HomeAnswersGeneral Surgeryabdominal herniaI am having twitching and discomfort near my old gall bladder surgery site from 20 years ago. What should I do?

What are the methods of abdominal hernia?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At October 3, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 3, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had gallbladder surgery almost 20 years ago and still have an 8-inch scar showing it. It twitched lately, and I can feel it when my shirt rubs up against it. This has happened before, but just for approximately two days. I am on the following medications: Lisinopril, Carvedilol, and Crestor diuretic.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Madhav Tiwari

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please provide the following information so that we can get to the bottom of your problem: Based on the size of the scar, I believe that was an open gallbladder surgery rather than a keyhole. How long has the twitching been going on? Is this after you have moved anything heavy, worked out, or had a coughing fit? When you cough, does anything protrude from the scar line like a hernia? Do you have diabetes or hypertension? Did you experience any wound issues, such as wound infection, following your surgery? Do you experience any hunger issues, such as discomfort after a meal or feeling full too quickly? Have you had any imaging scans since this problem arose? Provide me with the specifics and photographs of your scar, and I will try my best to assist you.

Revert with the answer to assist further.

Thank you and take care.

Regards

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

It started two weeks ago after removing soil from the bed of a dump truck using a hoe. It happened earlier, but it went away after a few days. When anything touches it, it twitches but does not hurt. I do not have diabetes, protrusion, or hunger concerns. There were no scans done, and yes, they cut me up because my gallbladder exploded. But that was 20 years ago.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Madhav Tiwari

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There are two options that come to mind:

1. The formation of an incisional hernia - It is prevalent as people age and their collagen levels fall and their muscles weaken.It is coupled with the fact that you have been straining yourself at work, a little hernia that periodically obstructs and diminishes on its own is a possibility.

2. Nerve endings can become sensitive at any time (particularly if they have been severed during surgery). This might account for the twinges.

My logical conclusion is that there is a tiny hernia around your surgical site. I would suggest you avoid doing anything that causes strain on your abdominal muscles, such as lifting heavy weights. I would also suggest getting an ultrasound of your abdomen to examine what is going on inside.

I hope all of this makes sense.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Madhav Tiwari
Dr. Madhav Tiwari

General Surgery

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