Robotics Surgery

What Is a Complex Incisional Hernia?

Incisional hernias refer to hernias that occur after a previous hernia repair surgery. After hernia repair, the site of the incision can become much weaker than the surrounding tissue. This can cause abdominal tissue to protrude from the incision site. Factors that may increase one’s chances of developing an incisional hernia are weak abdominal muscle, moving too quickly after surgery, obesity. Incisional hernias are common amongst people who have had hernia repair surgery and can be hard to treat.

What Are The Treatment Options?

Surgeons may opt to perform an ‘open surgery’ to repair the complex incisional hernia. In this surgery, the surgeon first makes a lateral cut on the abdomen to expose the hernia sac. Next, the hernia sac is opened to reveal the herniated tissue underneath. Because the abdomen is filled with blood vessels and nerves, surgeons are extra careful when operating on this region of the body.

The surgeon places specialized mesh material underneath the abdominal muscles and sews it in place. This will safeguard against future herniation. Next, your surgeon sews the abdominal muscles back together and closes the incision.

open surgery recovery

What Happens After Hernia Repair Surgery?

After surgery, it is vital that patients keep their incision wounds clean so as to stave off infection. Immediately after surgery, patients should reduce their movement so as to not risk breaking a stitch or herniation.

Why Laparoscopic Surgery?

Complex Incisional Hernia repair can be performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive option with a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Surgeons use small cuts in the abdomen to insert specialized tools and a camera that can target specific herniated tissue.
Skip to content