Post colon resection abdominal hernia

Just yesterday, my colon resection surgeon referred me to a hernia repair specialist rather than do it himself. No idea what's best. Just letting you know what one surgeon recommended. Good luck!

@terrihodges, @lucy155
I had my lower anterior resection in April, and the reversal of my ileostomy about 1 month ago. About 2 days ago I started getting a burning pain whenever I lifted anything heavy, or beared down. There is a slight protuberance, but that might just be scar tissue or still healing? I texted my surgery team and they said it may just be the incision site regaining lost feeling.
How did you know you had a hernia? My surgeon is 2 hours away, or I would just go in on Monday and have it checked.
Thanks in advance!

I had my initial colon resection in May 2019. I had three other abdominal surgeries (two open one laporoscopic) within a six month period that same year. In March it April of 2020, I noticed a bulge forming in my umbilical area, and one on the midline. It continued to get bigger. I had my regularly scheduled CT and they noted a decent sized umbilical hernia and diastais recti along with incisional hernia. Because i had a history of complications from surgery and had just survived sepsis (was in a medically induced coma and hospitalized for 6 weeks) a lot of surgeons were reluctant. I went to a general surgeon who is very skilled and had done my gall bladder surgery. She recommended not waiting as it continues to get bigger and can often make repair impossible. I had a complete abdominal reconstruction in June 2021. I would not wait too long because they don’t go away, just get worse. I would see a general surgeon who specializes in hernia repair or a skilled general surgeon.

It also is super beneficial to make sure you are in good physical shape and don’t have a lot of excess weight and it makes recovery harder. An abdominal binder can help with supporting your abdomen too

I remembered my surgeon's warning at the last follow up visit after surgery. He said, "You don't want a hernia at the incision site.... No lifting or straining on the toilet." Well, when I noticed the area around my incision site added another two inches to my waist and was firm, I got worried. It didn't go away with any weight fluctuation, but DID disappear when I laid down. After a little over a month, I was examined by my surgeon and he confirmed I had an incision site hernia. He said he would repair it laparoscopically. He warned that if it got larger, the intestines could break through and cause more serious issues that would require emergency surgery. The choice.... do the repair while small, or take the chance of it growing and causing more serious issues.

In the meantime he said to wear an abdominal binder (girdle!) to support the abdominal wall, especially at the gym or while doing anything strenuous. He also told me to take Metamucil twice a day to keep from straining.

I'm leaning toward getting it done sooner than later.... bummer! Best wishes!

@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.

@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

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!

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!

@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!

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