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incisional hernia

A hernia occurring through a surgical incision or scar. Epidemiology: - 10-12% of abdominal incisions Clinical manifestations: - generally occur in early postoperative period - bulge in abdominal wall originating deep to the incisional scar - discomfort - cosmetic concern - symptoms may be aggravated by coughing or straining - protrusion of peritoneum through abbominal wall defect Complications: incarceration of bowel Management: - most should be repaired unless a) small < 1 cm b) large > 7-8 cm c) upper abdominal & asymptomatic - mesh repair a) lower incidence of recurrence than sutured repair b) mesh placed deep to fascia - laparoscopic vs open repair

General

abdominal wall hernia (ventral hernia)

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.
  2. Cassar K and Munro A Surgical treatment of incisional hernia. Br J Surg 2002, 89:534 PMID: 11972542
  3. Cobb WS et al, Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias. Surg. Clin. North Am 2005, 85:91 PMID: 15619531
  4. Berger D et al, Postoperative complications after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. Incidence and treatment. Surg Endosc 2002, 16:1720 PMID: 12209325