery or may not become apparent for years later. Anyone can get a hernia at any age. They are more common as we get older.


When faced with needing surgery it’s important to consider all of your options. There are numerous benefits to having surgery in an outpatient ambulatory surgical center like Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center (AGBSC). The outpatient or ambulatory surgery centers allow a patient to undergo surgery without being admitted to the hospital. You and your surgeon will decide if outpatient surgery is right for you, but these centers offer alternatives for those needing less invasive or more routine procedures.

Our surgery center has a fully trained surgical staff to assist you before, during and after your surgery at the center. Once your surgery is complete, you will spend time recovering at the center before returning home, where you can complete your recovery in a more comfortable environment.

Atlanta General & Bariatric Surgery Center located in Johns Creek, GA, attracts patients from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond including Suwanee, Berkeley, Norcross, Dunwoody, and Oakwood, GA. Our board certified surgeons, Dr. Christopher J. Hart, Dr. William H. Johnson, Dr. Michael Williams or Dr. Brendon Curtis perform medical procedures or surgeries that do not require an overnight stay.

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