Ventral and incisional hernia surgery in Niš
A ventral hernia is a bulge in the front abdominal wall, often in the scar of a previous operation. The surgeon decides on the method and extent after a consultation.
At a glance
- Location
- Front abdominal walloften in a surgical scar
- Method
- Open or laparoscopicdepending on hernia size
- Wall repair
- usually With mesh
- Anaesthetic
- usually Generaldecided by surgeon and anaesthetist
Note: The information is general. For each patient the surgeon decides after a consultation.
Facts and description
Ventral hernia surgery is a procedure in which the surgeon returns the hernia contents and strengthens the front abdominal wall, usually with mesh. A ventral hernia often forms in the scar of a previous abdominal operation, when it is called an incisional hernia. At Maja Hospital, Vizantijski bulevar 39 in Niš, the price list includes surgery for small, medium and large hernias and laparoscopic surgery, and the surgeon chooses the method after a consultation.
All facts
- Procedure
- Returning the hernia contents and strengthening the front abdominal wall, usually with mesh
- Other names
- Incisional hernia, postoperative hernia, scar hernia
- Methods
- Open surgery, in the price list also by the Rives and Stoppa technique, or laparoscopic surgery
- Anaesthetic
- Usually general. The surgeon and anaesthetist decide on the type.
- Hospital stay
- Depends on the size of the hernia and the method. The surgeon decides on the length of stay.
- Price
- Depends on the size of the hernia and the method. The items are in the price table on this page; laparoscopic incisional hernia surgery is priced on request.
When the operation is usually recommended
- A bulge in a scar or the abdominal wall causes symptoms
- The hernia grows over time
- The hernia makes work, movement or skin care harder
- The surgeon decides after a consultation that surgery is needed
Can it be treated without surgery?
- In adults a hernia does not go away on its own
- A belt eases symptoms but does not close the gap
- Smoking and excess weight increase the risk of recurrence
The path to the operation
Step 1: Surgical consultation
The surgeon examines you and your results and explains whether an operation is needed and which method may be used.
Step 2: Tests and preparation
Tests are done before the operation; with spinal or general anaesthesia you are also seen by an anaesthetist.
Step 3: Admission and consent
The surgeon explains the procedure and possible risks once more, and you sign a consent form.
Step 4: Operation
The surgeon and the team carry out the procedure, under the anaesthetic agreed by the surgeon and the anaesthetist.
Step 5: Monitoring and discharge
You are monitored after the procedure; the surgeon decides on the length of stay and the follow-up date.
Ventral hernia surgery: prices
Recovery
- Pain and discomfort around the wound are expected in the first days. The surgeon prescribes pain relief.
- Walking is encouraged from the first days, and daily activities are resumed gradually.
- Keep the wound clean and dry. The surgeon will tell you when you can shower, and when you can take a bath or swim.
- Stitches, unless they are dissolvable, are removed at the follow-up appointment.
- With severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or chest pain, call the emergency service on 194 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Show 3 more: Recovery
- Lifting and heavy physical effort are avoided for as long as the surgeon advises.
- After a general anaesthetic, do not drive for at least 24 hours and have someone with you for the first 24 hours.
- Contact the surgeon if you develop a temperature of 38 °C or higher, redness, pus or heavier bleeding from the wound, pain that gets worse, or nausea and vomiting that do not stop.
How to prepare
- Have the tests that the surgeon and anaesthetist ask for, usually a blood count, biochemistry, clotting tests and an ECG.
- Tell the doctor about allergies and medicines, and do not change blood thinners or diabetes medicines on your own.
- Do not eat or drink before the operation, exactly as instructed by the hospital.
- Stop smoking as early as possible before the operation.
Show 2 more: How to prepare
- Bring your ID card, health insurance card, results, a list of medicines and loose, comfortable clothes.
- Arrange for someone to accompany you and to help at home for the first days after the operation.
When to contact the surgeon or the emergency service
Call the emergency service (194) or go to an emergency department straight away if:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- A hernia becomes hard, painful or tender and does not go back
- Pain with nausea, vomiting, a swollen abdomen and no wind or stools
- High temperature with shivering
Contact the surgeon if after the operation you have:
- A temperature of 38 °C or higher, or shivering
- Redness, warmth, swelling or pus at the wound, or heavier bleeding
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Nausea or vomiting that do not stop
- Pain and swelling in the calf
In detail
What is a ventral or incisional hernia?
A ventral hernia is a hernia in the front abdominal wall. It most often forms in the scar of a previous abdominal operation, when the wall at that spot weakens. It is then called an incisional or postoperative hernia. It is seen as a bulge that gets bigger when standing, coughing or straining.
A hernia can be small or large, with one or several gaps. In adults it does not go away on its own, and a belt can ease symptoms but does not close the gap.
How is ventral hernia surgery done?
The surgeon returns the hernia contents to the abdominal cavity and strengthens the wall, usually with mesh. In open surgery this is done through a cut, usually at the old scar. For small and medium hernias the Maja Hospital price list names the Rives and Stoppa technique, in which the mesh is placed between the layers of the abdominal wall. Laparoscopic surgery is done through several small cuts, with a camera.
Which method is suitable depends on the size and position of the hernia, the number of gaps, previous operations and general health. The surgeon decides after a consultation and sometimes asks for an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.
How can the risk of recurrence be reduced?
Hernias after previous abdominal operations, especially large ones, come back more often than inguinal hernias. Smoking and excess weight increase the risk, so before a planned operation the surgeon sometimes advises stopping smoking or losing weight. After the operation it is important to follow the instructions on effort and lifting.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ventral hernia surgery cost in Niš?
At Maja Hospital the price depends on the size of the hernia and the method. The general surgery price list includes small, medium and large ventral hernia and laparoscopic surgery; laparoscopic incisional hernia surgery is priced on request. All items are in the price table on this page.
What is an incisional hernia?
It is a ventral hernia that forms in the scar of a previous abdominal operation, when the wall at that spot weakens. It is repaired by returning the hernia contents and strengthening the wall, usually with mesh.
Is ventral hernia surgery done laparoscopically?
It can be. The Maja Hospital price list includes laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia surgery. Whether laparoscopy is suitable depends on the size and position of the hernia and previous operations.
What does Rives and Stoppa mean in the price list?
These are the names of an open ventral hernia repair technique in which the mesh is placed between the layers of the abdominal wall. The surgeon explains which technique is suggested in your case.
Can a ventral hernia come back after surgery?
It can. Hernias after previous abdominal operations, especially large ones, come back more often. Smoking and excess weight increase the risk.
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The information in this text is general in nature and does not replace an examination by a doctor.
Book an appointment: Ventral hernia surgery
Information on this website does not replace a medical examination. Treatment is decided by a doctor after the examination.