INCISIONAL HERNIA
GENERAL
An incisional hernia is a hernia which develops at
the site of a previous operation. This occurs
because for some reason the tissues have not healed
to their original strength. The weakened tissue now
bulges. With this kind of hernia intestines inside
the hernia do not often become strangulated.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- There is a bulge in the area of a previous
incision. It may be small or very large.
- The hernia may ache especially with coughing.
TREATMENT
- These hernias can be treated conservatively with a
girdle or similar garment.
- Many patients wish to have a hernia repaired
because they consider it unsightly or uncomfortable.
- Your doctor has decided to do a surgical repair.
PRE-OPERATIVE
- Make sure your doctor is aware of medicines you
take, especially medicines which may affect blood
clotting.
- Your doctor may advise you first of all to deal
with factors which jeopardise proper healing after
repair. Obesity, prostate trouble, chronic coughing
or constipation are the most important.
OPERATION
Most of these operations are done under general
anaesthetic. There are several different techniques
for repairing incisional hernias. Your doctor will
advise you how he proposes to repair your hernia and
whether he intends using a synthetic mesh.
POST-OPERATIVE
You will be taken to a recovery room and observed
there until you are stable. You will then be
transferred to your normal hospital bed. Any pain
you may have will be controlled with oral or
intra-muscular medicines.
HOME-CARE
- You may walk about as you wish but don't overdo
things.
- Don't initially do anything strenuous.
- You may eat as you wish. Include plenty of
roughage and liquids in your diet to prevent
constipation
- Your doctor will discuss with you when you may
commence bathing or showering.
- Your doctor will discuss with you when you may
return to driving and to work.
COMPLICATIONS
- Complications occasionally occur after this
operation and you must be aware of this.
- A bleed or haematoma at the site of the repair is
always possible. Should this happen your doctor will
decide whether you need to be taken back to the
operating theatre.
- An infection at the site of the repair is always
possible. If this happens it may necessitate
surgical treatment or antibiotics.
- As with any hernia repair, there is a small
incidence of recurrence of the hernia after surgical
treatment. There are many different reasons why this
may occur. A recurrent hernia may even be larger
than the original hernia.
- As with any major operation, deep venous
thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is always
possible.
pil-incisional hernia.doc/ver 1/8 December 2002 |
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