Incisional Hernia: symptoms, types and treatments
What is an incisional hernia?
An incisional hernia occurs when abdominal tissues protrude through a surgical scar.
It can develop after abdominal surgery, when the abdominal wall does not heal optimally, creating a weak area.
It is a frequent complication, which may appear months or even years after the initial operation.
Incisional Hernia: how it manifests
An incisional hernia appears as a swelling along the scar of a previous surgical procedure, which tends to increase in size when standing, straining, or coughing.
Over time, it may become painful, limit mobility, and compromise quality of life.
In the most severe cases, it may present with:
- redness and hardening of the overlying skin,
- chronic discomfort,
- digestive difficulties when the hernia protrusion expands
- risks of intestinal obstruction.
Incisional HERNIA: why surgery is necessary?
An incisional hernia does not resolve spontaneously and tends to enlarge over time.
Surgery is recommended in order to:
- restore structure and function of the abdominal wall,
- prevent complications such as intestinal obstruction,
- improve quality of life and the cosmetic appearance of the scar.
Today, hernia surgery is considered safer and more effective thanks to innovative, minimally invasive techniques that allow for faster recovery, reduced post-operative pain and an early return to normal activities.
What happens if untreated : the risks of an untreated incisional hernia
Neglecting an incisional hernia can lead to:
- progressive increase in size, with worsening discomfort,
- persistent pain and functional limitation,
- strangulation: when an intestinal loop becomes trapped within the hernia defect, leading to obstruction and necrosis, requiring urgent and riskier surgery.
Scheduling surgery as an elective procedure allows the problem to be addressed with greater safety and fewer complications.
Conventional surgical techniques
The traditional treatment of incisional hernia involves two main approaches:
Direct suture
Indicated only for very small defects. It is quick but carries a very high risk of recurrence, especially in medium-to-large incisional hernias.
Flat synthetic meshes
The most commonly used option. The mesh is positioned and fixed with sutures or anchoring systems to the abdominal musculature.
Advantages: greater strength and reduced recurrence compared to pure suture repair.
Disadvantages: extensive incisions, risk of post-operative pain due to fixation on the muscles, local complications (tears, hematomas, seromas, infections, chronic pain), visceral adhesions.
Octomesh - the tentacle mesh: a safe, clear, and personalized pathway
For the repair of incisional hernias, Prof. Amato developed the tentacle implant Octomesh, which uses eight tentacles positioned at the border of the mesh for fixation free fastening (without sutures) through the friction exerted by the strap crossing the muscular layer of the abdominal wall (Freexation).
Octomesh is available in 5 different sizes adaptable to the patient depending on hernia size
The details of the surgical technique were published in the following scientific article: Tentacle Mesh for Incisional Hernia Repair
Main advantages:
- reduced surgical invasiveness and smaller incisions,
- less post-operative pain,
- broad and stable coverage of the defect,
- standardized technique providing greater safety for both surgeon and patient,
- drastic reduction of complications with virtually no recurrences,
- hospital discharge within 24–48 hours depending on hernia size.
Your treatment journey step by step
Each procedure is part of a clear and shared process that accompanies the patient from the first visit to complete recovery.
Clear information and constant availability for dialogue make the journey peaceful and safe.
Start your treatment journey today
By following a clear, safe, and personalized path, the hernia is treated definitively with minimal impact on the patient’s life.
The first consultation is the first step towards recovery: a moment of listening, explanation, and building trust.
Book your visit and face your treatment with confidence.
FAQ
Can an incisional hernia heal on its own?
No, it tends to grow over time. Surgery is the only definitive solution.
Is the surgery painful?
With modern techniques and the use of the tentacle prosthesis Octomesh, post-operative pain is reduced and recovery is faster.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients resume light activities within 5 - 7 days.
Is there a risk of recurrence?
With traditional techniques, yes—especially in complex incisional hernias. To date, with the Octomesh technique, Prof. Amato has had no recurrences.
The future of incisional hernia repair
A new perspective is emerging with the Stenting & Shielding Hernia System, an innovative device designed for the treatment of incisional hernias, particularly small- and medium-sized ones.
This system combines two functions:
- Stenting, supporting tissues during healing while promoting regeneration,
- Shielding, protecting the area from the risk of recurrence.
The device has already successfully passed the preclinical stage, through experimental studies on a porcine model, demonstrating safety and effectiveness.
It is currently awaiting the necessary regulatory approvals to begin industrial production and future commercialization.
If confirmed by clinical trials, the Stenting & Shielding Hernia System may represent a breakthrough in incisional treatment, offering a minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective solution.
Biography
Prof. Giuseppe Amato
Prof. Giuseppe Amato is a general surgeon, internationally recognised for his research on abdominal hernias and for developing techniques and devices that have revolutionised the treatment of this condition.
His work is based on scientific rigour, attention to the individual and a constant commitment to offering safe, minimally invasive solutions focused on patients’ quality of life.
His work combines clinical experience and research, resulting in innovative devices such as ProFlor and the Stenting & Shielding Hernia System, designed to promote tissue regeneration and minimise complications.