An abdominal hernia, or ventral hernia, is a hole in the layers of the abdomen through which the intestines protrude. This type of hernia most often occurs following previous abdominal surgery. The deeper layers of the incision can come apart, allowing the intestines or the fat surrounding them to protrude through the abdominal wall. 

The straight-forward abdominal hernia is usually managed by the general surgeon-typically, the surgeon who did the initial operation. Generally, a piece of mesh is used to cover the hole. However, in some cases, the hernia can be massive or complicated by factors such as obesity, infection, fistula (bowel contents leaking through the skin), failure of a previous repair, or a problem with the overlying skin. In such cases, a more complex approach to reconstructing the hernia is required. The expertise of a reconstructive plastic surgeon trained in abdominal wall reconstruction is required. Dr. Manolis specializes in repairing complex abdominal or ventral hernias. 

 

Who is a good candidate? 
If you have a hernia of the abdominal region following a previous surgery you may be a candidate. Even if you have failed a previous repair with or without the use of mesh you still have reconstructive options. Patients who are obese or have other complicating factors such as infection or drainage of fluid from the skin overlying the hernia can still be considered for surgery. 

If you have significant heart or lung disease and are in very poor overall health you may not be well enough to undergo surgery. This decision will be made jointly by your primary care physician, the plastic surgeon and any other specialist who cares for you (e.g. cardiologist or pulmonary specialist).