If you’ve had abdominal surgery in the past and notice a bulge near your scar, you might be dealing with something called an incisional hernia. But what is an incisional hernia, exactly?
In this blog, we will explain it in simple terms so you can understand what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
What You Should Know About an Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia happens when tissue, such as a part of your intestine, protrudes through a weakened area in your abdominal muscles. This weak spot typically develops along a surgical scar from a previous operation.
You can think of it as a small hole in a wall—your organs can sometimes push through this opening, leading to a bulge under your skin.
This type of hernia is referred to as “incisional” because it occurs at the site of an incision or cut made during earlier surgery. It doesn’t happen immediately after the operation; in fact, it may take weeks, months, or even years to manifest.
Why Does an Incisional Hernia Happen?
After surgery, your body works hard to heal the incision. But sometimes, the muscles and tissues around the scar don’t heal as strongly as they should. This creates a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
There are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing an incisional hernia, including:
- Infection after surgery
- Being overweight or obese
- Heavy lifting or straining
- Coughing a lot
- Smoking
- Multiple surgeries
What are the Symptoms of an Incisional Hernia?
The most common sign of an incisional hernia is a noticeable bulge near your surgical scar. This bulge might be more obvious when you stand up, cough, or strain, and it might disappear when you lie down. Other symptoms can include:
- Pain or discomfort around the bulge, especially when lifting or bending
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in your abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting (in rare cases, if the hernia becomes trapped)
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. While not all hernias are dangerous, some can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
How Is an Incisional Hernia Treated?
The treatment for an incisional hernia depends on its size, your symptoms, and your overall health. In some cases, small hernias that don’t cause pain or other problems might not need immediate treatment. Your doctor might just monitor it over time.
However, if the hernia is large, painful, or growing, surgery is often recommended. There are two main types of surgery for incisional hernias:
- Open Surgery
The surgeon makes a cut near the hernia and pushes the tissue back into place. They then repair the weak spot in the abdominal wall, sometimes using a mesh to strengthen the area. - Laparoscopic Surgery
This is a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera and tools to fix the hernia. Recovery time is usually faster with this method.
After surgery, you’ll need to take it easy for at least a while to let your body heal. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to avoid, like heavy lifting, to prevent the hernia from coming back.
Can You Prevent an Incisional Hernia?
While you can’t always prevent an incisional hernia, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Follow your doctor’s advice after surgery, avoid heavy lifting, and take care of your incision to help it heal properly.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as extra weight can put pressure on your abdominal wall.
- Quit smoking, as it can weaken your tissues and slow healing.
- Strengthen your core with gentle abdominal exercises, but consult your doctor first.
The Bottom Line
An incisional hernia occurs when your organs push through a weakened spot in the abdominal muscle, usually along a surgical scar. It can be uncomfortable but is usually treatable.
If you see a bulge near an old surgical scar or have symptoms, consult the experts at NOVA Bariatrics & General Surgery for the right diagnosis and treatment. With proper care, most of our patients recover well and return to normal activities. Call us at (469) 639-0953 to schedule your consultation!
