Incisional hernia: a hernia in a previous surgical scar
An incisional hernia is a hernia arising in or beside a previous surgical wound in the abdominal wall. It can be small and almost symptom-free or large and troublesome. Planning requires individual assessment, because both the hernia and your other circumstances matter.
Written and medically reviewed by Bahir Hadi, specialist in surgery, PhD
What is an incisional hernia?
An incisional hernia develops in a scar from earlier surgery through the abdominal wall. Scar tissue is weaker than the original muscle and fascia, and over time a bulge can appear that protrudes on coughing, straining or standing up. In medical terms an incisional hernia belongs to the group of ventral hernias. 1
An incisional hernia is not the same as rectus diastasis, where the straight abdominal muscles have separated. An incisional hernia is typically round, while a diastasis is more elongated. 1
Typical symptoms
- A bulge in or along a previous surgical scar.
- Heaviness, discomfort or pain, especially on exertion.
- Problems with clothing and movement, and for some the appearance itself.
- Large hernias can noticeably affect daily life and quality of life. 2
Examination
The diagnosis rests on the clinical findings. For incisional hernias CT is often used, both to map the abdominal wall, find hernias that could not be felt, and to plan any operation. That applies especially to large hernias and to severe obesity. 1
Treatment and referral
Symptomatic incisional hernias are assessed by a surgeon. The operation is planned individually from the size and position of the hernia, previous procedures and your general health, and it takes place in a specialised surgical setting. For patients with symptoms who are not suitable for surgery, a custom-made hernia support garment can be an alternative. 1
Contact the clinic to clarify whether your referral belongs here.
Urgent signs
If the hernia becomes hard, very tender and impossible to push back, or you develop vomiting, inability to pass gas, fever or rapidly increasing pain, you need urgent assessment. Call 112 if you are severely affected, otherwise 1813 in the Capital Region or the out-of-hours doctor the same day.
What you can do yourself
- Avoid hard straining and keep stools soft. See constipation.
- Stopping smoking and losing weight before planned surgery improve healing in the abdominal wall.
- Build strength training up gradually and together with your doctor or physiotherapist.
- See also abdominal wall hernia and umbilical hernia.
Sources
Contact and appointments
Online booking is not available. Please call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral, so we can find the right appointment.
If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, there is usually a small co-payment under the health insurance rules. If you are paying yourself, contact the clinic for a price.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
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Contact information
- Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
- +45 39 64 01 25
- mail@kirurgen.dk
- Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
For referring physicians
Provider number: 215430