Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair

Overview

An abdominal wall hernia happens when tissue or bowel pushes through a weak area in the muscles of the abdomen. Repair returns the contents to their place and strengthens the wall, usually with a mesh. Large or complex hernias may need reconstruction of the abdominal wall.

Why it is done

• A painful or growing bulge in the abdomen
• A hernia at the navel (umbilical) or near it (paraumbilical)
• A hernia through a previous operation scar (incisional)
• To prevent the hernia from becoming trapped or strangulated

Before the surgery

Your surgeon will examine you and may arrange an ultrasound or CT scan. Stopping smoking, losing weight if needed and controlling diabetes improve healing and lower the risk of the hernia coming back.

During the surgery

The operation is done under general anaesthesia, either by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery or through an open cut. A mesh is usually placed to reinforce the repair.

After the surgery

Many people go home the same day or after one to two days. Avoid heavy lifting for several weeks and follow advice on wound care and gradual return to activity.

Risks

Risks include wound infection, fluid collection (seroma), bleeding, chronic pain, mesh problems and the hernia returning.

At KIH

KIH's general and laparoscopic surgery team assesses and repairs abdominal wall hernias, including by keyhole surgery.