What is Incisional Hernia?

Incisional hernia is the bulge that develops from a previous surgical scar that causes weaknessin the abdominal area.

Mr. Abhay Chopada a laparoscopic general and colorectal consultant specialises in in treatment and management of different types of hernias including incisional hernia. As one of UK’s Top Surgical Gastroenterologists, is well known for his expertise in this field.

Incisional Hernia

Hernia is a bulge that develops when the internal organs of the abdominal cavity are pushed out through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall.

Incisional hernia is the bulge that develops from a previous surgical scar that causes weaknessin the abdominal area. Incisional hernia can occur with few types of abdominal surgeries. The scars left from surgeries of the heart and intestine, appendectomy(removal of appendix) and laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) are prone to incisional hernia. Poor healing of the surgical incisions or pressure on the scars may cause a bulge to develop after months or years after the surgery.

A number of factors are responsible for developing incisional hernia after surgery. They include:

Being overweight
Old age
Pregnancy
Fluid retention
Wound infection or bleeding after a surgery
More than one surgery on the same incisional site
Nutritional deficiency
Previously treated with steroids or chemotherapy
Lung problems
Chronic cough and lifting heavy objects
Intestinal swelling after an intestinal surgery
Straining during constipation

Incisional hernia may also develop when tension is created while applying sutures tothe wounds after surgery. The pressure on the abdominal wall increases in overweight patients thereby increasing the risk of hernia after any abdominal or groin surgery.