The Biology of Hernia Formation

Abdominal wall hernias occur when tissue structure and function are lost at the load-bearing muscle, tendon, and fascial layer. The fundamental biologic mechanisms are primary fascial pathology or surgical wound failure. In both cases, cellular and extracellular molecular matrix defects occur. Primary abdominal wall hernias have been associated with extracellular matrix diseases. Incisional hernias and recurrent inguinal hernias more often involve a combination of technical and biologic limitations. Defects in wound healing and extracellular matrix synthesis contribute to the high incidence of incisional hernia formation following laparotomy.