Open Incisional Hernia repair
This webpage will give you information about an open incisional
hernia repair. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is an incisional hernia?
Any operation on the abdomen needs a cut that is closed with
stitches. Sometimes the wound does not heal properly, resulting in
the contents of the abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump
called a hernia (see figure 1).
Figure
1 - Hernia - bowel pushing through a weakness in the
muscle wall of the abdomen.
A hernia can be dangerous because the intestines or other
structures within the abdomen can get trapped and have their blood
supply cut off (strangulated hernia).
What are the benefits of surgery?
You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent you
from having any serious complications.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
You can sometimes control the hernia with supportive clothing or
simply leave it alone. It will not go away without an
operation.
What does the operation involve?
A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible. Your surgeon
will make a cut through your old scar and repair the weak tissue
either with stitches or using a synthetic mesh, which is stitched
to the muscles.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Developing a lump under the wound
- Difficulty passing urine
- Skin necrosis
- Injury to structures within the hernia
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after two to four days. You should
increase how much you walk around over the first few days after
your operation. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to
work depending on the extent of surgery and your type of work.
Occasionally the hernia comes back.
Summary
An incisional hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall which
happens when previous wounds do not heal properly. If left
untreated, an incisional hernia can occasionally cause serious
complications.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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