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Incisional Hernia

Herniation through a prior surgical incision; repair with mesh reinforcement to prevent recurrence.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Incisional Hernia?

Incisional hernia develops when the fascial layers fail to heal completely after abdominal surgery, allowing herniation through the defect.

Risk factors include wound infection, obesity, emergency surgery, advanced age, and suboptimal closure technique; prophylactic small-bite closure reduces incidence.

Repair techniques include open or laparoscopic/robotic approaches with mesh placement in onlay, sublay (retromuscular/Rives-Stoppa), or intraperitoneal (IPOM) positions per AHS/EHS guidelines.

Complex incisional hernias with loss of domain may require preoperative botulinum toxin A, progressive pneumoperitoneum, or component separation techniques.

Symptoms

Presentations indicating repair:
Bulge or swelling at site of prior surgical scar
Discomfort, pain, or dragging sensation at the incision
Increase in bulge with activity, Valsalva, or standing
Skin changes, chronic irritation over the hernia
Bowel obstruction symptoms (incarceration)

Risk Factors

Prior surgical site infection or wound dehiscence
Obesity (BMI >30) and poorly controlled diabetes
Smoking and malnutrition (albumin <3.5)
COPD with chronic cough
Emergency laparotomy and midline incision
Prior recurrent hernia repair

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any new bulge at a prior surgical scar
  • Painful, non-reducible hernia — emergency evaluation
  • Signs of bowel obstruction (vomiting, distension, absent flatus)

Treatment Methods

01
Open retromuscular (Rives-Stoppa) mesh repair for medium-large defects
02
Laparoscopic IPOM or eTEP repair for selected cases
03
Component separation technique (anterior or posterior/TAR) for large complex defects
04
Preoperative optimization: weight loss, smoking cessation, glycemic control, nutrition
05
Botulinum toxin A or progressive pneumoperitoneum for loss of domain
06
Postoperative abdominal binder, activity restriction, and long-term follow-up for recurrence

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.