Post colon resection abdominal hernia

I had multiple colon resections within a short period of time (6 months). One of them required leaving the wound open with a wound vac. It never healed well and I developed an umbilical hernia, incisional hernia and diastasis recti. I had abdominal wall reconstruction surgery in 2021, two years after the first colon surgery. It was done by a general surgeon. Recovery was long, but I am fully recovered and my abdominal wall is now very strong. I do have a small hernia near my pelvis, but I won’t get that fixed. It’s too small.
My insurance covered this operation and no plastic surgeon was used or needed. I feel like my abdomen is a tiny bit pouch at the bottom but that’s to be expected

I hate the added inches to my waist, too! I had a resection done laparoscopically two years ago 10 months later I had my first hernia surgery. Nine months later I had another hernia repair that this time required reconstruction of the muscles due to the 17cm size and the required delicate removal/separation of the first surgery's mesh from my intestine. Recuperation from the second reconstruction was very difficult.... especially the first three months. I had to be extremely careful to not use my stomach muscles until the new mesh had modeled to my abdominal wall.
Unfortunately my waist is two inches larger, and I am getting a CT Scan with contrast to see if the second surgery is secure and not herniated again. This time, I know I did not over do it. I am at the six month post recovery mark and have finally started to exercise with caution regularly. I HAD NO PLASTIC SURGEON. I have read that they play a very important part in the outcome. I didn't know this going into my second surgery. Best wishes to you. This is not a fun way for me to be spending my 70's time. I want to golf and travel, but I'm just not recovering my energy and strength yet.

I had an open left colon resection in November 2024 and I now have a hernia between my breast bone and navel. It is firm when standing and soft when lying down and sitting. I am a RN so knew what it was but went back to my surgeon to have it checked. He is also having me see a plastic surgeon because they work together to correct it. He said I need to lose 20-30 pounds before having it done to get better results. I weigh 170. I hate it because it’s added 3-4 inches to my waist and my pants don’t fit like before my surgery, not to mention having to have another surgery!
The general surgeon closes the hole where bowel is protruding and the plastic guy does the reconstruction of muscle to prevent it from occurring again. May general surgeon said plastics specialize in reconstruction techniques. I will need to keep the weight off to prevent reoccurrence.

@terrihodges
I got almost all my tips here on this site. (I also did a lot of reading online for what to expect after a lower anterior resection reversal.)
This is the post where I asked for help and suggestions, you should be able to go to it and read the responses. @catherine1290 was amazingly helpful!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/having-my-ileostomy-reversed-monday-and-i-have-a-few-questions/
Posted by cjay @cjay, Sep 23 3:00pm”

Thanks for the offer. I’d be happy to hear about the issues you had, so that I can be better prepared rather than surprised. I’m sure you’ve also got some tips & tricks based on your experience too. If you don’t mind taking the time xo

@terrihodges
Thanks for the input. I’m going to have a video call with my team and then we’ll go from there. It’s not getting more painful or larger (yet) so maybe it’s not a hernia. We shall see.
Good luck with your reversal! I know I was happy to have mine, but it brought a new set of issues, most of which are under control. If you have any questions afterwards please feel free to contact me!

18 months later, I still have my ileostomy. My reversal date is Nov 9th - soon! My hernia is quite evident in the way that side of my abdomen sticks out more than the other. My surgeon will repair the hernia at the same time as he does the reversal - by sutures, no mesh. He did, however, say that it is common for hernias to recur and if that happened he would refer me to a hernia repair specialist.
It sounds like your protruding is a worrisome sign and I personally would make the effort to get it addressed sooner, rather than later. Mine has only grown larger and more painful over time……. good luck!

I was told a hernia is soft and squishy. I had an incisional seroma which is a pocket of fluid that builds up under the incision. It hurt like you know what! Was a hard lump. So it could be either, but def get it looked at!

@lucy155 I'm glad this was helpful. I’m glad I sought a second opinion. I’m a pretty small person, and my skin got stretched out from the hernia.
I have regained all of my abdominal strength and my core is almost back to what it was prior to my colon cancer surgery! Good luck

@lisag03, you really have been through a lot. Thank you for sharing you experience. I needed to hear how hernias only get bigger, and will NOT go away. I'm going to schedule another opinion with a surgeon specializing in hernias.