Computed Tomography and Gross Anatomy of the Abdominal Wall (Including Planes for Mesh Hernia Repair)

A comprehensive understanding of abdominal wall anatomy, both gross and radiographic, is essential for any surgeon who plans to perform ventral herniorrhaphy. As the volume and complexity of ventral hernias increase, hernia surgeons must be well versed in the correlation of physical exam findings with imaging study findings to most effectively plan for operative intervention. This chapter provides a focused review of gross anatomy for hernia surgeons. It also reviews the importance of computed tomography imaging in the diagnosis and surgical management of ventral hernias and provides images and identifies key findings on interpretation. Finally, it describes the major classification systems of hernia location and mesh implantation to improve communication and research among surgeons who perform ventral herniorrhaphy.