HERNIA
SURGERY

Incisional hernia only occur after previous surgery and can occur anytime after the original operation. They are a post operative hernia that occurs through the incision or cut in the abdominal wall. They are common and occur in up to 15 % of patients who have had an abdominal incision.  

 

The risk of an incisional hernia depends on several factors: the site of the incision, the magnitude of the surgery, your age, how sick you were at the time, post operative infections, obesity and the use of drugs like prednisolone which can affect healing.  Surgical technique also influences the risk of a subsequent incisional hernia. For example vertical incisions may have a greater risk than transverse.

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They are also called ventral hernia as the usually occur in the front or ventral part of the abdomen.

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Incisional hernia are usually obvious with a swelling or bulge more easily seen when standing. An early incisional henia may start as  discomfort or pain before the hernia is visible.

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A Type 1 hernia has a wide defect with less risk of incarceration. A Type 2 has a smaller defect and a higher risk.

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However there is often no rush to fix these hernia.

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Repair can often be done as a keyhole or laparoscopic, minimally invasive operation. Mesh is nearly always needed.

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