





Incisional Hernias

Ventral or Incisional Hernia A condition where a part of the
abdominal contents such as the bowel or intestines, protrude through a weakened part of
the abdominal wall. Weakness in the abdominal wall can result from heavy lifting, chronic
coughing, severe vomiting, obesity, pregnancy and diabetes. If the protruding loop of
intestine or bowel becomes trapped tightly enough to cut of circulation, immediate medical
attention is necessary as the condition is very serious. If the hernia occurs where an old
surgical scar was then it is called an incisional hernia.

INCISIONAL or Ventral Hernias may occur in the area of any prior surgical incision, and
can vary in size from very small, to very large and complex. They develop as the result of
disruption along or adjacent to the area of abdominal wall suturing, often subsequent
tension placed on the tissue or other inhibition to adequate healing (infection, poor
nutrition, obesity, or metabolic diseases).