An incisional hernia occurs when a portion of the intestinal tract pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall along the incision site of a prior surgery. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of all hernias are classified as incisional, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. People who develop incisional abdominal hernia symptoms after surgery should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Mass at Incision Site
The most common symptom associated with an incisional hernia is the appearance of a palpable abdominal mass or bulge, the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center reports. This type of hernia develops after a patient undergoes abdominal surgery and appears along the surgical incision site. The mass at the incision site may be fleshy or soft to the touch. Certain activities, such as lying down, may cause the abdominal mass to disappear back to its proper location within the abdominal cavity.
Abdominal Tenderness
In most cases, an incisional abdominal hernia is painless, though the protruding mass may be tender to the touch. Sensations of discomfort may be more apparent when a person attempts to stand up or lift heavy things, MedlinePlus explains.
Complications
Typically, incisional abdominal hernias can be improved if a doctor presses the abdominal mass back into the abdomen. If the hernia becomes stuck or incarcerated in the abdominal wall, additional symptoms may arise. Symptoms of an incarcerated incisional hernia include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation. People who develop an incarcerated abdominal hernia are at risk of losing blood flow to the trapped region of intestine, another type of hernia complication called strangulation. If these complications arise, prompt medical care is required to avoid severe medical problems.
