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Health condition

Incisional hernia

An incisional hernia is a bulge through a weakened old surgical scar on the abdomen; repair techniques have advanced considerably, and planning the right operation matters.

Why trust this guide

  • 01

    Editorial team

    Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.

  • 02

    Sourced from guidance

    Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.

  • 03

    Current for 2026

    Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.

Key facts

The essentials at a glance.

The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.

  • Typical symptoms: a widening bulge at or near a previous abdominal scar, often aching with activity

  • Risk factors include wound infection after the original surgery, weight, smoking and diabetes

  • Seek emergency care for pain with vomiting or a lump that becomes tense and tender

  • Specialist: a consultant general surgeon, ideally with an abdominal wall reconstruction interest for larger hernias

Understanding the condition

What it is and what happens next.

What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.

What it is and how it feels

Up to one in five abdominal incisions eventually develops a hernia through the scar, where the repaired muscle layer has stretched or separated. Incisional hernias tend to enlarge over time, can contain bowel, and cause aching, a visible bulge and sometimes episodes of obstruction.

Diagnosis and treatment routes

CT scanning maps the defect and guides planning, and repair is tailored: laparoscopic or open mesh repair for moderate defects, and formal abdominal wall reconstruction with component separation for large ones. Optimising weight, diabetes and smoking beforehand measurably improves the durability of repair. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.

Seeing a specialist

Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.

The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant general surgeon. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Incisional hernia.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What does Incisional hernia mean?

    Incisional hernia is a health condition that affects how part of the body functions, and can range in severity from mild to significant depending on the individual. A clinician can assess your specific situation and explain what it means for you. Understanding the basics helps you ask the right questions at your appointment.

  • What causes incisional hernia?

    There are usually several contributing factors behind incisional hernia, and it's not always possible to pin down a single cause without proper assessment. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, history, and any relevant investigations to build a clearer picture. This helps make sure treatment is targeted appropriately.

  • What does incisional hernia feel like?

    Symptoms can vary from mild and barely noticeable to more significant and disruptive, depending on severity and individual factors. Common features often include changes that affect comfort, function, or general wellbeing in the affected area or system. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, it's worth having them assessed rather than guessing.

  • How worried should I be about incisional hernia?

    Most cases can be managed effectively once properly assessed and treated, though how serious it is depends on individual circumstances and how early it's picked up. Getting a professional opinion helps rule out anything more concerning and puts your mind at ease either way. Don't hesitate to seek advice if something feels wrong.

  • Is incisional hernia hereditary or genetic?

    Some cases have a genetic or family component, while others are linked more to lifestyle, environment, or other health conditions. Having a family history may increase your risk slightly, but it doesn't mean you'll definitely develop it. A clinician can advise whether genetic factors seem relevant in your particular case.

  • Can incisional hernia be prevented?

    Treatment can often reduce symptoms significantly and, in some cases, resolve the underlying problem entirely, though this isn't guaranteed for everyone. Prevention strategies, where they exist, usually focus on managing risk factors and general health. A tailored discussion with your doctor will give you the clearest picture for your circumstances.

  • How is incisional hernia treated?

    Treatment options range from conservative measures such as lifestyle changes, medication, or physiotherapy through to more involved interventions in more severe or persistent cases. The right approach depends on the underlying cause, severity, and how it's affecting you. Your specialist will talk through the pros and cons of each option that's relevant to you.

  • What is the typical recovery time for incisional hernia?

    Some people recover within a matter of weeks, while others find it becomes a longer-term or recurring issue that needs ongoing management. Following your treatment plan closely tends to support the best possible recovery. Ask your specialist for a realistic timeline based on your own results and progress.

  • When is a specialist opinion or surgery needed for incisional hernia?

    A specialist opinion is generally recommended if symptoms persist despite initial treatment, if they're severe, or if there's uncertainty about the diagnosis. Surgery or more invasive treatment is usually reserved for cases where conservative measures haven't worked. Your GP can refer you on if they feel a specialist review would be helpful.

  • When is it worth getting incisional hernia checked by a specialist?

    See a doctor if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, or sooner if you have any red-flag symptoms your GP has warned you about. On the NHS, routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take 20-45+ weeks to come through; going private typically means being seen by a consultant within about 2 weeks.