What is Incisional Hernia?
An Incisional Hernia is a result of weakness in the muscles of abdomen and is likely to occur after any abdominal surgery. When abdominal muscles go through weakness, then, the abdomen tissues are extended through them. Actually, the incision which is made at the time of surgery causes the Incisional Hernia. Hernia appears under the skin as a knot and can cause pain if touched. Do remember, if a person is having the problem of hernia in abdomen but has not gone through any abdominal surgery, then the hernia in not the Incisional hernia.
People at the risk of having Incisional hernia are:
- Who have gone through any abdominal surgery
- Pregnant women
- Who lift heavy things after surgery
- Who have gained weight after surgery
- Who have gone through two surgeries in the same incision or have had wound infection
If you or someone you know suffers from these symptoms, Click Here to schedule a consultation with Dr. Roohipour to discuss your options.
Diagnosis of Incisional hernia
Feeling a lump or swelling in the abdominal part can lead you to the diagnosis of the Incisional hernia. What you have to do is get involved in activities which tend to increase the pressure on the abdominal. For instance, you can cough, sneeze or lift something heavy to detect if there is any change in that part of swelling or lump. If it is there while doing these activities and is hidden after that or when you simply lay down, then, there are more chances that it is an Incisional hernia.
How can Incisional hernia be treated?
If the Incisional hernia is small enough then it can be cured by wearing a garment that is similar to weight belt. This garment will help to cure the hernia by applying a constant pressure on it. On the contrary if the hernia is large and causes pain, then a surgery is recommended. Mainly there are three methods by which the Incisional hernia can be cured and these are:
- Open surgery and stitching
- Laparoscopic surgery or Keyhole surgery
- Tension-free mesh
In the Open Surgery, a large incision is made where there is a hernia and then the bulge of peritoneum is pushed back through the incision. After that, the incision is closed by applying stitches on it. Normally, many stitches are placed to ensure that the joint will hold for the rest of patient’s life.
In the Laparoscopic Surgery, the hernia is repaired using a laparoscope. The surgeon will make small incisions in the abdominal wall which can be two to four in number. One is used for inserting the laparoscope and others for putting in the additional surgical instruments. The actual operating is accomplished by the instruments and space for these operations is made by inflating the abdominal cavity of patient with CO2. Then, mesh is taken from inside the abdomen to cover the hernia hole. For fixing the mesh, the muscle tissues are stapled.
The tension free method is similar to the laparoscopic surgery, with the difference that in the former one, only one incision is made through which the mesh is placed at the opening of hernia and incision is closed. There is no need to stitch the muscle tissues together in this approach.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for general knowledge purposes only. It is, in no means, a replacement for your doctor’s advice. Please consult your doctor and surgeon with your particular case for effective treatment and recovery of your condition.
