About Incisional Hernias

The characteristic “bulge” of an incisional hernia can be identified when you are standing upright or are performing physical activity, such as heavy lifting. Because incisional hernias typically occur at the front of the abdomen, they are considered a type of ventral hernia. In most occurrences, only the abdominal lining protrudes, making incisional hernias less severe than other types. However, incisional hernias do not heal on their own and require surgical treatment to repair.

People who had abdominal surgery are at-risk for developing incisional hernias. They are especially susceptible three to six months following the procedure, when the tissues are healing from the incision. Strenuous activity, substantial weight gain, or pregnancy can cause excessive stress on the healing abdominal tissue and should be avoided during this healing window.

https://www.mountsinai.org/care/surgery/services/general-surgery/conditions/hernia/incisional-hernia#:~:text=An%20incisional%20hernia%20is%20a,percent%20of%20all%20abdominal%20hernias.

Took it easy for 6-8 weeks after surgery and have never had a problem or recurrence.

Sometimes the tissue itself weakens and requires a patch. Sometimes the stitches pull out. Sometimes there is damage from infection or subfascial hematoma that causes a weak spot to form and then tear. When you know all the things that can go wrong with surgery, you tend to want to avoid it as long as possible.

However, they can be repaired, most through laparoscopic surgery (bandaid operations). The fascia is resewn and synthetic mesh tacked over it to strengthen the area. Recovery is pretty quick, although lifting restrictions will be in place for some time to make sure the hernia doesn't reopen. Even if it's large enough to require an open repair, the recovery period won't be a long one.

Anything beats a truss and/or strangulated hernia.