Question:
Do I have an incisional hernia?

How do I know if I have an incisional hernia. I am 4 weeks post-op and was healing fine. Yesterday, I noticed a small section b/w two staple scars was puffy and tender. I put a Band-Aid on it to pull it together because it felt alot better. I didn't have any butterfly stitches and don't have a binder. It's still scar tissue but very smooth. The swelling went down and the pain went away. Does this sound like a hernia? I don't see my surgeon until March 19, but I have an appt. locally with my PCM on Tues, so she can check it. I was just wondering. Thanks! (Open RNY 1/28/03 40#)    — Jean S. (posted on February 27, 2003)

February 27, 2003
No, it doesn't sound like a hernia to me. If you describe more as swelling then a bulge. If you lay on your back and lift your head as if you are doing a stomach crunch and it pops out, it may be one.
   — Lisa N M.