Recurrent incisional hernia

REOCCURRING HERNIA AT A SURGICAL SCAR


If you have a recurrent incisional hernia, HCA UK has the expertise and facilities to help

Enquiries & Appointments

What is a recurrent incisional hernia?

If you've had a previous incisional hernia repair and the hernia comes back, this is a recurrent incisional hernia. It is possible to treat but it is more difficult than the first repair.

Need to know

Recurrent incisional hernias generally cause few symptoms. You may notice a lump or bulge in your abdomen where youve had previous surgery.

Sometimes you may experience some pain or discomfort, a burning or aching sensation where the hernia pokes through particularly if they are straining, lifting or exercising.

As with all hernias, they can sometimes cause severe pain and vomiting. This happens if the hernia strangulates (when fatty tissue or parts of the bowel get caught in the hernia). Emergency surgery is always needed to solve this problem.

Your consultant will be able to identify if you have a recurrent incisional hernia by examining your lump and the affected area where surgery took place.

It may be necessary to carry out an ultrasound scan to confirm your diagnosis.

The following factors may be taken into consideration before any treatment options are recommended:

  • The risk of strangulation (when fatty tissue or parts of the bowel get caught in the hernia)
  • If your symptoms are changing or the hernia is getting bigger
  • The effect the hernia is having on your day-to-day life
  • Your health in general

It is possible to treat the condition but further repair procedures are more difficult than the first. The procedure involves a general anaesthetic.

Surgical options include:

  • Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.
  • Open surgery.

Our Recurrent incisional hernia locations

The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.