What type of hernia develops at the site of a previous surgery?

An incisional hernia develops at the site of a previous surgical incision. This occurs when the abdominal wall fails to heal properly, allowing tissue to protrude through the weakened area. Factors contributing to the development of an incisional hernia can include the type of surgical procedure performed, infection at the incision site, increased intra-abdominal pressure, or improper healing due to underlying medical conditions.

In contrast, a hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, while an umbilical hernia involves protrusion through the abdominal wall at the umbilicus. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin area and is typically related to a weakness in the abdominal wall present from birth or developed over time. Each of these hernias has distinct characteristics and sites of occurrence, differentiating them from incisional hernias.