Incisional hernia represents the protrusion of tissue from the site of a healing surgical scar in the abdomen. The protrusion hardly causes discomfort because the defect is usually large, allowing the protruding tissues to move freely in and out.
Also, in most cases, only the lining of the abdomen protrudes through the defect while the major organs remain in the abdomen.
The main risk factor for incisional hernia is abdominal surgery, especially when it passes through all the layers of the abdomen. The hernia usually develops within three to six months of having the surgery, which is the period of tissue healing.
Increased intra-abdominal pressure during this period from lifting heavy objects, straining to defecate, pregnancy, excessive weight gain or engaging in strenuous activities can precipitate incisional hernia.
The surgical procedure for the treatment of incisional hernia involves opening the site of hernia protrusion, pushing the protruding tissue back into the abdomen, removing the scar tissues at the separated edges where the hernia protruded from and application of a mesh to strengthen the tissue and prevent recurrence.
Incisional hernia can be prevented by avoiding raised intra-abdominal pressure (due to lifting heavy objects, straining to defecate, pregnancy) after abdominal surgery. Surgeons guide against development of incisional hernia by using stitches that are not easily dissolved by the body to close their incisions.
