Mind the gap: imaging spectrum of abdominal ventral hernia repair complications

Ventral hernia repair with or without mesh placement is a commonly done procedure. Laparoscopic approach is more preferred than open in recent surgical practice. Complications occur as like any other abdominal surgeries and are dependent on multiple factors. Complications such as collections, adhesions, and related changes are non-specific. Specific complications related to hernia repair include recurrent hernia, mesh infection, mesh migration, and fistula formation. Post inguinal hernia repair chronic inguinal pain is gaining more attention with increasing use of image-guided nerve interventions for symptomatic management. Imaging plays a vital role in defining and delineating the type and extent of complications. Prior knowledge of the surgical indication and technique helps in better imaging interpretation of complications. This article describes the role of imaging in diagnosis of complications in general ventral hernia surgery setting.