Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia develops at or near the site of a previous abdominal surgery. It occurs when tissue or intestine pushes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall where an incision was made. Patients may notice a bulge, discomfort, pressure, or pain that worsens with lifting, coughing, or straining.
Our board-certified surgeons specialize in advanced incisional hernia repair, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted abdominal wall reconstruction to restore strength, reduce recurrence, and improve quality of life.
Schedule Your Incisional Hernia Consultation
If you notice a bulge or discomfort near a previous surgical scar,
Call our office today or request a consultation online to discuss your treatment options.
What Is an Incisional Hernia?
Incisional hernias can develop months or even years after abdominal surgery. They occur due to:
- Weakness in the surgical incision site
- Poor wound healing
- Infection after prior surgery
- Increased abdominal pressure (obesity, chronic cough, heavy lifting)
Without treatment, incisional hernias can enlarge and increase the risk of complications.
Who Can Benefit from Surgery?
- Patients with a visible or enlarging bulge at a prior incision
- Individuals experiencing pain, discomfort, or pressure
- Patients with hernias interfering with daily activity
- Those at risk of incarceration or strangulation
Early repair improves long-term outcomes and reduces complications.
How to Prepare for Incisional Hernia Surgery
Preparation typically includes:
- Physical examination and imaging (CT scan often recommended)
- Review of prior surgical history and medical conditions
- Smoking cessation guidance if applicable
- Weight optimization recommendations when appropriate
- Preoperative instructions including fasting
- Arranging post-operative support at home
Our team ensures you are fully prepared for a safe and successful procedure.
Before the Procedure
- Arrive at the hospital or surgical center early for check-in
- Bring ID, insurance information, and medication list
- Meet your surgical and anesthesia teams
- Review the surgical plan, including mesh placement and recovery expectations
We prioritize clear communication and patient comfort before surgery.
During the Procedure
Incisional hernia repair may be performed using:
- Open Repair – often used for large or complex hernias
- Laparoscopic Repair – minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions
- Robotic-Assisted Repair – enhanced precision for abdominal wall reconstruction
- Mesh reinforcement – typically used to strengthen the repair and reduce recurrence
Procedure time varies depending on size and complexity, typically ranging from 1–3 hours.
Advanced techniques allow for improved durability and restoration of abdominal wall function.
After the Procedure
Recovery depends on the size of the hernia and surgical method:
- Many minimally invasive repairs are outpatient or require short hospital stays
- Mild to moderate soreness near the repair site
- Gradual return to normal activities over several weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Fever or signs of infection
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision
Proper follow-up reduces recurrence and ensures optimal recovery.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits
- Relief from pain and abdominal bulging
- Restoration of abdominal wall strength
- Prevention of incarceration or strangulation
- Minimally invasive options with faster recovery
- Durable repair using advanced mesh techniques
Risks
- Infection or bleeding
- Hernia recurrence
- Chronic discomfort at the repair site
- Rare mesh-related complications
- Risks associated with anesthesia
Our surgeons provide personalized discussions of risks and expected outcomes prior to surgery.
Patient Resources & Education
We provide:
- Pre- and post-operative care instructions
- Activity and lifting guidelines
- Smoking cessation and weight optimization resources
- Insurance and billing support
- Online patient forms
Our goal is to support patients through every stage of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are incisional hernias?
They occur in a percentage of patients after abdominal surgery, particularly when risk factors such as infection or obesity are present.
Can an incisional hernia go away on its own?
No. Hernias do not resolve without surgical repair and may enlarge over time.
Is mesh always required?
Mesh is commonly used to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce recurrence, but your surgeon will determine the best approach for your specific case.
How long is recovery?
Recovery varies depending on hernia size and surgical technique. Minimally invasive repairs typically allow return to light activity within 2–3 weeks.
What happens if I delay surgery?
The hernia may enlarge and increase the risk of incarceration or strangulation, which can require emergency surgery.
Schedule Your Incisional Hernia Evaluation
Restore abdominal wall strength and prevent complications.