What causes my hernia to recur after many surgeries?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had eight hernia surgeries for the past 15 years and I fear I may have another. Why could this be happening? Should I be concerned about connective tissue disorder or possibly something else?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your case, and I understand your concern.

This is called an incisional hernia in the same previous surgical area.

Recurrence of hernia can be due to:

Surgical factors include inadequate surgical technique handling, tissue weakness, and poor mesh placement or fixation.

Patient factors like old age, genetic factors (like collagen disorders), smoking, chronic cough, previous abdominal surgery, weight gain, physical activity or excessive heavy lifting, and chronic medical-related conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Mesh-related factors like inadequate fixation. Other factors like wound infections.
Lage and complex incisional hernia have a higher recurrence rate, especially when not reinforced adequately.

So, all those factors can cause the recurrence of hernia.

Prevention of recurrence of hernia:

The use of mesh, especially for large, complex hernias, will reduce the recurrent rate compared to primary surgical repair.
Tension-free repair.
Laparoscopic hernia repair has a lower recurrence rate than open repair.
Preoperative optimization, such as weight reduction and smoking cessation, should be initiated at least four weeks before surgery.
Infection prevention.
Postoperative care includes limiting strenuous physical exercise for the first two to three weeks, controlling cough, and managing ongoing medical conditions.

I hope I have clarified your concept.

Thank you.