Incisional Hernia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2025.

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What is an incisional hernia?

An incisional hernia is a bulge through the healed incision of a past surgery in your abdomen. An incisional hernia is usually caused by a weakened area in the abdominal tissues and muscles. The bulge forms when a part of your intestine pushes through this weakness. Abdominal tissues, organs, or fat may also slip through.

What increases my risk for an incisional hernia?

• Older age
• A higher body weight than recommended, or pregnancy
• A past infection at the incision site
• Cigarette smoking
• Chronic constipation, chronic cough, or straining to have bowel movements
• Intense exercise or lifting heavy objects often
• Medicines, such as steroids

What are the signs and symptoms of an incisional hernia?

• A soft bulge or swelling in or along your old incision
• A bulge that gets bigger when you cough, strain to have a bowel movement, or sit up
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation
• Nausea or vomiting

How is an incisional hernia diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and when they started. Tell your provider about other medical conditions you have, medicines you take, and your activities. Your provider will look and feel for a bulge in your incision. You may be asked to cough while standing up. You may need a CT scan to show the hernia. You may be asked to drink contrast liquid to help the hernia show up better in the pictures. Tell the provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

How is an incisional hernia treated?

Treatment depends on your symptoms and size of the hernia. Your healthcare provider may tell you to wear a hernia belt to prevent the hernia from bulging. You may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be given to help reduce pain or swelling.
• Watchful waiting may be recommended if your hernia is small and not painful. This means you do not need immediate treatment, but you have regular exams to check for changes. If your hernia becomes larger or painful during watchful waiting, your provider may recommend surgery.
• Surgery is usually done to place the hernia back inside the abdominal wall. You may need surgery if your hernia is large or affects your daily activities. Surgery may be done if the hernia stops blood flow to any of your organs. You may also need surgery if your intestines or an organ get trapped inside the hernia.

How can I manage my symptoms and prevent another hernia?

• Maintain a healthy weight. Your healthcare provider will tell you what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight loss plan, if needed.
• Do not strain. This includes when you have a bowel movement. Take an over-the-counter bowel movement softener and drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. When you cough, hold a pillow against your incision to prevent strain.
• Eat foods high in fiber. Fiber may help prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement. Foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains.
• Do not lift heavy objects. This can increase pressure on your abdominal muscles and make your hernia bigger or cause another hernia. Do not lift more than 10 pounds or do strenuous activity until your provider says it is okay.
• Wear an abdominal belt, if needed. An abdominal belt can provide support, reduce discomfort, and prevent your hernia from worsening. An abdominal belt may be used for up to 2 weeks after surgery. This may help decrease pain and the risk of fluid collecting under your skin. Ask your provider for instructions on how to apply and use an abdominal belt safely.
• Do not put pressure on your hernia. Do not push on the hernia or place tape or a coin over it.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can weaken the abdominal wall and slow healing. This may increase your risk for another hernia. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your hernia gets bigger, feels firm, or turns blue or purple.
• You have severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting.
• Your abdomen is larger than usual.
• Your heart beats faster than usual.
• You see blood in your bowel movement.
• You are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have a fever.
• You have nausea and are vomiting.
• You are constipated.
• Your hernia returns.
• You have a lump or collection of fluid under your skin.
• You have pain that does not go away, even after you take pain medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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