Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia occurs when tissue, usually part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot or opening in the abdominal wall that has developed at the site of a previous surgical incision. This type of hernia often appears at the site of a surgical scar, where the abdominal wall may have weakened during the healing process.
Key Points About Incisional Hernia:
Causes:
- Previous Surgery: The primary cause is a previous abdominal surgery that creates a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
- Increased Pressure: Factors like heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or straining can increase intra-abdominal pressure and contribute to hernia formation.
- Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional stress on the abdominal wall, increasing the risk.
- Poor Wound Healing: Issues like infection or inadequate healing at the surgical site can contribute to the development of an incisional hernia.
Symptoms:
- Visible Bulge: A noticeable bulge or lump near the surgical scar, which may become more prominent when standing, coughing, or straining.
- Discomfort or Pain: Mild to severe pain or discomfort in the area of the hernia, especially when lifting, bending, or moving.
- Fullness or Pressure: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
Incisional hernias can vary in size and severity, and timely intervention is crucial to prevent complications, such as incarceration (trapping of tissue) or strangulation (cutting off blood supply).
Category:Incisional Hernia
