What are the symptoms of a ventral hernia?

Lump, pain: A ventral hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall muscle that allows abdominal organs to protrude causing a lump or mass. If these organs are squeezed or trapped in the defect then pain can ensue. Pain is relieved by reducing the hernia contents or laying down.

Pain and/or bulging: A ventral hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall through which intra-abdominal contents may pass. This may cause a bulge under the skin that can enlarge over time, and/or cause pain an discomfort with activity, or when you are leaning against a counter. See a general surgeon with experience utilizing a variety of techniques for repair to in out which one suits you best.

It can vary but: in general symptoms include abdominal pain/discomfort, tugging/pulling sensation, bulge/protrusion of the abdominal wall, sometimes even nausea or redness over the skin. If you have a sudden increase in pain, nausea/vomiting, skin changes, fevers/chills then you should go to an ER immediately. However, ventral hernias can also be asymptomatic and cause no problems.