Inside Out Consult
03/23/2024
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Recovering from abdominal surgery is a journey that requires patience and care. For many in Bengaluru, getting back to a busy life is the top priority. But weeks, months, or even years after an operation, you might notice something unexpected: a new bulge or a persistent ache near your old surgical scar. This common but often concerning development could be an incisional hernia, a specific type of ventral hernia that occurs as a complication of a previous surgery.
An incisional hernia is essentially a hernia after surgery, where internal tissue, like fat or part of the intestine, pushes through the weakened muscle at the site of a surgical wound. It will not heal on its own and can grow larger and more uncomfortable over time. Understanding why this happens, what symptoms to look for, and when to seek treatment is crucial for your long-term health and peace of mind.
This guide provides a clear, patient-friendly overview of the incisional hernia. For those seeking expert care, ARKA Anugraha Hospital in Bengaluru is a leading institution, formally recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’ by both the Asia Pacific Hernia Society and the Hernia Society of India. We are dedicated to providing not just advanced surgical solutions, but a holistic and integrative path to a full recovery.
Any surgery that involves an incision through the abdominal wall creates a potential point of weakness. While most surgical wounds heal and restore the strength of the muscle wall, sometimes the healing process is incomplete, leaving the area vulnerable.
An incisional hernia develops when the abdominal muscles, weakened by a prior surgical cut, do not grow back together tightly enough. This creates a defect or gap. Over time, the normal pressure inside your abdomen can push fatty tissue or an organ through this weak spot, creating the bulge that is characteristic of a hernia. This can happen months or even years after the original operation.
While any abdominal surgery carries a risk, certain factors can slow down the healing process or increase the strain on the abdominal wall, making an incisional hernia more likely.
The symptoms of an incisional hernia can vary from a subtle cosmetic issue to a painful and serious condition.
The most common sign of an incisional hernia is a bulge near your old surgical scar. Other typical symptoms include:
Most incisional hernias are not immediately dangerous. However, they can become a medical emergency if the tissue becomes trapped (incarcerated) or if the blood supply is cut off (strangulated).
You should seek immediate medical attention if you have a hernia and experience any of the following:
An incisional hernia will not go away on its own and will likely get bigger over time. While not every case requires immediate surgery, it is the only way to permanently fix the defect.
In most cases, a diagnosis is straightforward.
Surgery is generally advised for an incisional hernia that is large, painful, or growing in size. Repairing the hernia can relieve discomfort and, most importantly, prevent serious complications like strangulation. If a hernia is small and causes no symptoms, your doctor might suggest a “watchful waiting” approach, but this is less common for a
hernia after surgery because they tend to enlarge.
The goal of surgery is to return the protruding tissue to the abdominal cavity and provide a strong, durable repair of the weakened muscle wall.
In most modern repairs, a sterile surgical mesh is used to reinforce the weakened area. This significantly strengthens the abdominal wall and reduces the risk of the hernia returning.
Choosing where to have your surgery is a critical decision. In Bengaluru, ARKA Anugraha Hospital is a premier institution for hernia care, formally recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’.
Our surgical center is led by Dr. M. Ramesh, a trailblazer in laparoscopic surgery with over 40 years of experience, supported by a world-class team specializing in advanced minimally invasive techniques. This focus on laparoscopic and robotic repair for conditions like an incisional hernia means our patients experience less post-operative pain, minimal scarring, and a significantly faster return to their daily lives.
What truly distinguishes ARKA Anugraha Hospital is our unique integrative and functional medicine approach. We understand that surgery is just one part of the healing journey. Our philosophy is to treat the whole person, not just the hernia. We support our patients with:
Q1: Can an incisional hernia heal on its own?
A: No, an incisional hernia in an adult will not heal by itself. It is a physical gap in the muscle wall and will typically get larger over time. Surgery is the only way to permanently repair it.
Q2: Is surgery for a hernia after surgery painful?
A: You will be under anesthesia and will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, some discomfort is normal but is well-managed. Patients who have minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery generally experience less pain and have a quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
Q3: What is the recovery time for an incisional hernia repair?
A: Recovery varies depending on the size of the hernia and the type of surgery. After a laparoscopic repair, most people can return to light activities and desk work within 1 to 2 weeks. However, you must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks to allow the repair to heal properly.
Q4: How can I reduce my risk of getting another incisional hernia?
A: To prevent a hernia after surgery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, especially regarding activity restrictions. Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing conditions that cause chronic coughing or constipation can also significantly lower your risk.
Q5: Why should I choose ARKA Anugraha for incisional hernia treatment in Bangalore?
A: ARKA Anugraha Hospital is an accredited ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’. We offer world-class expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which leads to faster recovery and less pain. Our unique integrative medicine approach supports your entire healing journey with holistic pain management and personalized care plans, ensuring the best possible outcome.
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