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What causes my hernia to recur after many surgeries?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Mohamed Abdirahman Ali

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohamed Abdirahman Ali is a skilled and experienced Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon dedicated to providing advanced surgical care. He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, gastrointestinal and abdominal surgeries, and complex general surgical interventions. Renowned for precision, patient-focused care, and evidence-based approaches, Dr. Ali combines technical expertise with compassionate guidance, ensuring optimal outcomes and promoting faster recovery and overall wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. Mesh-related factors like inadequate fixation. Other factors like wound infections.

  3. 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:

  1. The use of mesh, especially for large, complex hernias, will reduce the recurrent rate compared to primary surgical repair.

  2. Tension-free repair.

  3. Laparoscopic hernia repair has a lower recurrence rate than open repair.

  4. Preoperative optimization, such as weight reduction and smoking cessation, should be initiated at least four weeks before surgery.

  5. Infection prevention.

  6. 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.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 25, 2024
Reviewed At December 20, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohamed Abdirahman Ali is a skilled and experienced Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon dedicated to providing advanced surgical care. He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, gastrointestinal and abdominal surgeries, and complex general surgical interventions. Renowned for precision, patient-focused care, and evidence-based approaches, Dr. Ali combines technical expertise with compassionate guidance, ensuring optimal outcomes and promoting faster recovery and overall wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohamed Abdirahman Ali is a skilled and experienced Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon dedicated to providing advanced surgical care. He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, gastrointestinal and abdominal surgeries, and complex general surgical interventions. Renowned for precision, patient-focused care, and evidence-based approaches, Dr. Ali combines technical expertise with compassionate guidance, ensuring optimal outcomes and promoting faster recovery and overall wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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