Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair in Singapore
An incisional hernia is a bulge through the scar of a previous abdominal operation. Ventral hernia is the wider term for any hernia in the front of the abdominal wall, including incisional, umbilical and epigastric hernias. They do not heal on their own and tend to enlarge, so repair, usually with a mesh, is offered to most people with symptoms.
What is an incisional hernia?
After abdominal surgery, the muscle layer under the scar has to heal back together. If it does not heal strongly, a gap can open, and fat or bowel can push through it to form a bulge under the scar. This is an incisional hernia. It can appear months or years after the operation.
Ventral hernias include incisional hernias and hernias that appear without previous surgery, such as umbilical and epigastric hernias. A hernia next to a stoma is called a parastomal hernia. Read more in what is an incisional hernia.
What makes an incisional hernia more likely?
Wound problems
An infection or poor healing of the original wound is one of the strongest risk factors.
Health factors
Being overweight, smoking, diabetes, and medicines such as steroids slow healing and raise the risk.
Pressure and the operation
A long-term cough or straining, and larger, midline or emergency operations, put more strain on the healing wound.
Incisional hernia symptoms
- A bulge in or near an old surgical scar
- A bulge that is bigger when you stand, cough or strain, and may flatten when you lie down
- Discomfort or a dragging feeling around the scar
- With large hernias, thin or stretched skin over the bulge
Get urgent help if
- The bulge becomes painful, hard or will not go back
- You are vomiting or your belly is swelling
- You cannot pass wind or open your bowels
Go to the emergency department or call 995.
Incisional and ventral hernia repair
Most incisional hernias are repaired with a mesh, which lowers the chance of the hernia coming back compared with stitches alone. The approach depends on the size and position of the hernia, previous operations and your general health.
Keyhole repair
Small cuts are made away from the old scar and a mesh is placed on the inside of the abdominal wall. It suits many small and medium hernias. See keyhole hernia surgery.
Open repair
Through the old scar. The muscle edges are brought together and reinforced with mesh. Large hernias may need a more complex reconstruction of the abdominal wall.
Watchful waiting
For a small hernia causing few symptoms in someone at high risk from surgery, waiting can be discussed. The hernia will not go away.
Preparing for surgery
Stopping smoking, reaching a healthier weight where needed, and good diabetes control before a planned repair lower the risk of wound problems and of the hernia coming back. Dr Kan Yuk Man will plan the timing with you.
Recovery after incisional hernia repair
Small repairs may be day surgery, while larger repairs can need a few days in hospital. Most people return to light activities within about two weeks after a small repair; recovery takes longer after a large repair.
A fluid collection under the wound (seroma) is common and usually settles by itself. Other risks include wound infection, the hernia coming back, and, rarely, injury to the bowel. Dr Kan will explain the risks for your situation.
Incisional hernia surgery cost in Singapore
The Ministry of Health fee benchmarks for ventral, incisional or recurrent hernia repair in private hospitals, including GST:
Hospital charges are separate and depend on the length of stay. MediSave and Integrated Shield Plans can be used where applicable. See our hernia treatment guide for more on costs.
Source: MOH fee benchmarks for surgical procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about incisional and ventral hernias.
Can an incisional hernia close by itself?
No. Incisional hernias do not heal on their own and tend to get bigger over time, which can make them harder to repair later.
How long after surgery can an incisional hernia appear?
Most appear within the first few years after an operation, but they can develop later.
Is mesh safe?
Mesh is used in most incisional hernia repairs because it lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Like any implant it has risks, such as infection, which Dr Kan will discuss with you.
Will I need to stay in hospital?
It depends on the size of the hernia. Small repairs may be day surgery; large repairs can need a stay of several days.
Can an incisional hernia come back after repair?
It can, especially after large or complex repairs. Stopping smoking, reaching a healthier weight and good diabetes control before surgery lower the risk.
Can I use MediSave for incisional hernia surgery?
Yes, eligible procedures can be partially covered by MediSave and Integrated Shield Plans, subject to policy terms.
Bulge near an old scar?
Dr Kan Yuk Man, senior consultant surgeon, repairs simple and complex incisional hernias at Mount Elizabeth and Farrer Park.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for advice specific to your situation.
Clinical guidance based on the European Hernia Society guidelines on the treatment of incisional abdominal wall hernias (2015).