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Incisional Hernia in Antalya | Post-operative Hernia Repair
Quick answer
This page is patient information by Op. Dr. Gökhan Ateş for people in Antalya who notice a bulge along a previous surgical scar. An incisional hernia develops when the abdominal wall fails to heal completely at the site of a prior operation. The sections below summarise what an incisional hernia is, how it presents, the relevant risk factors, diagnosis, the decision to operate, open and laparoscopic mesh techniques, recovery and emergency warning signs. This content is for general patient information; diagnosis and treatment require an in-person medical evaluation.
Overview
What Is an Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia develops at the site of a previous abdominal incision when the muscle and fascial layers do not heal in a stable way. It can appear weeks, months or years after the original operation and usually enlarges progressively.
Risk Factors
- Wound infection after the previous operation
- Obesity or significant post-operative weight gain
- Smoking
- Diabetes and other conditions that impair healing
- Repeated surgery through the same incision
- Chronic cough, constipation or other causes of raised intra-abdominal pressure
What Are the Symptoms?
- A bulge appearing along an old surgical scar
- A bulge that becomes more visible on standing or straining
- Discomfort or pain at the area, especially with effort
- Slow but progressive enlargement of the bulge
- Skin changes over a long-standing hernia
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
Diagnosis combines physical examination with cross-sectional imaging — usually CT — which defines defect size, location, contents and any related findings, and guides surgical planning.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Most symptomatic or progressively enlarging incisional hernias are best treated surgically to prevent complications such as incarceration or strangulation. The decision considers hernia size, overall health and lifestyle factors.
Surgical Techniques
Both open and laparoscopic mesh repairs are used. Mesh position (onlay, sublay, IPOM) and material are chosen according to defect anatomy, prior operations and patient factors. Suture-only repair has higher recurrence rates and is reserved for selected small defects.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery is generally longer than for simple primary hernias and depends on the size of the defect and the technique used. Activity restrictions, especially around lifting, are individualised.
When Is Emergency Care Needed?
Sudden severe pain at the hernia, a firm non-reducible bulge, nausea, vomiting or fever require immediate attendance at the nearest emergency department.
Evaluation in Antalya
Pre-operative planning considers prior operations, scarring, comorbidities and lifestyle factors before deciding on technique and mesh strategy.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the hernia appear at my old scar?
Tissue healing factors, infection, raised intra-abdominal pressure and surgical technique can all contribute.
Can it come back after repair?
Recurrence is possible; mesh-based repair, addressing risk factors and following post-op restrictions reduce this risk.
Is mesh always used?
In adults, mesh repair is the standard for incisional hernias; suture-only repair is reserved for selected small defects.
Is laparoscopic repair possible?
Often yes, but suitability depends on defect size, location and prior surgery.
How long is recovery?
Recovery depends on the defect and technique; activity restrictions are decided individually.
Related pages
More detailed Turkish content: /kesi-yeri-fitigi
This page provides general information only. Diagnosis and treatment decisions should be made by a physician after examination, tests and individual medical assessment.