Abdominal wall Hernia can occur in the Groin, Central Upper abdomen, belly button and previous surgical incisions site.
All hernias should be considered for repair as they become bigger over time. There is always a risk of Bowel or fat getting caught and causing a loss of blood supply, which requires emergency repair.
Each hernia repair is different and tailored to the situation. Laparoscopic groin can be done as day surgery but major incisional hernia might stay for several days in the hospital. Depending on the site and size of the hernia, the operation can be performed with a Keyhole or open approach.
Smaller hernias are relatively simple to repair. Most hernia repairs are done with mesh as it has been shown to reduce the chance of hernia returning. Tiny Umbilical and Epigastric hernia can be closed only with sutures, which means no mesh. The larger that hernias become, the more involved the surgery (and hence recovery), another reason to attempt earlier repair where possible.