Incisional Hernia Surgery in Brisbane
What is an incisional hernia? An incisional hernia is a bulge that pushes through the site of an old surgical scar, where the tummy-wall muscle has weakened after a previous operation. It often appears months or years later and tends to grow, so most are best repaired.
Symptoms
- A bulge or swelling at or near a surgical scar
- Discomfort or a dragging feeling, worse with standing, lifting or coughing
- A lump that gets bigger over time
- Skin changes over a large hernia
Why incisional hernias form
An incisional hernia is defined by its cause — a previous cut in the tummy wall that has not fully healed. It is more likely after a wound infection, in people who carry extra weight, after several abdominal operations, or where the original wound was under tension. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes also raise the risk.
How an incisional hernia is diagnosed
Most incisional hernias are diagnosed with a physical examination — the bulge is often clearer when you stand, cough or tense the tummy muscles over the old scar. Where the hernia is large, complex, recurrent, or the diagnosis isn't clear on examination, Dr Goutham may arrange a CT scan to map the defect in detail and help plan the repair.
How an incisional hernia is repaired
The aim is to return the tissue to where it belongs and rebuild a strong tummy wall, usually with a soft mesh that strengthens the repair and lowers the chance it comes back. Dr Goutham tailors the approach to the size and position of the hernia:
Keyhole (laparoscopic) and robotic repair
Keyhole surgery (also called laparoscopic) uses small cuts and a camera to place mesh from inside. For many incisional hernias, robotic-assisted repair — keyhole surgery guided by a robotic system the surgeon controls — allows precise reconstruction with smaller cuts and often a smoother recovery.
Open repair and larger hernias
Larger or more complex hernias may need an open repair. For a wide gap, the surgeon may use a technique called component separation: this gently releases the tummy-wall muscles so they can be brought back together over the gap, making the repair stronger and more natural. Dr Goutham will explain exactly what your repair involves.
Pre-operative optimisation
Good preparation can reduce avoidable risk and support a smoother recovery — and matters particularly here, since wound-related factors are part of how an incisional hernia forms in the first place. Your plan is personalised and may include:
Smoking
Stopping smoking before surgery — ideally for at least four weeks where possible — supports wound healing and lung function.
Diabetes & nutrition
Diabetes control, including an individual HbA1c target where relevant, and adequate nutrition are reviewed before surgery.
Weight & conditioning
When appropriate, gradual weight optimisation and maintaining safe activity can lower strain on the repair and improve recovery.
Medicines & breathing
Blood thinners, other medicines, cough and breathing conditions are reviewed. Never stop anticoagulants unless your treating team gives you a clear plan.
Will it come back?
Modern mesh repair, and keyhole or robotic techniques, greatly lower the chance of an incisional hernia returning compared with simply stitching the gap closed. Stopping smoking, managing weight and good diabetes control before surgery also help the repair last.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the size of the hernia and the repair you need — we talk you through what to expect for your situation before the day. As a general guide: small repairs are often day surgery with a 1–2 week return to light activity; larger reconstructions may need a short hospital stay and around 6 weeks before heavy lifting. See what to expect after hernia surgery.
Risks of incisional hernia repair
Incisional hernia repair is generally safe. As with any surgery, possible risks include bleeding, infection, bruising, fluid collection (seroma), nerve irritation or discomfort, and — uncommonly — recurrence. A larger or more complex reconstruction carries more risk than a small repair, which is part of why Dr Goutham tailors the approach to the size of the hernia and your surgical history, and discusses the risks relevant to your specific repair individually. Serious complications are rare.
Fees
For privately insured patients, Dr Goutham offers a known gap — a small, capped out-of-pocket confirmed in writing before surgery. See hernia surgery cost.
Why choose Dr Goutham Sivasuthan
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan is a general and endoscopic surgeon, Australian-trained through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and GESA-accredited (UQ MBBS; AHPRA MED0002000354) with a focus on minimally invasive (keyhole and robotic) hernia surgery at St Andrew's War Memorial, Mater Private Redland and Sunnybank Private.
Dr Goutham assesses hiatus hernias but does not perform hiatal (paraoesophageal) or parastomal hernia repair. When surgery is indicated, he coordinates onward care with an upper-GI specialist.
Tailored incisional hernia care
- ✓Approach matched to your scar and history — keyhole, robotic or open repair, chosen after full assessment.
- ✓Component separation where needed — for a wider gap, to rebuild the tummy wall without excess tension.
- ✓Mesh-reinforced, durable repair.
- ✓Care close to home — across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
- ✓Direct surgeon access — before and after surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Can an incisional hernia heal on its own?
No. They do not heal without surgery and usually grow over time, so most are best repaired before they become large or complicated.
Can an incisional hernia come back after surgery?
It can, but modern mesh repair with keyhole or robotic techniques greatly lowers that chance. Not smoking and a healthy weight before surgery help the repair last.
Will I need mesh?
Most incisional hernia repairs use a soft mesh to rebuild a durable tummy wall and lower the chance of it coming back. Dr Goutham explains the mesh used for your repair.
How long is recovery?
Small repairs: 1–2 weeks to light activity. Larger reconstructions: a short hospital stay and around 6 weeks before heavy lifting.
Trusted resources
Independent patient information from Australian health organisations.
Discuss your incisional hernia with Dr Goutham
If you have a bulge or discomfort at an old surgical scar, or have been told you have an incisional hernia, speak with your GP about a referral or contact Upper Edge Surgery. After consultation, the rooms can explain the recommended pathway and provide a written quote. All costs are confirmed in writing before any procedure.