Complex incisional hernia
Large or recurring hernia at a surgical scar
If you have a complex incisional hernia, HCA UK has the expertise and facilities to help
What is a complex incisional hernia?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of a complex incisional hernia? icon plus
Incisional hernias cause no or very few symptoms. You may notice a lump (bulge) in your abdomen where you’ve had previous surgery but they don’t tend to cause too much pain or discomfort.
However, if you have a complex incisional hernia, you may experience a number of symptoms. They may occur multiple times, get quite large, be open or ulcerated, have an infected mesh (material used to repair hernias during surgery) or have fistulas (abnormal channels).
You may experience pain or discomfort and some people feel a burning or aching sensation where it pokes through particularly when straining, lifting or exercising. -
How is a complex incisional hernia diagnosed? icon plus
Your GP or consultant will be able to identify if you have a complex incisional hernia by examining your lump and the affected area.
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 how big your hernia is.
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
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Your consultant will be able to advise you on the best treatment options for your condition. If your consultant recommends surgery.
Surgery options include:
A special mesh which is strong and flexible is often used to strengthen the area and prevent the hernia returning. Alternatively, the muscle layers may be stitched together to make them stronger.
Our hernia specialist consultants
Our locations
From complex hernia surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional surgical care across our network of hospitals.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Chiswick Medical Centre
Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
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HCA UK at Docklands
2 Upper Bank Street, Canary Wharf
London
E14 5EE
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344