Merriam Webster defines a hernia as “a protrusion of an organ or part of an organ (as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed.” A ventral hernia arises in the abdominal wall because a weakness or defect in the abdominal muscles causes the intestines and other abdominal contents to push through. The weakness can be congenital, or it may be caused by aging or injury (i.e., surgical incision).

While symptoms differ based on its location, the most prominent feature of a ventral hernia is a bulge in the abdomen. This bulge may disappear when lying down or when pushed back in. It may become more evident when standing, lifting heavy objects, or at any time pressure is applied to the abdomen. Abdominal pain or discomfort may also be associated with a ventral hernia, usually during physical activity. Hernias may also become incarcerated or strangulated, meaning the hernia contents become trapped and may lose blood supply. This is a medical emergency which causes severe pain, and prompt treatment is needed to relieve the blockage.

The important thing to note is that hernias do not get better over time and they may increase in size if left untreated. Hernias are diagnosed by your health care provider through a comprehensive history and complete physical examination. Sometimes, a CT scan will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, check the size of the hernia, and to check the hernia contents.

Surgical management is often needed to repair the weakness in the abdominal wall. Depending on the size and the location, the ventral hernia can be repaired with an open hernia repair or a laparoscopic hernia repair. The Comprehensive Hernia Care Program, part of the Department of Surgery, provides individualized and specialized care from time of diagnosis.

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Celia M. Divino, MD, FACS, Chief of the Division of General Surgery and Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is an expert in surgical hernia repair.  She directs the Comprehensive Hernia Care Program at The Mount Sinai Hospital.