The following symptoms and complaints may indicate an incisional hernia (scar hernia):
- Visible swelling/protrusion/nodule or palpable protrusion in the area of the surgical scar (in the majority of cases)
- Initial appearance e.g. after physical work, lifting heavy loads, sports – spontaneous disappearance at rest.
- Later persistent (persistent)
Note: The examination must be performed with the patient lying and standing.
- Pulling pain in the area of the hub; intensification of symptoms when the abdomen is tense (coughing, defecation, after physical work, lifting heavy loads, sports).
- Stool irregularities and difficult defecation; possibly also constipation (constipation).
- If necessary, passage problems (for example, postprandial bloating (after a meal).
- If necessary, not laterally equal abdominal shape
- If necessary, restriction of the functional capacity of the abdominal muscles.
- If necessary, decrease in physical performance (esp. in incarceration (entrapment of the contents of the hernia sac)).
Incarceration hernia symptoms.
- Abdominal pain (abdominal pain) – acute onset, severe, persistent or colicky pain (in the area of the incisional hernia).
- Defensive tension (due toperitonitis/peritonitis).
- Nausea (nausea)/vomiting
- Fever
Notice: Incisional hernias may be asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. Often go unnoticed for months or years. Likewise, severe discomfort can occur quickly.
Predilection sites (areas of the body where the disease preferentially occurs).
- Area of the anterior abdominal wall
- Along perpendicular scars between the sternum (lat. Sternum) and pubic bone (lat. Symphysis) (= median laparotomy (incision made longitudinally in the middle of the abdomen)).
Further notes
- A so-called monstrous incisional hernia is said to occur when the diameter exceeds 10 to 15 cm.
