✦ Open Ventral / Incisional Hernia Repair

Open Ventral / Incisional Hernia Repair

Q: What complications can occur?

Possible complications include wound infection, seroma, haematoma, mesh infection (2–5%), recurrence, and rarely bowel injury during adhesiolysis. Careful technique and meticulous closure significantly reduce these risks.

Q: How long is the hospital stay?

Typical stay is 3–5 days depending on hernia size and complexity. Patients mobilise from day one; drains (if placed) are removed before discharge. An abdominal binder is worn for 4–6 weeks.

Q: When can I return to normal activities?

Desk work resumes in 2–3 weeks; light exercise by 4 weeks; heavy lifting and strenuous activity are deferred until 6–8 weeks to ensure complete healing of the abdominal wall repair.

Q: Will I have a large scar?

Yes, the incision is typically over the existing scar or hernia site. Scar management with silicone gels and sun protection helps minimise appearance as healing progresses over several months.

Open ventral and incisional hernia repair with mesh reinforcement — the preferred approach for large, complex, or recurrent hernias requiring direct anatomical repair.

60–180 min PROCEDURE

3–5 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>94% SUCCESS RATE

4–6 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Open Ventral / Incisional Hernia Repair?

Open ventral or incisional hernia repair is performed through a direct incision over the hernia site, allowing thorough dissection, reduction of contents, and definitive mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall. The mesh can be placed in various layers — onlay, inlay, sublay, or retrorectus (Rives-Stoppa) — based on the hernia's size and anatomy. Dr. Abhishek performs this at Lux Hospitals for complex cases where laparoscopy is unsuitable, delivering durable repair with excellent long-term outcomes for large or recurrent defects.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Prep

General anaesthesia is administered; patient is positioned supine; abdomen is widely prepared and draped.

Incision & Sac Exposure

Incision is made over the hernia; the sac is dissected and adhesions to bowel are carefully released.

Defect Measurement

Fascial edges are identified, defect size is measured, and adequate overlap for mesh is planned.

Mesh Placement

Mesh is positioned in the retrorectus, preperitoneal, or onlay plane with at least 5 cm overlap beyond the defect.

Closure

Fascia is closed over the mesh where possible; skin is closed in layers; drains are placed if needed.

Outcomes

60–180 minDURATION

3–5 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>94%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Ideal approach for large or complex ventral and incisional hernias
→Allows complete adhesiolysis and restoration of abdominal wall
→Multiple mesh placement options tailored to anatomy
→Definitive repair for recurrent hernias after previous surgery
→Direct visualisation ensures safe handling of bowel adhesions
→Durable long-term results with appropriate technique

For large and recurrent hernias, open repair is not a compromise — it is the right answer. The ability to restore midline anatomy and place mesh precisely in the retrorectus plane gives these patients the most durable repair.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What complications can occur?+

How long is the hospital stay?+

When can I return to normal activities?+

Will I have a large scar?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

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