Incisional Hernias

Incisional Hernias - FAQs

2. Who gets an incisional hernia?

Incisional Hernias can occur in anyone who has an incision, most commonly an incision through the abdominal wall. It represents a failure of the layer that gives strength to the abdominal wall (the fascia) to heal.

3. Can an Incisional hernia go away by itself?

No. Once a hernia has developed it will not go away. In fact it will get worse with time. The constant pressure on the area makes the hernia get bigger. This leads to more frequent, more intense and longer periods of discomfort.

4. Is it related to work?

It is likely that all Incisional hernias do not result from work, since many factors can lead to a hernia. However, it is impossible to say with certainly that the hernia is not from, work if you did not have one when you started your job. Furthermore, even if other factors were involved in the development of your hernia, lifting could have contributed. Therefore, all hernias are usually treated as worker’s compensation injuries.

5. Are there any tests I need to undergo to confirm I have an Incisional hernia?

No. Physical exam and history are the two best ways to diagnose an Incisional hernia. Fortunately, or unfortunately, there is no test, including a CT scan and MRI, that is better than your history and a physical examination. The reason it is unfortunate is that occasionally there are patients with a history that may indicate a hernia but none can be detected on physical exam. These patients may require a surgical exploration of the area to exclude a hernia, as a last resort.

6. What can I do before surgery to feel better?

Limiting your activity and any lifting may offer temporary relief. You should avoid exercise, especially any that places strain on the anterior abdominal wall muscles. A truss may also offer temporary relief but should not be used for a long time.

7. Do all surgeons perform both the laparoscopic and open approaches?

No. All surgeons perform the open approach but only some surgeons perform the laparoscopic approach.

8. Is there any treatment for an Incisional hernia other than surgery?

An abdominal corset maybe used to keep the hernia reduced during the daytime. For smaller hernia a truss maybe used. However this is only a temporary solution.

A truss is a belt with a large pad on it that applies pressure to the site of the hernia with the aim of keeping the bulge from popping out. Overall, a truss is not a good idea even though it may at times work. The truss does nothing to repair the hernia. It just minimizes symptoms by preventing significant herniation through the defect in the abdominal wall. As a result, the hernia will continue to get larger. In addition, there will be scar tissue formed that provides no strength to the area. Both of these factors, enlargement of the hernia and scarring, make the surgical repair of the hernia more difficult and later recurrence more likely. Therefore, a truss should only be used as a short-term measure until surgery can be performed.