Incisional hernia

Hernias generally cause few symptoms. If you have an incisional hernia, you may notice a swelling or lump (bulge) in your tummy where you’ve had previous surgery (such as having your appendix out or a C-section).

You may be able to push the lump back in or it might seem to go away when you lie down. If you cough or strain, the bulge may reappear.

As with all hernias, they can sometimes cause severe pain and vomiting. This happens if the hernia strangulates (when fatty tissue or parts of the bowel get caught in the hernia). In these situations, emergency surgery is needed to solve the problem.

Your GP or consultant should be able to identify if you have a hernia by examining your lump and the affected area.

Sometimes it may be necessary to carry out an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. This is a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure that will help to assess its severity.

The following factors may be taken into consideration before any treatment options are recommended:

• The risk of strangulation (when fatty tissue or parts of the bowel get caught in the hernia)
• If your symptoms are changing or the hernia is getting bigger.
• The effect the hernia is having on your day-to-day life.
• Your health in general.

If your consultant recommends surgery, the procedure usually involves a general anaesthetic.

There are two ways incisional hernias can be treated surgically:

• keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, which involves making two to four tiny cuts made near your naval, so the hernia can be pushed back into your abdomen
• open surgery, where a larger cut is made in the skin

More about hernia repair surgery or surgery for a recurrent incisional hernia