ABDOMINAL WALL SURGERY

Abdominal wall surgery refers to the repair of muscular defects in the abdomen, known as hernias. A hernia occurs when tissue or organs protrude through openings or weak areas in the abdominal wall (e.g., inguinal, femoral, or umbilical canals). The most common types are inguinal hernias (more frequent in men), femoral hernias (more common in women), and umbilical hernias. Causes include congenital predisposition, poor muscle tone, physical strain, or conditions that can increase intra-abdominal pressure (e.g., chronic cough, constipation, cirrhosis). Another common hernia condition is laparocele, which is a failure of a surgical wound from previous surgeries (also known as incisional hernia). In any case, repair is performed through surgery that closes the defect, often using prosthetic meshes (non-absorbable, absorbable, or partially absorbable materials) that help bring muscle edges together, reducing abdominal tension and reinforcing the muscle wall. These procedures are often performed via open surgery, sometimes under local anesthesia, but laparoscopic techniques may be indicated in certain cases. In the case of very large hernias, the surgeries can be challenging for the patient, especially if they are older or have comorbid conditions, due to respiratory issues that may arise from repositioning intestinal contents back into the abdomen.