Robotic & Laparoscopic Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
A ventral hernia occurs through the anterior abdominal wall. Incisional hernias — the most clinically significant type — develop at the site of a prior surgical scar and can range from small defects to large, complex hernias requiring full reconstruction. Dr. Richard Nguyen at Lifetime Surgical specializes in minimally invasive ventral and incisional hernia repair.
Ventral hernias commonly present with:
Ventral hernia repair is tailored to defect size, location, and surrounding tissue quality. Dr. Nguyen uses the following approaches depending on your specific anatomy.
Suitable for small-to-medium defects without significant adhesions. Dr. Nguyen makes 3–4 small incisions on the side of the abdomen and positions mesh intraperitoneally to cover the defect — reducing wound complications compared to open repair.
The da Vinci robotic system allows retromuscular mesh placement — the optimal anatomical position between muscle layers — through small incisions. The Enhanced View Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique enables complex abdominal wall reconstruction with minimally invasive precision.
Very large hernias with significant loss of abdominal domain, or cases involving bowel resection, may require open or hybrid repair with component separation. Dr. Nguyen will discuss all appropriate options at your consultation.
Smaller ventral hernia repairs are typically outpatient (same-day). Larger or more complex repairs may require an overnight hospital stay. All procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Plan to have a responsible adult drive you home and assist you for the first 24–48 hours.
Symptomatic ventral and incisional hernia repairs are generally covered by insurance as medically necessary procedures. Lifetime Surgical accepts approximately 20 insurance plans. Call 408-850-0176 for insurance verification prior to your consultation.
Recurrence can occur due to technical factors, mesh-related issues, wound complications, or patient factors like obesity, smoking, diabetes, or ongoing heavy lifting. Dr. Nguyen performs revision hernia repairs and will carefully review your prior operative reports to plan the safest, most durable repair.
Yes. Any abdominal incision, including a Cesarean section, carries a risk of incisional hernia. Pfannenstiel incisions (horizontal C-section scars) can develop hernias at the lateral corners. If you notice a bulge near your C-section scar, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Nguyen.
Yes. Modern synthetic and biologic meshes have strong long-term safety records. The FDA has clarified that mesh concerns related to pelvic organ prolapse do not apply to abdominal wall hernia repair. Dr. Nguyen uses peer-reviewed, well-studied mesh products and will discuss the appropriate type for your repair.
There is no absolute size limit, but larger hernias with significant loss of domain are more complex. In some cases, prehabilitation — weight loss, quitting smoking, optimizing health — is recommended before surgery to reduce complications. Dr. Nguyen will advise candidly on timing and preparation at your consultation.
Ventral and incisional hernias require an experienced surgeon for optimal outcomes. Dr. Richard Nguyen at Lifetime Surgical has performed hundreds of successful minimally invasive hernia repairs. Schedule your consultation at our San Jose or Los Gatos office today.
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