Question:
what is an incisional hernia?

I had my gall bladder removed 20 yrs ago and i can feel knots around the scar area.Sometimes when i bump it or bend over and put pressure on the scar it is painful.Is this an incisional hernia or something else? Should I be worried?    — Lora B. (posted on April 18, 2002)

April 18, 2002
an incisional hernia is when there is a break in the lining/muscle of the abdominal cavity following a surgical procedure. Sometimes a bulge and tenderness will be what you feel. I recommend that you see your physician about this. Sometimes one can have a hernia and will suffer no problems from it, but at times (depending on the location and size of the actual hernia), it is possible for a piece of the bowel to slip into the opening and become pinched. Incisional hernias are usually very easily repaired by a general surgeon, and sometimes as an outpatient/day surgery basis.
   — Charlene B.