A hernia is the protrusion of an internal organ through a weak point in the body wall where it normally resides. Because these weak points are most commonly located in the groin, the umbilicus, and previous surgical incision sites, hernias most frequently develop in these regions. In general surgical practice, hernias are among the common conditions we encounter, affecting 2–5 out of every 100 patients. Approximately 90% of abdominal wall hernias are inguinal hernias.
For patients diagnosed with a hernia, there is no treatment option other than surgery. In the past, operations were performed by stitching weakened tissues together, resulting in a recurrence rate of around 15%. Today, with the use of synthetic meshes placed without creating tension, recurrence rates have decreased to approximately 1%.
In recent years, hernia surgery performed through open techniques has also been successfully applied using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) methods.
