INFORMED CONSENT FORM FOR VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR

(incisional/epigastric/umbilical/other)

Meaning:
A hernia, sometimes referred to as a rupture, occurs when a part of an internal organ, sometimes the
bowel, pushes through a weak point in the abdominal wall.

Ventral means through the abdominal wall. Ventral hernias can be described by their location more
specifically. An incisional hernia can develop in scars after surgery. An epigastric hernia is in the stomach
area. Umbilical or paraumbilical means of or around the belly button.

Purpose:
The goal of ventral hernia surgery is to repair the hole/defect in the abdominal wall so that the intestine
and other abdominal tissue cannot bulge through the wall again. The surgery often restores the tone
and shape of the abdominal wall by repairing the hole and bringing the muscles back to their normal
position.

Benefits:
Most hernias will not get better without surgery. Hernia surgery is safe and effective for most people.
Repairing a hernia will:
• Pain Relief
• Remove any bulge or lump.
• Prevent complications. In some cases, part of the intestine can become trapped in the weak
area of the abdominal wall. It can also cause bowel blockage (obstructed hernia). This can cut off the
blood supply (strangulated hernia). Both situations are medical emergencies. Repairing the hernia will
prevent this from happening.
• Help reduce discomfort.

Procedure:
The type of operation depends on the hernia size, location, and if it is a repeat hernia. Your health, age,
anaesthesia risk, and the surgeon's expertise are also important. An operation is the only treatment for
a hernia repair.
• Open Hernia Repair
The surgeon makes an incision near the hernia site. The bulging tissue is gently pushed back into
the abdomen. Muscle defect is closed by sutures. Mesh is used to re-inforce the muscle. With complex
or large hernias, small drains may be placed going from inside to the outside of the abdomen. The site is
closed using sutures, staples, or surgical glue.

• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

The surgeon will make several small punctures or incisions in the abdomen. The abdomen is
inflated with carbon dioxide gas. Ports or trocars (hollow tubes) are inserted into the openings. Surgical
tools are placed into the ports. Hernial contents are reduced. Mesh is sutured, stapled, or clipped to the
muscle around the hernia site.

Complications:

● Early Complications:

➢ Bleeding and blood clots ➢ Urinary Retention

➢ Injury to intestines/bowel ➢ Urinary Tract Infection
➢ Wound Infection ➢ Heart Complications
➢ Pain ➢ Kidney Failure
➢ Pneumonia

● Late Complications:

➢ Intestinal Adhesions ➢ Recurrence

➢ Intestinal obstruction
Patient Specific Risks Factors:

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Alternatives:
● Watchful waiting is an option for a hernia without symptoms. All patients should get treatment
if they have sudden sharp abdominal pain and vomiting. These symptoms can indicate an
incarcerated hernia and bowel obstruction.
● Customized belts made to apply pressure on a hernia can be used in the patients who are unfit
for surgery.

Every effort will be made to prevent all complications. Although they are not very common, it is
important that you know about them in order to make an informed decision. You must be informed of
the major risks involved in any operation. That is why this document is being included in your operative
consent. It is not meant to frighten or upset you, but to point out the facts as they exist.

• I have read and fully understand the information presented above and its relation to the
proposed surgical procedure. I also understand that there is no guarantee of the results of the surgery.

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Signature Date

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Witness Signature Date