Stable and reducible
A soft bulge with manageable symptoms can usually be evaluated with records and selective imaging.
Incisional and recurrent hernia care in Central Texas
Incisional & Recurrent Hernia Care
A bulge or pain near an old incision deserves more than a generic hernia plan. Previous operations, mesh, infection, scar tissue, and the current abdominal wall all shape what can be repaired and how.
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What it isA hernia through a previous surgical incision
What records matterOperation reports, mesh details, imaging, and wound history
What the plan may includeOptimization, reconstruction, and tailored reinforcement
What is this?
A previous incision has become a weak point.
An incisional hernia develops when the deeper abdominal-wall layers separate at or near a prior operation. The skin may have healed normally while the muscle and connective tissue beneath it weakened. A bulge can appear months or years later and may contain fat or intestine.
Some patients have one defined opening; others have several defects along a scar, separation of central muscles, or a recurrent hernia after mesh repair. CT imaging and the prior operative record can show anatomy that is not apparent from the surface.
- A new bulge beneath or beside an old incision
- Increasing pressure, pulling, or discomfort with activity
- A repair that has returned or a change near previous mesh
- Loss of support, skin irritation, or difficulty with physical tasks
The original operation matters. The type of incision, reason for surgery, wound complications, and previous mesh all influence the next repair.
Should I be concerned?
A recurrent or changing defect deserves a complete review.
Most incisional hernias permit planned evaluation, but increasing symptoms and bowel-obstruction signs change the urgency.
Enlarging or recurrent
Increasing size, pain, skin change, reduced function, or recurrence after repair should prompt timely specialist review.
Trapped or obstructing
Severe pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, fever, or a firm discolored bulge requires immediate care.
Do I need surgery?
The next operation should solve the current defect, not repeat the old plan.
Symptoms, progression, hernia contents, health, and the likelihood of a durable repair guide the decision. An incisional hernia does not close by itself. Elective repair may be recommended when the defect is painful, enlarging, function-limiting, or at risk of further complexity.
Reviewing old records can prevent surprises. Your surgeon may need to know the mesh product and position, whether the wound was infected, and why the first operation was performed. Nicotine cessation, diabetes control, nutrition, weight, and treatment of skin or wound problems may be part of preparation.
Open repair
Broad access allows scar release, removal or revision of selected old material, closure, and reinforcement.
May fit
Large, complex, recurrent, or contaminated defects requiring direct reconstruction.
Laparoscopic repair
Small incisions provide an internal view of the defect and can allow mesh reinforcement.
May fit
Selected incisional hernias with anatomy suited to intra-abdominal access.
Robotic-assisted repair
The surgeon controls articulated instruments to release scar tissue, close layers, and reinforce selected defects.
May fit
Cases suited to minimally invasive suturing or abdominal-wall reconstruction.
Records become part of the operation
Bring the history your abdominal wall cannot show.
Prior operative reports, mesh information, CT images and reports, and details of infection or wound drainage can materially change the plan. NuSelf uses that history to explain what is known, what still needs evaluation, and how the next repair would differ.
Review helpful recordsHow quickly?
Use stable time to prepare a stronger repair.
When there are no emergency signs, deliberate records review and health optimization can improve readiness. Escalating symptoms deserve faster attention.
Complete evaluation
Stable, reducible defect with time to obtain records, imaging, and optimize health.
Schedule a consultation and gather prior operation reports.Earlier review
Increasing pain or size, skin irritation, reduced bowel comfort, or harder reduction.
Contact NuSelf for timely evaluation.Emergency care
Severe pain, vomiting, distention, fever, or a firm discolored bulge that will not reduce.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.Who will perform my repair?
Experience that accounts for prior surgery and complex anatomy.
Your surgeon reviews the previous operation, maps the current defect, and explains whether a focused repair or broader abdominal-wall reconstruction is appropriate.
Founder & Board-Certified Surgeon
Dr. Sashidhar Ganta
MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCSIYale fellowship-trained surgeon with experience in advanced minimally invasive, robotic, complex general, bariatric, revisional, and second-opinion care.
View physician profile
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Surgeon
Dr. Suraj Panjwani
MDYale-affiliated chief residency and advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive, bariatric, robotic, and general surgery.
View physician profileWill it be painful?
A realistic pain plan reflects the scope of reconstruction.
Scar release and abdominal-wall reconstruction can create more tightness and fatigue than a small first-time repair. The team plans anesthesia, multimodal medication, mobility, bowel regularity, wound care, and inpatient support according to the expected operation.
- Procedure-specific anesthesia and postoperative medications
- Early assisted walking and breathing exercises
- Instructions for drains, dressings, or binder use when applicable
- A clear response plan for pain, fever, drainage, or bowel changes
How long until I feel like myself?
Recovery depends on whether this is a focused repair or a reconstruction.
Prior surgery, scar tissue, defect size, mesh revision, hospital stay, and physical job demands all affect pace.
Stabilize & move
- Control pain and nausea
- Walk with support
- Follow wound and drain care
Recover routine
- Increase walking gradually
- Manage fatigue and bowel function
- Protect the repair during movement
Confirm healing
- Review incision and symptoms
- Remove drains when ready
- Set the next activity level
Restore strength
- Progress work and exercise in stages
- Respect longer limits after reconstruction
- Return unrestricted only after clearance
Plan for the operation you are actually having. NuSelf will give you specific instructions for hospital care, driving, work, lifting, nutrition, wounds, drains, and follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to your concerns.
Short answers to the questions that often come next. Your examination, testing, and medical history determine what applies to you.
Explore patient resourcesWhat records should I bring?
Bring the original operation report, all hernia repair reports, mesh or implant information, CT reports and images, and details of infection, drainage, or prior wound treatment.
Does previous mesh always need to be removed?
No. Mesh may be left in place, revised, or removed depending on position, infection, symptoms, and the planned reconstruction. The decision is individualized.
Why might I need a CT scan?
CT imaging can map defect size, multiple openings, muscle separation, hernia contents, old mesh, and scar-related anatomy before a complex repair.
Can a recurrent hernia be repaired minimally invasively?
Some can. Prior technique, mesh position, adhesions, defect size, and the required reconstruction determine whether laparoscopic or robotic access is appropriate.
Why optimize health before repair?
Nicotine exposure, uncontrolled diabetes, poor nutrition, excess abdominal pressure, and active infection can increase wound and recurrence problems. Addressing modifiable factors can support a safer, more durable repair.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Selected focused repairs may be outpatient, while larger reconstructions can require inpatient care. Your surgeon will set expectations after reviewing the anatomy and operative plan.
Your next step
Your Clarity™starts with a conversation.
Tell us about the previous operation, current symptoms, and any mesh or wound history. Explore organized care options or schedule an incisional hernia consultation.
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