An incisional hernia occurs when abdominal contents push through a weakness in the muscle wall at the site of a previous surgical incision. This type of hernia often develops after abdominal surgery, especially if the wound did not heal properly or if there was excessive strain on the area during recovery. Incisional hernias can vary in size and severity, and they often require surgical intervention to prevent complications.
Do Incisional Hernias Need to Be Repaired?
In most cases, incisional hernias need to be repaired, especially if they cause pain, limit daily activities, or pose a risk of complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation. Small, asymptomatic hernias may not require immediate treatment, but most surgeons recommend addressing the issue before it worsens.
How Are Incisional Hernias Repaired?
There are two primary approaches to incisional hernia repair:
Open Surgery
This traditional method involves making an incision over the hernia site. The surgeon repairs the hernia by repositioning the protruding tissues and reinforcing the muscle wall.
- Incisional hernia repair with mesh
A synthetic mesh is often used to strengthen the area and reduce the risk of recurrence. This technique has become the standard for most incisional hernia repairs due to its effectiveness.
- Incisional hernia repair without mesh
In certain cases, such as when mesh use is contraindicated, the repair may be done by stitching the muscle edges together. However, this approach carries a higher risk of recurrence.
- Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
A minimally invasive technique, laparoscopic incisional hernia repair involves making small incisions through which a camera and surgical tools are inserted. The hernia is repaired internally, often using mesh, with less disruption to surrounding tissues. This method typically results in faster recovery times and reduced postoperative pain compared to open surgery.
Incisional Hernia Repair Complications
While generally safe, incisional hernia repair may involve potential complications, such as:
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Pain or discomfort during recovery.
- Recurrence of the hernia.
- Issues related to the mesh, such as movement or rejection.
- Bowel obstruction, though this is rare.
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and take steps to minimise them during the procedure.
Incisional Hernia Repair Recovery Time
The recovery time for incisional hernia repair depends on the surgical approach used:
- incisional hernia repair: Open surgery
Recovery may take 4–6 weeks, with restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous activities during this period.
- Laparoscopic surgery
Recovery is typically faster, often taking 2–4 weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities sooner than with open surgery.
Regardless of the method, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Cost of Incisional Hernia Repair
The cost of incisional hernia repair in London can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the hernia, the type of surgical approach (open or laparoscopic), whether mesh is used, and the hospital or clinic where the procedure is performed. Additional costs may include pre-operative consultations, diagnostic tests, and post-operative care.
Private Surgery Costs in London
For those opting for private treatment, the cost typically varies. This price often includes the surgeon’s fees, hospital stay, anaesthetist fees, and post-operative check-ups.
NHS Treatment
Treatment for incisional hernias is available through the NHS, but eligibility for surgery depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient’s quality of life. While this option is free, waiting times can be significantly longer compared to private care.
