Incisional hernia is a type of hernia that occurs at the site of the abdominal surgery scar. This occurs due to excessive tension and inadequate healing of the abdominal wall. Because of the cutting of the muscles, the wall of the abdomen weakens and makes the intestine, or any other organ located below the incision site, easier to move and press at the site of the scar, causing a small swelling to form in this area.
Although incisional hernias are a relatively common complication in anyone who has abdominal surgery, they are more common in obese people who have had a wound infection or who have had a health problem, such as diabetes, lung disease, or any other disease. this increases the pressure inside the abdomen.
- Whenever the development of an incisional hernia after surgery is suspected.
- It is very important to go to the hospital or consult the doctor who performed the surgery.
- So that the hernia can be evaluated and treatment started as soon as possible.
The most common symptom of incisional hernia is the appearance of swelling next to the scar of abdominal surgery, however, it is also common for other associated symptoms to appear, such as:
The incisional hernia usually appears 3 to 6 months after surgery, but may appear before this period. In addition, it is also common for the hernia to be more easily seen while standing or gaining weight, and may even disappear into a seated and relaxed position.
In most cases, the incisional hernia can be diagnosed by a general practitioner or surgeon simply by looking at symptoms and evaluating the medical history. For example, it is recommended that if you suspect hernia go to the family health center or make an appointment with the surgeon who performed the surgery.
An incisional hernia can occur in all cases where there is a cut in the abdominal wall muscles and is therefore relatively common after abdominal surgery. However, some factors seem to increase the risk of developing this type of hernia, such as:
The best recommendation to reduce the risk of developing an incisional hernia, in addition to avoiding risk factors, is to wait for the time recommended by your doctor before initiating activities that may put pressure on your stomach, including pregnancy.
Treatment of the incisional hernia should always be evaluated with your doctor, based on your overall health, anatomy and the location of your hernia. However, the most commonly used type of treatment is surgery, in which your doctor can reopen the scar or make small cuts to your skin to insert a network that helps strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall, preventing the organs from passing and making. weight above the scar.
Larger hernias are generally more difficult to treat and therefore require conventional surgery, in which the scar is reopened. Minor hernias, on the other hand, can be treated by laparoscopy, where your doctor makes small cuts around your hernia to repair it, without having to reopen the scar from the previous surgery.
When not treated properly, the incisional hernia may eventually strangle the intestine, meaning there is less oxygen blood that reaches the trapped area. When this happens, a serious death situation of the intestinal tissues may develop.
In addition, even if the hernia is small, it can eventually increase in size, worsening symptoms and making treatment difficult.