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Incisional Hernia

What is Incisional Hernia?

An incisional hernia happens when a weakness in the muscle of the abdomen allows the tissues of the abdomen to protrude through the muscle. The hernia appears as a bulge under the skin and can be painful or tender to the touch. The weakness in the muscle is caused by the incision made in a prior abdominal surgery.

hiatus-hernia

What are the symptoms of Incisional Hernia?

Symptoms of a ventral hernia include:
  • A small to large bulge at or near an old surgical incision, most commonly along a vertical straight incision on the abdomen
  • Discomfort or sharp pain-especially when straining, lifting, or exercising-that improves when resting
  • A burning, gurgling, or aching feeling at the bulge
  • Intestinal obstructions can occur when the intestines are blocked due to scar tissue

What are the treatment options for Incisional Hernias?

The opening of the Hernia is sewn shut and usually covered with a synthetic mesh. This helps strengthen the abdominal wall. The risk of having another incisional hernia is much greater if no mesh is used.
The surgery can be carried out in the following ways:

  • Open Surgery: The abdomen is cut open, the opening of the hernia is closed from the outside, and a mesh is placed on it to strengthen it.
  • Laparoscopic (minimally invasive or keyhole) Surgery: The doctor inserts surgical instruments and a fine tube with a camera attached to it (a laparoscope) through several small cuts. The cuts are about 5 to 10 mm long. The mesh is attached to the abdominal wall from the inside.

If an Incisional Hernia occurs within the first few weeks after an abdominal operation, the hernia isn’t repaired immediately. This gives the abdominal wall time to recover. Incisional hernias are generally only repaired several months after the surgery that led to them was carried out.

should i opt for Laparoscopic surgery or open surgery for my Incisional Hernia?

The decision for laparoscopic or open surgery is usually taken after in depth discussion between the surgeon and the patient and family. laparoscopic surgery results in early recovery and better cosmesis. it also results less infectious and recurrence issues compared to open hernia. however in some situations open surgery may be essential. this decision is taken by the operating surgeon.

What are the Causes of Incisional Hernia?

Some of the causes of Incisional Hernia include:

  • A surgical wound.
  • An incisional hernia occurs mainly because the muscle layers are not strong enough. So, when the patient is old, the incisional hernia is common.
  • When there is an increased intra-abdominal pressure just after an operation, an incisional hernia can occur. This pressure might result due to a chronic cough. So, if the patient suffers from any lung problem just after the operation, which leads to persistent cough or vomiting, an incisional hernia can occur. When too much pressure builds up on a fresh incision, it cannot keep the pressure and thus breaks.
  • Lifting heavy weights just after an operation leads to incisional hernia for the same reason as above, that is, building up too much pressure on the incision.
  • Incision Hernia is also caused when you have multiple surgeries through the same incision.
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