[CT imaging in the treatment of ventral hernias]

Ventral hernias are one of the most common problems in abdominal surgery. At the same time, clinical diagnosis of abdominal hernia is a straightforward issue amenable to surgical treatment in the absence of severe comorbidities. However, long-term follow-up revealed disappointing results regarding complication rates and incidence of postoperative recurrences. In this context, preoperative planning with control of comorbidities and complete visualization of hernia and its anatomical relationships with abdominal organs is important. Computed tomography (CT) offers the best opportunity to determine dimensions and location of hernial defect(s), diastasis recti and/or associated muscle atrophy, as well as loss of domain. This information is valuable to select the best surgical technique (open or minimally invasive), location and fixation of mesh, possible need for various separation techniques, botulinum toxin, preoperative pneumoperitoneum or reduction interventions on abdominal organs. Nevertheless, this issue remains peripheral to active surgical discussions focusing on intervention techniques, postoperative management, etc., since there is currently no clear communication between radiologists and surgeons in this area of surgery. This review is devoted to the role of CT in the treatment of ventral hernias.