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Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia is a bulge that develops at the site of a previous surgical scar, where the healed tummy wall has weakened and tissue pushes through.
Causes & risk factors
- A weakened healing scar from previous surgery
- Wound infection after the original operation
- Being overweight
- Straining, heavy lifting or persistent cough
- Poor healing, such as with diabetes or steroids
Common symptoms
- A bulge at or near a surgical scar
- More obvious on standing, coughing or straining
- Discomfort or aching at the site
- The bulge may reduce when lying down
- Nausea if tissue becomes trapped
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical examination
- Ultrasound of the abdominal wall
- CT scan for large or complex hernias
- Usually no blood tests are needed
Treatment & management
- Surgical repair, usually with a mesh to strengthen the wall
- Keyhole or open surgery depending on the case
- Small, symptom-free hernias may be watched
- Manage weight, cough and constipation to lower recurrence
- Urgent surgery if the hernia becomes trapped
When to see a doctor urgently
- A bulge that becomes hard, painful or cannot be pushed back — seek urgent care
- Vomiting or a swollen, tender tummy
- Redness or fever over the hernia
- A new or growing bulge at an old scar
Frequently asked questions
Why did a hernia form at my old scar?
The tummy wall is weakest where it was cut and stitched. If the deeper layers do not heal strongly — worsened by infection, weight or straining — tissue can bulge through.
Can incisional hernias be prevented?
Not always, but a healthy weight, good blood sugar control, avoiding heavy lifting while healing, and treating cough and constipation all help the wound heal well.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.