Treated by Dr. Ravi Chandra Reddy Obili at Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy
An incisional hernia occurs when abdominal tissue or an organ bulges through the site of a previous surgical incision. The scar tissue may weaken over time or fail to heal properly, creating a gap in the abdominal wall. Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy evaluates and manages incisional hernias, helping patients understand their options for repair.
A defect less than two centimetres, often causing a visible bulge with minimal symptoms. Many remain stable and may not require immediate repair.
A defect wider than five centimetres, sometimes involving multiple layers of tissue. These may cause discomfort and may be more complex to repair.
A hernia that develops at the same site after a previous repair. It may reflect tissue weakness, infection, or early strain on the repair.
Multiple factors can contribute to the development and progression of this condition.
Recognising the signs early gives you more treatment options.
Assessment begins with a review of surgical history and a physical examination to locate the bulge and assess its size. Imaging may be arranged for patients with unclear findings or those being considered for repair, though not every patient requires scans.
From conservative to surgical — we always start with the least invasive option first.
A structured, patient-first approach from first visit to full recovery.
Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy reviews your surgical history, examines the hernia, and discusses how it affects your daily life.
Imaging such as ultrasound or CT may be arranged to clarify the size and contents of the hernia, particularly if repair is being planned.
The options for observation or repair are explained, along with the expected recovery and individual risks, so you can make an informed choice.
After repair, scheduled visits allow monitoring of healing, advice on activity, and early recognition of any concerns such as infection or recurrence.
What to expect at each phase of recovery.
Rest is encouraged in the first days, with gentle movement to prevent complications. Pain is managed with prescribed medication and wound care instructions are provided.
Walking and daily tasks resume gradually, typically within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise remain restricted to protect the repair.
Most patients return to all activities within six to twelve weeks, though individual timelines vary. Ongoing attention to abdominal strain and weight helps reduce recurrence risk.
Successful repair often resolves pain and the visible bulge, improving comfort during activity. Results depend on the size of the defect and individual healing.
Repair aims to prevent complications such as obstruction or strangulation of tissue. It does not guarantee that a hernia will never recur at the same or a different site.
Very large or recurrent hernias may require staged procedures or involve longer recovery. Some patients may experience persistent discomfort or mesh-related sensations.
Healing, return to work, and overall satisfaction vary. Factors such as general health, wound infection history, and adherence to post-operative advice all play a role.
An untreated incisional hernia may gradually enlarge, making repair more complex over time. There is a risk that bowel or other tissue becomes trapped and loses its blood supply, a surgical emergency requiring urgent intervention. Some hernias remain stable for years, but regular monitoring is important.
Seek care if you notice a bulge at the site of a previous operation, especially if it causes discomfort or grows over time. Urgent assessment is needed if the bulge becomes suddenly painful, hard, or accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass stool, as these may signal obstruction.
Early treatment means more options and better outcomes. Book a consultation to understand your condition and explore the right path forward.
