Incisional hernia
Incisional hernia
What is an incisional hernia?
Any operation on your abdomen needs a cut that is closed with stitches. Sometimes your wound does not heal properly, resulting in the contents of your abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump called a hernia.
A hernia can be dangerous because your intestines or other structures within your abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).
What are the benefits of surgery?
You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent serious complications.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
You can sometimes control the hernia with supportive clothing or simply leave it alone. It will not get better without surgery.
What does the operation involve?
Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes about 90 minutes.
Your surgeon will make a cut through your old scar. They will repair the weak tissue either with stitches only or using a synthetic mesh, which they will stitch to the muscles.
What complications can happen?
General complications may include:
- pain
- infection of the surgical site (wound)
- bleeding
- scarring
- blood clots.
Specific complications may include:
- developing a collection of blood or fluid
- difficulty passing urine
- skin necrosis
- injury to structures that come from your abdomen and are within the hernia
- injury to nerves
- removing your umbilicus (belly button).
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after one to four days and will be able to increase how much you walk around over the first few days.
Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
The hernia can come back.
Where to get help
Last reviewed: 17-12-2018
Acknowledgements
Patient Safety & Clinical Quality
EIDO Healthcare Australia
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