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).

Incisional Hernia Surgery Sydney – benefits

You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent serious complications that a hernia can cause. To learn more about the specific benefits of operating on your hernia, speak to your surgeon.

What complications can happen?

Specific complications of this operation:

— Damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels.
— Developing a recurrent hernia.
— Injury to your bowel.
— Developing a collection of blood or fluid.
— Injury to the structures that come from your abdomen and are within the hernia.
— Mesh-related complications including infection, migration, or shrinkage.

Smoking & hernia repairs: Those who are smokers or have spent a significant number of years as a smoker have an increased risk of wound infection and complications. As such, we generally ask all patients to stop smoking at least six weeks before and after surgery.

Overweight patients: Overweight patients have an increased risk of repair failure and complications. As such, a weight loss intervention prior to hernia surgery may be recommended to reduce the risk of complications or failure.

How do I prepare for incisional hernia surgery?

Incisional hernia surgery is not a major procedure. However, it is still important to ensure that you are well-prepared for the operation as you will be out of action for a few days following the surgery. Preparing for the surgery should involve a few essential steps, including:

— Make sure to speak to your incisional hernia surgeon to discuss any risks, complications, or concerns that you may have. Dr. Mark Magdy will be able to provide you with all of the relevant information required to adequately physically and emotionally prepare for the surgery.
— You may be required to undergo a number of tests prior to the surgery, including blood tests or imaging tests to ensure you are in good health and there are no potential risks that we need to be aware of.
— To prepare for the day of the surgery, make sure you’ve got your transportation to and from the surgery planned out. You may be required to spend 1-2 nights in hospital, and you won’t be able to drive for a few days following the operation.

What does the operation involve?

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 1-2 hours. Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation.

Your surgeon will free up the structures from your abdomen that are stuck in the hernia, and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.

How is an incisional hernia diagnosed?

An incisional hernia can generally be diagnosed through a physical examination, and imaging through ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan.

During the physical examination, your physician will look for a protrusion near the site of the previous surgery, and may also perform manual therapy to get a better idea of pain and tenderness. The ultrasound or imaging test will be used to confirm the suspected diagnosis of the incisional hernia, as well as to get a better idea of the size and location of the hernia.

How does an incisional hernia differ from an inguinal hernia?

Inguinal hernia and incisional hernia are two relatively types of hernias that can develop. However, there are a few differences between the two, including causes, symptoms, and the areas of the body that they may develop.

An inguinal hernia is a hernia that develops at the inguinal canal – a narrow passage in which blood vessels pass through the abdominal wall, presenting near the groin area. These types of hernias are more common in men and can develop as a result of a variety of factors, including age, genetics, or heavy lifting. Inguinal hernia surgery is the process of repairing the abdomen wall to remove an inguinal hernia.

Comparatively, incisional hernias develop as a direct result of a previous surgical procedure and will occur at the incision site. An incisional hernia will occur when the muscles or tissues that are cut during the surgery do not heal properly, resulting in weakness in the abdominal wall. These hernias can develop after any procedure that involves an incision in the abdominal wall and are most effectively treated through surgery.

Both types of hernias can result in a similar set of symptoms – a bulging lump in the affected area, pain or discomfort when lifting or straining, and a feeling of pressure or pain in the abdomen area.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after one to two days of hospital stay. You may need to take painkillers to help you. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work. Your doctor may tell you not to do any manual work for a while. Do not lift anything heavy for at least 4 weeks.