Ventral hernia repair/panniculectomy at the same time?

Hello, it is often difficult to determine your specific query without examining you. A ventral hernia is usually a result of prior surgery with now weakened abdominal wall musculature, if you presented with pain and are having issues related to the hernia (this can also vary and depend on the size of the hernia and what's in the hernia ie. is there any bowel in it that is just sitting there and causing you constipation or an upset tummy?) a CT scan will often tell you that, but not every physician will deem a scan necessary. sometimes your clinical symptoms are history/physical are enough to determine that.
The panniculectomy is often covered by insurance as it is considered a medical necessity since the skin can get repetitively infected (intertrigo/cellulitis), sometimes even presenting as boils or soft tissue infections (especially in the warmer or subtropical climates). The panniculectomy performed can be performed with the ventral/incisional hernia repair as a medically necessary procedure if there there is or has been any soft tissue or skin that was or is infected anywhere near the hernia, especially if there is any consideration for mesh placement (this depends on the size of the hernia on exam or on ct). Placement of mesh near any tissue that may get infected can risk infecting the mesh subjecting you to another infection or further surgery for removal of the mesh. The types of mesh vary with surgeons preference but the majority of surgeons will now use a form of a bioprosthetic or absorbable mesh.
I would advise you to talk to your surgeon about the necessary insurance paperwork before you undergo surgery, they are very understanding even if they have a few more questions or need further tests such as a CT scan to approve the surgery. Again this is case dependent and not all cases are the same. I hope this has helped answer some of your queries. Hope your surgery goes well!