Abdominal Wall Hernias and Biomaterials

Hernia is derived from the Latin word meaning “rupture or protrusion”. A hernia is the protrusion of tissue or an organ through a defect or weakness in the surrounding walls. Abdominal wall hernias occur at sites lacking a covering with overlapping aponeuroses and fascia. Hernias can be present at birth (congenital), develop spontaneously over time or as a result of surgery or trauma. Areas on the ventral abdominal wall prone to hernia formation are located at the arcuate line, epigastric, inguinal and umbilical hernias. Iatrogenic hernias on the abdominal wall occur at sites of surgical incisions (incisional hernias).