Incisional & Ventral Hernia — Symptoms & Treatment in Lucknow
An incisional hernia develops through the scar of a previous abdominal operation, where the healed wound has weakened. A ventral hernia is a more general term for a hernia through the front wall of the abdomen. These hernias can range from small and simple to large and complex, and they tend to enlarge with time.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma repairs incisional and ventral hernias in Lucknow, including large and recurrent defects, using modern mesh techniques and a minimally invasive approach where suitable.
What is an incisional or ventral hernia?
After abdominal surgery, the healed incision is never quite as strong as the original tissue. In some people the repair weakens and tissue pushes through, producing a bulge at or near the old scar — an incisional hernia. The risk is higher after wound infection, in people who are overweight, diabetic, or who lift heavily before healing is complete.
These hernias do not resolve on their own and tend to enlarge, sometimes considerably. Repairing them earlier, while they are smaller, is generally simpler and safer than waiting until they become large.
Symptoms to watch for
- A bulge at or near the scar of a previous operation
- Discomfort or aching, worse on activity, lifting or straining
- A bulge that enlarges over time
- In large hernias, a noticeable change in the shape of the abdomen
- Sudden severe pain with a firm, irreducible bulge — a surgical emergency
Causes & risk factors
- Previous abdominal surgery, especially after wound infection
- Being overweight, diabetes and smoking (which impair healing)
- Heavy lifting or straining before the wound has fully healed
- Multiple previous operations through the same area
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical examination
- CT scan — particularly useful for planning repair of large or complex hernias
- Ultrasound in selected cases
How incisional & ventral hernias are treated
Repair involves closing the defect and reinforcing the abdominal wall with a mesh. Many incisional and ventral hernias can be repaired laparoscopically (keyhole), which means less pain and a quicker recovery; larger or more complex hernias may need an open or combined technique, sometimes with abdominal-wall reconstruction.
Because these hernias vary so widely, planning matters. Dr Verma assesses each hernia individually — often with a CT scan — and selects the technique that offers a durable repair with the lowest risk for that patient.
When to see a GI surgeon
- A bulge appearing at or near a previous surgical scar
- An incisional hernia that is enlarging or uncomfortable
- Sudden severe pain with a hard, irreducible bulge — seek emergency care
Incisional & Ventral Hernia: common questions
Why did I get a hernia at my old operation scar?
A healed surgical scar is never quite as strong as the original abdominal wall. In some people — particularly after a wound infection, or in those who are overweight, diabetic or who lift heavily too soon — the repair weakens and a hernia forms. It is a recognised possibility after any abdominal surgery.
Are large incisional hernias still repairable?
Yes. Even large and complex incisional hernias can be repaired, sometimes with abdominal-wall reconstruction techniques. Careful planning, often with a CT scan, allows a durable repair. Repairing a hernia while it is smaller is usually simpler, so earlier assessment is worthwhile.
Concerned about incisional & ventral hernia?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.