What caused an abdominal bulge after my hernia surgery?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had surgery to repair a bowel puncture during a general hernia operation. The incision was made midline near my belly button and was left open to heal gradually over time. Although the wound has healed, I am left with two bulges in my abdomen on either side of the midline, and they do not seem to be improving.

I have the following questions:

Is this a regular occurrence after such a procedure?
Will these bulges self-correct over time, or are they permanent?
Are there any exercises or other non-surgical methods I can try to correct them?
If non-surgical options are ineffective, what surgical or other medical interventions are available to address this issue?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It must have been quite challenging to go through.

It would be helpful if you could share the hospital records of your surgeries and the discharge summary for a more comprehensive review.

Based on the information provided and assuming there was a delayed presentation of a bowel injury during the hernia surgery, here is what likely occurred:

The bowel injury may have caused significant contamination inside the abdomen, leading to a decision to leave the incision open for healing to occur gradually. Unfortunately, this approach often results in complications such as hernias.

Here are the answers to your concerns:

The bulges you described are likely a large ventral wall hernia, which is expected in cases like yours. Unfortunately, these bulges will not resolve on their own.
Exercise will not correct the hernia, and unsupervised physical activity could worsen the condition. Please avoid exercises without professional guidance.
The definitive treatment is repeat surgery involving the placement of a surgical mesh. This procedure is typically performed 6 months to 1 year after the open abdominal wall fully recovers.

What to do in the meantime:

Quit smoking: If you smoke, it is essential to stop, as smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications.
Achieve a healthy weight: Aim to reduce your weight to a level recommended by your healthcare provider, under 127.8 pounds, depending on your height and build.
Use an abdominal binder: Wearing an abdominal binder while out of bed can provide support and reduce discomfort.

If you require more detailed assistance or guidance on proceeding, please consult your doctor or provide additional records for review.

I hope this information helps. Let me know if you have further questions or concerns.

Thank you.