An incisional hernia is a type of hernia that develops at the site of a previous surgical incision.
After surgery, especially abdominal surgery, the muscles and tissues in that area may not heal completely or may weaken over time. This can create a gap in the abdominal wall, allowing internal tissue (like fat or part of the intestine) to push through, forming a visible bulge.
What it typically looks/feels like:
- A soft bulge near a surgical scar
- More noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining
- May go away when lying down
- Can be painless or cause discomfort
Why it happens:
Common risk factors include:
- Poor wound healing after surgery
- Infection at the incision site
- Obesity
- Heavy lifting too soon after surgery
- Chronic coughing or straining
When it becomes serious:
Most incisional hernias aren’t immediately dangerous, but complications can occur, such as:
- Incarceration – tissue gets stuck in the hernia
- Strangulation – blood supply is cut off (this is an emergency)
