Developed hernia 4-5 months after Whipple surgery

As long as the primary care doc is sure there's no risk of an intestine popping out through the hernia and becoming "pinched" in a way that blocks the intestine or cuts off blood supply, I guess that's OK.

But as a guy who tries to think ahead and use all available diagnostics to prevent a problem, I would inquire whether imaging or some other method can confirm it's OK to wait.

FWIW, I had an umbilical hernia repair about 7 years ago (before cancer), and it was a rather painful first week of recovery. Now that your husband is 6 months post-Whipple, I assume the pain from that surgery is no longer an issue preventing a hernia repair. But if he's still struggling with chemo, I wouldn't compound the suffering with an unrelated surgery if it can safely be put off until later.

Thank you for your insight. Do you think anything with regards to the hernia would have shown up on the recent CT-scan?

I have no idea, but that would be a good question for the doctor who ordered it and/or the radiologist who read it.

I also had a hernia post Whipple surgery. Because it is only an issue when I am upright and CT scans were done while laying down, I don’t think anything was noticed in scan. I first brought it to my dr attention about 2 months after surgery. I throughly it was just because I had started to eat more solids and that was my new normal given the restructuring of my digestive system. I only found out about 2 years later that it was a hernia at the incision site. Apparently it is quite common. That specialist advised me what to watch for - any discomfort, pain, swelling, hardness, fever - (go to emergency) but said otherwise to leave it as there would be so much scar tissue the repair surgery could be a much bigger problem. I hold the area when coughing or straining in any way. So far, so good!

Thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband’s is also by the incision sight. May I ask what type of “specialist” you spoke with. His Oncologist said for now to leave things be, unless it becomes painful or hard. Should he wear anything special to keep it from protruding or getting bigger. Thank you for your time. I pray you are well.

It was a surgeon I was referred to for an endoscope by my oncologist. I was starting to have some digestive issues we thought might be related to the Whipple (turned out to be a recurrence of the cancer at the original site). He discovered the hernia while examining me during the surgical consult prior to the procedure. He said to just monitor it, nothing about wearing a brace or anything else to support the area. Wishing you and your husband all the best!

I also have developed an umbilical hernia post surgery. It appeared about 4 months after surgery. PA suggested wearing Spanx to keep it from bulging if that was a concern. No thanks in the summer heat :)!

They were unconcerned unless associated with pain. I am going to speak to my Primary about it anyway.

Oncologist said things can stay as they are with hernia unless pain, hardness, fever occur. Thanks again for all your support.

Thanks again. Oncologist felt it could be left alone for now, unless it becomes painful. I hope your journey is continuing on in a positive path.

Thank you. Yesterday his Oncologist felt the same way. Leave it be unless pain, hardness, and fever.
Just getting him through Chemo is the priority now.
He had a month break because of such terrible side effects. Resuming this morning with Cycle #8, at a reduction. Praying this one is easier on him. I wish you well and appreciate your input. God bless.