
Hernia after C-section: Symptoms, treatment, and recovery
One should understand that pregnancy and delivery involve significant changes in the body. Most of the changes hang on a bit and subside, but some might result in complications after a few days, months, or years. One such complication is a hernia, which is also known as a postpartum hernia.
Hernias are of different types, and anyone can develop them. Any type of hernia happens when the inner parts of the abdomen bulge out through a weak muscle area or tissue under the skin. A hernia after delivery is rare, yet it can occur. Here are some of the common types of hernias associated with pregnancy:
Ventral hernias: It develops just above the belly button.
Inguinal hernia: It develops near the groin area.
Umbilical hernia: It develops during or after pregnancy near the belly button.
Incisional Hernia: It develops near the incision made during the C-section.
The C-section is a surgical approach to delivering a baby that may weaken the abdominal wall and make it vulnerable to pushing parts of the stomach through this weakened area. If the hernia develops near this c-section scar, it is said to be an incisional hernia.
Symptoms of a hernia after a C-section
An unusual bulge near the incision is the main symptom of an incisional hernia. This bulge varies in size, from a grapefruit to very large. Hernias might not grow immediately, but they develop gradually after a few months or years following surgery.
Sometimes you can only feel a hernia when you touch it, but sometimes it is visible to the naked eye. In severe cases, the herniated tissue becomes trapped, resulting in strangulation or constriction. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency because the blood supply to vital organs in the stomach will be cut off.
Symptoms of a strangulated hernia:
- Abdominal pain gradually increases
- Tenderness or pain on or near the hernia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of the stomach
- Redness and warmth
With any kind of hernia after a c-section, the bulge becomes more evident or worsens while:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Laughing hard
- Lifting weight
- Stand up suddenly
- Doing exercise
- Climbing heights or stairs
Having pain or GI problems after a C-section shouldn’t be ignored, consult your doctor ASAP.
Causes of hernias after pregnancy
Hernia that appears after pregnancy usually happens due to some effects of pregnancy, either normal delivery or a C-section. This is because baby growth in the belly increases heavy pressure on the abdominal wall, stretching the inner muscles of the stomach and making them weak in some areas. In such cases, the inner parts of the stomach bulge out through these weak areas, causing a bump.
Umbilical hernias, which develop around the belly button, are more commonly observed because, compared to other areas of the abdominal wall, this area is naturally weaker.
However, in the case of c-section delivery, hernias mostly develop along the incision. The risk of incisional hernia increases when the muscles at the opening fail to heal completely or if pressure increases near the incision before full recovery.
Hernia treatment after a C-section
Hernia treatment after a c-section depends on its severity and the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. Here are the available treatment options:
Watchful waiting
In cases of small hernias without any symptoms, doctors advise watch-and-wait protocol by monitoring progression regularly.
Making changes in lifestyle
Avoid lifting heavy objects and doing strenuous activities to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
Hernia supportive gear
Wearing clothes that support hernia or abdominal binder provides added support to the weak area and decreases discomfort.
Surgical Repair
Open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair (A minimally invasive procedure) are the two surgical options to treat hernia problems.
The open hernia repair procedure involves making a large incision where the hernia occurred, pushing the protruding contents back into place, and if necessary, reinforcing the weak area with mesh.
Where as in laparoscopic hernia repair, a few small incisions are made around the hernia; a laparoscope and other tools are sent through the incisions to repair the hernia. This procedure has many benefits over open procedures, such as less pain, faster recovery, etc.
Recovery after a hernia surgery
Recovery from a hernia surgery depends on many factors, like hernia type, severity, and overall health of the patient. Here are some tips to deal with recovery:
- Following post-operative care instructions given by the surgeon is very crucial, and they include wound care, limitations on activities, and managing medications.
- Take pain medications as prescribed by the surgeon.
- Return to your regular activities gradually. Don’t lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activities until you recover completely.
- Monitor for complications such as infection, redness, swelling, or drainage of the puss near the incision, and consult your surgeon ASAP if you observe any unusual symptoms.
- Don’t miss any scheduled follow-up appointments; it is important to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or complications promptly.
A hernia following a C-section delivery is rare but possible. Understanding the symptoms and managing them early helps achieve a successful recovery. If you suspect you have a hernia after a C-section, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best surgeons for hernia repair in Hyderabad. He performs a thorough evaluation and provides a customised treatment approach.