A giant abdominal wall hernia can develop from an existing ventral or incisional hernia, sometimes arising after one or more failed repair attempts.  These hernias may also result from a traumatic injury where the abdomen was required to be left open and healing was delayed. In giant abdominal wall hernias, multiple loops of intestines and sometimes other abdominal organs reside within the hernia sac. The abdominal wall muscles then become conditioned to this and retract reducing the available space inside the abdomen.

Symptoms

- Very unsightly bulging of the abdominal wall
- Chronic, non-healing wounds
- Immobility and back pain.

Diagnosis

- Physical examination
- CT scan
- MRI

Treatment

Abdominal surgery is required to repair a giant abdominal wall using a combination of complex mesh repair and/or utilizing a "components separation" procedure.