The occurrence of incisional hernia after laparoscopic surgery is a possibility, especially after major laparoscopic surgeries.
Incisional hernias after a laparoscopic surgery occur when the incision wound does not heal or when the suturing is poorly done.
The incision wounds on the abdomen need to heal so the body parts do not peep out through the incision opening.
Can Laparoscopic Surgery Cause Incisional Hernia?
Yes, laparoscopic surgeries can cause incisional hernia. Though laparoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive, hernias can still occur when the minimal incisions do not close as required.
A study published in March 2022 inferred that elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery risked the occurrence of incisional hernia in patients on the following grounds:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 kg/m2
- Female sex
- History of Liver Disease
So, aside from the direct consequences of laparoscopic surgeries, factors external to the surgery also impact incisional hernia occurrence.
What are the Symptoms of an Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Surgery?
The following symptoms can help you identify an incisional hernia after laparoscopic surgery
- A visible bulge in the site of the incision
- Bulging that appears at the incision site while coughing, sneezing, or lifting weights
- Bloating of the abdomen
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Chronic pain in the local and surrounding region
What Causes Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Surgery?
The reasons for the cause of incisional hernia after laparoscopic surgery include
- Infection of the incision wound
- Improper incision suturing
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Renal failure, diabetes, or lung diseases
- Premature strenuous physical activities after abdominal surgery
How Do You Prevent an Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Surgery?
You can prevent an incisional hernia after laparoscopic surgery by
- Not being involved in strenuous activities right after an abdominal surgery
- Maintaining a proper BMI
- Quitting smoking and excess alcohol consumption
- Managing medical conditions like diabetes or renal issues
Incisional hernias are either reducible or irreducible. Reducible hernias can be managed without surgery. But irreducible hernia indicates possible incarceration or strangulation and demands immediate surgical intervention.
How Long After Laparoscopic Surgery Can You Get an Incisional Hernia?
Incisional hernias may occur at any time after abdominal laparoscopic surgery.
However, most commonly, incisional hernias are anticipated three to six months after abdominal laparoscopic surgery if the individual is prone to factors that cause an incisional hernia.
Conclusion
Incisional hernias can occur despite open or laparoscopic surgeries, as the surgeries are not the main reason for the occurrence of hernias. Factors such as BMI, liver diseases or diabetes, delivery through C-section, and unhealthy lifestyle choices also contribute to the occurrence of incisional hernias despite improper incision suturing and infections.
To prevent incisional hernias, do not strain the abdomen after any abdominal surgery, and give your body enough rest. Restrain from strenuous physical activities right after abdominal surgery as well.
If you are unclear about how to deal with an incisional hernia after laparoscopic surgery, consult a hernia specialist.
Be aware of incisional hernias and take precautions to prevent them as early as possible.
