Incisional Hernia Treatment - Diagnosis, Surgery & Recovery

Diagnosis

Your doctor will do a physical examination. To examine whether the bulge in your abdomen increases or decreases, they can ask you to sit and then rise. They may also discuss some additional symptoms to rule out the possibility of an incarcerated incisional hernia. The doctor might also perform an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

How to prepare for your appointment?

If you experience or notice the symptoms, you must consult a medical healthcare professional and book your appointment.

What should you do?

• List out the symptoms you are experiencing. 
• Make a note if your symptoms have worsened over time. 
• Inform your doctor of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking

What should you ask your doctor?

• What diagnostic tests do I have to undergo?
• Do I need surgery? How long will it take to recover?
• Can I undergo laser surgery?
• How does my current health condition affect the incisional hernia?
• Can I prevent further progression of my symptoms?
• What is most likely the cause of my symptoms?

What should you expect from a doctor?

The doctor may ask you the following questions.

• When did your symptoms begin to develop?
• Are your symptoms worsening?
• Are you having pain in your abdomen or groin?
• Do you have a family history of hernia?
• Do you often experience constipation?

Treatment for incisional hernia

In order to push the protruding tissue back to its place, surgery is required. Surgery is also essential to remove the scar tissue and use a surgical mesh on the hernia’s opening. It helps in preventing the recurrence of hernias. At Pristyn Care, our highly skilled and specialised team of urologists treats patients through minimally invasive procedures. 

• Small or reducible hernias

Small or reducible hernias do not always require surgery. Your doctor will discuss your medical history and other factors, such as blood sugar levels, previous surgeries, obesity etc. Your doctor may not advise surgery if the hernia is not causing any symptoms or discomfort.

• Large or irreducible hernias

If the hernia has grown large and become irreducible, your doctor may suggest surgery. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, hernia size, and medical history, the doctor may suggest the following types of surgery. 

• Open repair surgery(Traditional)

The doctor makes a single incision to operate on the herniated tissue. They use surgical instruments to put the tissues and organs back into place and stitch the tissue back together to make it stronger. Usually, the surgeons use surgical mesh to reinforce the tissue. 

• Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair procedure

It is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair several incisional hernia types. The procedure uses multiple small incisions(usually three to four) and a laparoscope to guide the surgeon. The laparoscope is a thin, narrow tube with a camera on the end that projects real-time images onto a television screen. It helps the surgeon to view inside the abdomen without making major incisions. Sometimes, a mesh is also used to hold the protruding tissues in place. The surgery takes approximately an hour or less to complete. 

• Robotic hernia repair surgery

It is also called robotic-assisted laparoscopy. This procedure uses robotic surgical instruments to operate. The surgery involves making only a few small cuts. During the surgery, the doctor works through a console and controls the robotic arms and instruments from a screen that’s placed next to you. Using robotic technology, the doctor repairs difficult or complex cases of hernias with small cuts.

What happens during hernia repair surgery?

• A laparoscopic procedure requires general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep. Open hernia repair surgeries require only a local or regional anesthesia. Your doctor may also suggest some medicines to prevent pain.
• During an open surgery, the surgeon makes a single long cut(several inches long). A laparoscopic procedure usually requires three to four small cuts(not longer than an inch).
• The surgeons will position the hernia back into place and repair the surrounding weakened tissue. Sometimes they may also use a surgical mesh that provides additional support to prevent the hernia from recurring. 
• The surgeon will suture the incisions back together

How to prevent incisional hernia?

The following methods help in the incisional hernia prevention and management.

• Follow the instructions given by your doctor and give your body some time to heal
• Avoid heavy weight-lifting or strenuous activities that strain the abdominal muscles
• Avoid putting on weight. Excess weight around the abdominal scar can increase pressure. 
• Reduce/avoid smoking, as it slows down the healing
• Manage the underlying health condition

Your Form Has Been Submitted Successfully.

Our care coordinator will call you shortly.