What is an Incisional Hernia??

I feel kinda stupid asking but what is it? Is it painful? I am having incisional pain but the surgeon felt around and didn't feel any lumps or such. The pain isn't going away and they are saying its a pinched nerve or a muscle pull near the incision. So my exercise is also limited until I feel better. I was curious about it. Anyone who knows, please share your expertise on the subject....LOL...Thank you. Erin

There is never a stupid question..you have a good question and this is what google says: INCISIONAL or Ventral Hernias may occur in the area of any prior surgical incision, and can vary in size from very small, to very large and complex. They develop as the result of disruption along or adjacent to the area of abdominal wall suturing, often subsequent TENSION placed on the tissue or other inhibition to adequate healing (infection, poor nutrition, obesity, or metabolic diseases). These hernias present as a bulge or protrusion at or near the area of the prior incision scar. Virtually any prior abdominal operation can subsequently develop an Incisional Hernia at the scar area, including those from large abdominal procedures (intestinal surgery, vascular surgery), to small incisions (Appendectomy, or Laparoscopy). These hernias can occur at any incision, but tend to occur more commonly along a straight line from the breastbone straight down to the pubis, and are more complex in these regions. Hernias in this area have a high rate of recurrence if repaired via a simple suture technique under tension and it is especially advised that these be repaired via a TENSION FREE repair method using mesh. These hernias may develop soon after the original surgery, or at any time thereafter. Incisional Hernias gradually increase in size once they develop and become progressively symptomatic. A bulge may not be evident at the hernia site initially, and pain may be the only early hernia symptom. These hernias develop in many cases as a result of too much tension placed when closing the abdominal incision, as stated above. Tension creates poor healing, swelling, wound separation and eventual Incisional Hernia formation. Effective repair of Incisional Hernias must include a TENSION FREE approach. By eliminating tissue tension, we are able to significantly reduce the risk of subsequent recurrent hernias. This fact is not well understood by many surgeons *****pair these difficult hernias utilizing a simple, tissue-to-tissue, suture-only technique. Examination by a trained Hernia Specialist may be necessary to detect these hernias early on in their development, as well as to repair them properly to avoid recurrence and complications later on. I hope this helps!

Thank you so much for the info....I appreciate it....Thanks.... Erin