Ventral
A ventral hernia refers to a protuberance of tissue through an opening in the abdominal wall muscles. A ventral hernia can occur in any area of the abdominal wall, and often forms at the site of past surgical incisions where the muscles are weak (in which case it will be called an incisional hernia). Other risk factors for a ventral hernia include pregnancy; history of previous hernias; obesity; and frequently lifting or carrying heavy objects.
In order to repair a ventral hernia, Dr Mosai will make about three 10mm small incisions, through which he will insert a camera and tiny surgical tools. He will pull the bulging tissue back into the abdominal cavity and close the opening/hole with stitches. In most cases, a mesh will be used to reinforce the tissue. This step of using a mesh is crucial in preventing the hernia from reoccurring.
TEP, TAPP
TEP repair refers to a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in order to repair an inguinal (groin) hernias. During the procedure, Dr Mosai will make small incisions in the abdomen and place a special balloon filled with gas to separate the layers between the anterior abdominal wall and the peritoneum. Small instruments are then used to reposition the hernia contents, and a mesh is used to seal/patch the opening where the hernia was.
TAPP repair refers to another minimally invasive inguinal/groin hernia repair procedure. During the procedure, Dr Mosai will make small incisions, through which instruments are inserted. The tube is used to fill the abdominal cavity with gas, allowing Dr Mosai to view the organs in detail. He will then use tiny surgical instruments to cut the lining of the abdominal cavity and reduce the hernia contents seal/patch the opening where the hernia was with a mesh.
Acute and chronic diaphragmatic hernias
A diaphragmatic hernia occurs in cases where the abdominal organs move upwards into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. The hernia opening can be a birth defect (congenital), but can also occur as a result of trauma to the diaphragm (acquired).
If the diaphragmatic hernia is detected shortly after the injury, it is referred to as acute. If it is detected at a later stage (usually after 3 months) from the time of injury it is referred to as chronic.
Both acute and chronic diaphragmatic hernias are typically treated as emergencies, and surgery is performed in order to remove the abdominal organs from the chest, move the organs back into abdomen, and repair the diaphragm.