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Comprehensive surgical treatment for hernias and gallbladder conditions using the latest minimally invasive techniques at prime central London hospitals.

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Incisional Hernia

Incisional Hernia Surgery in London

An incisional hernia can develop months or even years after abdominal surgery, causing a bulge, discomfort or pressure around a previous surgical scar. If you have symptoms or have already been diagnosed, specialist assessment can help you understand the extent of the hernia and the treatment options available.
Mr Husam Ebied provides specialist incisional hernia treatment and incisional hernia surgery in London, including open and laparoscopic approaches and complex abdominal wall reconstruction where appropriate. Patients can access expert assessment whether they live in London, elsewhere in the UK or are travelling from abroad.

What Is an Incisional Hernia?

Symptoms of an Incisional Hernia

Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the hernia. Common signs include:

Swelling near a surgical scar: A visible or palpable bulge may develop around the site of a previous abdominal operation.
Pain or discomfort: Symptoms can become more noticeable during movement, lifting or physical activity.
Tightness or pressure: You may experience a pulling, tight or pressured sensation around the affected area.
Difficulty with activity: Larger or uncomfortable hernias can make exercise or standing for long periods more difficult.

Causes and Risk Factors

An incisional hernia develops when an area of the abdominal wall does not have sufficient strength following a previous surgical incision.
Factors associated with incisional hernias include:

Poor wound healing: Problems with healing after an operation can leave an area of weakness in the abdominal wall.

Infection after surgery: Previous wound infection can affect healing at the surgical site.

Obesity: Increased abdominal pressure can place additional strain on the abdominal wall.

Smoking: Smoking is a recognised risk factor associated with wound healing.

Multiple abdominal operations: Previous surgery can increase the complexity of the abdominal wall.

Heavy physical strain: Significant physical strain can increase pressure within the abdomen.

When to See an Incisional Hernia Specialist

If you develop swelling, discomfort or a new lump around a previous abdominal scar, an assessment with an incisional hernia specialist can help establish whether you have an incisional hernia and what treatment may be appropriate.

This is particularly important if the hernia is increasing in size, causing more pain or beginning to restrict everyday activities. Patients with larger hernias or a history of multiple abdominal operations may also benefit from assessment by a consultant surgeon with experience in complex abdominal wall surgery.

Mr Ebied provides expert assessment for patients in London and across the UK who need advice about incisional hernia treatment, including those with more complex abdominal wall problems.

How Is an Incisional Hernia Assessed?

Your assessment begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history and previous abdominal operations. The hernia itself can then be examined to understand its location and characteristics.

You will most likely need a CT scan to assess the hernia size and help plan the repair, large complex hernia will need multi disciplinary approach to achieve best results.

The complexity of an incisional hernia can vary significantly, so careful assessment is important before deciding on treatment. Your surgeon can explain the findings, whether an incisional hernia repair is recommended and which surgical approach may be appropriate for you.

Incisional Hernia Treatment Options

Incisional hernia treatment involves surgical repair with mesh reinforcement. The precise approach depends on the size and complexity of the hernia, your previous surgery and your individual circumstances.

If an incisional hernia operation is recommended, the aim is to repair the weakness in the abdominal wall. More complex or larger hernias may require a different approach from smaller incisional hernias.

Your consultant will discuss the available options and explain the proposed treatment before you decide how to proceed.

Types of Incisional Hernia Surgery

Open Incisional Hernia Repair: Open incisional hernia repair provides direct access to the affected area of the abdominal wall. Mesh reinforcement may be used as part of the repair.

This approach can be suitable for a range of incisional hernias, with the operation planned according to the size, location and complexity of the defect.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) Repair: Laparoscopic, or keyhole, incisional hernia surgery uses small incisions to access and repair the hernia.
Whether keyhole surgery is suitable depends on the individual hernia and your previous operations. Your incisional hernia surgeon will discuss the available approaches and recommend the technique considered appropriate for your circumstances.

Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction for Larger Hernias: Larger or more complex incisional hernias may require abdominal wall reconstruction rather than a more straightforward repair.

Mr Ebied has a specialist interest in complex abdominal wall reconstruction and is a core member of the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Multidisciplinary Team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. This specialist experience is particularly relevant when assessing complex abdominal wall problems and planning an appropriate surgical approach.

Private Incisional Hernia Surgery in London

If you are considering private incisional hernia surgery, a specialist consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, previous operations and the options available before making a decision about treatment.

Mr Ebied is a Consultant General Surgeon and Abdominal Wall Surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. He leads a dedicated weekly specialist hernia and abdominal wall clinic and has a specialist interest in complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Private incisional hernia surgery in London is available for patients with a new diagnosis as well as those seeking further assessment of an existing or more complex hernia. If an incisional hernia operation is recommended, the surgical plan will take account of the hernia itself and your previous abdominal surgery.

Patients from elsewhere in the UK can also arrange specialist consultation and treatment in London. This provides access to an incisional hernia surgeon with dedicated experience in abdominal wall and hernia surgery without limiting care to patients who live locally.

Recovery After Incisional Hernia Surgery

Why Specialist Incisional Hernia Care Matters

Incisional hernias can range from relatively straightforward defects to complex abdominal wall problems following multiple previous operations. This means there is no single surgical approach that is suitable for every patient.

Assessment by an experienced specialist allows the proposed incisional hernia treatment to reflect your previous surgery, symptoms and the characteristics of the hernia. Where surgery is appropriate, this also allows you to understand whether open repair, laparoscopic surgery or complex abdominal wall reconstruction is being considered and why.

Patient Experience

‘A brilliant caring surgeon who successfully did what other surgeons would not attempt. From first meeting him he, unlike others, knew the complex problem and how to correct it and give my life back to me Many thanks to Mr Obied.’

Verified Patient – 8 October 2025

‘He spent a great deal of time explaining his diagnosis and my treatment options. Throughout, he was thorough and kind.’

Verified Patient – 18 September 2024

Read All Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Incisional Hernia Surgery

Can an incisional hernia develop years after surgery?

Yes. An incisional hernia may appear months or even years after an abdominal operation. It develops through an area of weakness associated with a previous surgical incision.

Does an incisional hernia always need surgery?

Incisional hernia treatment frequently involves surgical repair. Whether and when an operation is appropriate depends on factors including the size and complexity of the hernia, your symptoms and your individual circumstances. A specialist assessment can establish the recommended approach.

What does incisional hernia repair involve?

Incisional hernia repair involves repairing the weakness in the abdominal wall, often using mesh reinforcement. Surgery may be performed using an open or laparoscopic approach, while larger or more complex hernias may require abdominal wall reconstruction.

How do I know which type of incisional hernia operation I need?

Your surgeon will assess the hernia and consider factors including its size and location, your symptoms and previous abdominal operations. These findings help determine which surgical technique is appropriate.

How long does recovery take after incisional hernia surgery?

Recovery depends on the size of the hernia and the type of repair. Many patients return to normal activity within weeks under specialist guidance, although recovery following more complex surgery may differ.

Can I arrange private incisional hernia surgery if I live outside London?

Yes. Patients from elsewhere in the UK can arrange specialist assessment and private incisional hernia surgery in London. International patients can also access consultation and treatment.

Request a Consultation

If you have developed a lump, discomfort or other symptoms around a previous abdominal surgical scar, arrange a consultation with Mr Husam Ebied.

Whether you need an initial diagnosis, advice about incisional hernia treatment or want to discuss private incisional hernia surgery in London, your consultation will help you understand the condition and the options available.

Patients from London and throughout the UK are welcome to enquire about specialist assessment.

020 3307 9096
info@ebiedsurgery.uk

Private Surgery in London

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed, consultation with a private general surgeon in London ensures timely assessment and personalized care.