Abdominal hernia (hernia abdominalis) is the displacement of organs outside the body cavity, where they should be. Patients with a large abdominal hernia undergo repair procedures. Before the procedure it is advisable to undertake preparatory physiotherapy, which reduces the risk of respiratory failure and improves the patient’s general fitness. The physiotherapy includes, among others, spirometry, approximate assessment of respiratory efficiency, 6-minute walking test, respiratory physiotherapy, and general fitness exercises.