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Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD

General Surgeon · Laparoscopic · Robotic · Oncologic Surgery

Detailed chapter

Hernia Disease — Ventral Hernia & IPOM

Anterior abdominal-wall hernias as a group — and what laparoscopic IPOM repair means

Ventral hernia is an umbrella term for anterior abdominal-wall hernias (umbilical, epigastric, Spigelian, and incisional). IPOM (intraperitoneal onlay mesh) is one laparoscopic repair option for selected defects — not a disease name and not automatic for every ventral hernia.

IPOM · educational illustration

Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.

© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use

Figure summary

  • This educational figure shows: IPOM.
  • Related figures on this page: IPOM mesh surfaces — tap to enlarge.

Related educational figures

Tap a figure to enlarge.

  • IPOM mesh surfaces — tap to enlarge

    Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.

    © Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use

    Figure summary

    IPOM mesh surfaces — tap to enlarge

Key points

  • What “ventral” means

    Ventral describes hernias of the anterior abdominal wall. It includes umbilical, epigastric, Spigelian, and incisional hernias. It is a location framework — not one single disease. Groin (inguinal) hernias are outside this group.

  • How it relates to incisional hernia

    Incisional hernia is a common and important ventral subtype that forms in a prior scar. Umbilical hernia is also ventral but does not require a prior incision. This page explains the repair schematic (especially IPOM); disease history and risks live on the related hernia pages.

  • What IPOM is

    IPOM (intraperitoneal onlay mesh) places an appropriate mesh on the inner surface of the abdominal wall after laparoscopic (or robot-assisted) entry into the peritoneal cavity. The goal is to cover and reinforce the defect. IPOM is not automatic for every ventral hernia.

    • Small ports enter the abdomen
    • The defect is seen and contents reduced
    • A composite (anti-adhesion–faced) mesh is positioned and fixed on the inner wall
    • Open or other-plane repairs may be better in selected cases

  • Which mesh is used in IPOM?

    Because the mesh sits inside the peritoneal cavity facing bowel, plain (bare) polypropylene is not preferred. IPOM typically uses a composite / dual-faced mesh: the parietal side supports wall integration and fixation; the visceral side has an anti-adhesion barrier (coating or film) to reduce adhesion and erosion risk. Brand and model are chosen for the patient and defect — there is no single universal mesh.

    • Composite / barrier-coated (anti-adhesion) mesh
    • Visceral face: barrier toward bowel
    • Parietal face: fixation and integration into the wall
    • A different product class than plain mesh used in groin TEP/TAPP

  • Who is discussed for IPOM

    Selected medium ventral or incisional defects with suitable anatomy and low contamination risk may be candidates. Very large loss-of-domain, dense adhesions, infection/fistula, or complex reconstruction needs often favor open or hybrid strategies.

  • What is not promised

    Key note inside

    IPOM is not a miracle single method. Mesh choice (including composite / barrier selection), fixation, defect closure, and patient factors affect recurrence and comfort. Decisions are individualized after imaging and surgical assessment.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is every ventral hernia repaired with IPOM?

    No. IPOM is one option for selected defects. Open, robotic, or hybrid plans may fit better depending on size, scars, and contamination risk.

  • Is IPOM the same as an incisional hernia?

    No. Incisional hernia is a disease type. IPOM is a repair technique that may be used for some ventral or incisional defects.

  • What kind of mesh is used in IPOM?

    Usually a composite / dual-faced mesh with an anti-adhesion barrier on the bowel side — not plain polypropylene — because the mesh faces the abdominal cavity.

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This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.

Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.

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