Ventral hernia means hernia located at the anterior, frontal abdominal wall.
It is noticeable as a protrusion at the wall, occurring when part of the contents of the abdominal cavity, most often a piece of intestine, protrudes through the cavity and into the abdominal wall.
This happens through a weak spot of the covering membranes and muscles of the abdominal wall.
Weakening of the abdominal wall can be congenital (born with this certain defect), or due to aging process and side effect of previous surgery.
Actually, ventral hernias are most often caused by a defect in the wall due to surgery.
When small without symptoms, hernia can be easily pushed back and do not need treatment.
If the hernia enlarges greatly, starts causing severe pain and is no more retractable, a surgery is performed.