Incisional Hernia Surgery Specialist

What is an Incisional Hernia?

An incisional hernia occurs after there has been surgery where a cut is made through the abdominal wall. Even after that incision is sewed up, it is weaker than the surrounding tissue.  Over time, the repair in the muscles can break down and develop into a hernia, even if the scar you see on the surface of the skin looks normal. When an incisional hernia occurs it can be due to the fact that the stitches which held the incision closed have come apart or it could have failed to heal properly. Incisional hernias can occur soon after surgery or can appear months or even years later. An incisional hernia can show up after a small or large incision, in only a portion of the incision, and many small hernias can be present along a long incision. They can be quite painful and will require surgery with placement of a mesh to strengthen the already weakened tissue.  

Who is at a Greater Risk for Developing an Incisional Hernia?

Anyone who has undergone surgery on their abdomen can develop an incisional hernia, however individuals can be at a greater risk if they:

• Have had an infection after the surgery

• Are overweight or obese

• Have had lung problems after surgery

• Used steroid medications

• Are older

• Have more than one surgery using the same incision

Are Incisional Hernias Dangerous?

All hernias carry with them the chance of intestinal strangulation. This is when the intestine become stuck and twisted within the hernia and the blood flow then gets cut off. If the intestines become strangulated, the pain will be severe and vomiting is often present because the strangulated intestines get kinked or blocked. Strangulated hernias are a surgical emergency, because if left untreated the intestine may die and the situation can become life-threatening for the patient. It is best to have a surgeon address the hernia when it is first noticed to prevent such things from occurring.

What Does Incisional Hernia Surgery Do to Help?

The pain from a hernia will limit physical activity.  During a laparoscopic surgical procedure, the tissue pushing through the hernia defect will be returned to its proper position in the abdominal cavity and the hole in the muscles of the abdominal wall will be closed, and the closure will be reinforced with a mesh to keep the hernia from coming back.  This procedure is minimally invasive because it utilizes thin, long instruments which are inserted into a person’s abdominal cavity through tiny incisions placed from an area of the abdomen not involved with the hernia.  This makes the procedure ideal for treating incisional hernias, with less pain and reduced recovery time.