Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery, is a surgical technique used to perform procedures within the abdomen or pelvis using small incisions and specialized instruments. Benefits include less postoperative pain, faster recovery, minimal scarring, and lower risk of infection.
Incisional Hernia
About Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia is a condition that develops at the site of a previous abdominal surgery. It happens when the muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall do not heal completely after surgery. Because of this weakness, part of the intestine or internal tissue can push through the scar, causing a visible bulge. This type of hernia can appear weeks, months, or even years after surgery.
Common Symptoms
- A bulge or swelling near a previous surgical scar
- Pain or discomfort, especially when coughing, lifting, or straining
- Burning or aching sensation at the site
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen
- Bulge becomes larger when standing and smaller when lying down
- Nausea or vomiting (in severe cases)
- Constipation or difficulty passing gas
Causes
- Previous abdominal surgery (especially emergency surgery)
- Poor healing of the surgical wound
- Infection at the surgery site
- Heavy lifting too soon after surgery
- Multiple surgeries in the same area
- Weak stitches or sutures
- Increased pressure in the abdomen
Benefits of Surgery
- Prevents life-threatening complications — Eliminates the risk of strangulation, bowel blockage, and tissue damage
- Avoids emergency surgery — Timely treatment reduces urgent, high-risk surgical situations
- Relieves chronic pain and discomfort — Removes pressure, heaviness, and allows pain-free movement
- Restores abdominal wall strength — Improves core stability and supports normal physical function
- Improves daily activity and mobility — Makes bending, lifting, walking, and returning to work easier
- Improves confidence and peace of mind
Risk Factors
- A history of abdominal surgery
- Obesity or excess body weight
- Diabetes or poor wound healing
- Smoking habits
- Chronic cough or lung disease
- Pregnancy soon after surgery
- Age above 60 years
- Poor nutrition or low protein levels
- Long-term steroid use or weak immunity
Surgical Treatment Options
Open Surgery, Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery, Robotic Surgery. Most repairs use mesh reinforcement to reduce recurrence and provide long-lasting results.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek emergency medical care if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting with a painful bulge, hernia that becomes hard, tender, or painful, red, purple, or dark skin over the bulge, fever along with hernia symptoms, or inability to pass stool or gas. Consult a doctor if you notice a new bulge near a surgical scar, pain or swelling is increasing, or daily activities become uncomfortable.