Hernia glossary

Incarceration

A hernia that becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall and cannot be pushed back in. Increases the risk of strangulation.

Strangulation

Loss of blood supply to tissue trapped in a hernia. A surgical emergency that can cause tissue death.

Fascia

The tough connective tissue layer of the abdominal wall. Hernias are defects in this layer.

Mesh

A flexible synthetic or biologic material used to reinforce the abdominal wall during hernia repair.

TAPP

Trans-Abdominal Pre-Peritoneal repair: a laparoscopic groin hernia technique that enters the abdomen to place mesh behind the muscle.

TEP

Totally Extra-Peritoneal repair: a laparoscopic groin hernia technique that places mesh behind the muscle without entering the abdominal cavity.

eTEP

Extended TEP: a minimally invasive technique used for ventral and incisional hernias that creates a retromuscular plane for mesh placement.

TAR

Transversus Abdominis Release: an advanced reconstruction technique for complex ventral and incisional hernias.

Component separation

A surgical technique that mobilizes muscle layers to close large abdominal wall defects under low tension.

Loss of domain

A complex hernia where abdominal contents have migrated into the hernia sac, reducing the abdomen's normal capacity.

Seroma

A collection of clear fluid that can develop under the skin after surgery; usually self-limited.

Recurrence

Reappearance of a hernia at the same site after a prior repair.

Educational disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual recommendations require consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.