Incisional hernia
An incisional hernia is a bulge through the weakened muscle at the site of a previous operation scar. It is repaired with an operation, usually using a mesh, when it causes problems. Read more about incisional hernia →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the general surgery wait (not specific to incisional hernia), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
general surgery waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust | Tameside | 3 weeks |
| The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust | Harlow | 4 weeks |
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust | Kirklees | 6 weeks |
| The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust | Kensington and Chelsea | 6 weeks |
| Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Milton Keynes | 6 weeks |
| County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust | Darlington | 6 weeks |
| Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust | North Tyneside | 6 weeks |
About incisional hernia
An incisional hernia is a bulge that pushes through the weakened muscle at the site of a previous operation scar on the tummy. It can appear months or years after surgery, may get bigger over time, and can ache or feel uncomfortable, especially when you stand, lift or strain.
How it is treated
Small incisional hernias that aren't causing problems can sometimes be left and watched. When repair is needed, an operation strengthens the weak area, usually with a mesh, either through open surgery or keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic. Because the area has been operated on before, this repair can be a bigger operation than other hernia repairs.
After treatment
If the hernia is small and settled, it may just be kept an eye on. After a repair, most people build back up to normal activities over a few weeks, avoiding heavy lifting for around six weeks while the repair heals.
Sources: NHS (Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust): Hernia surgery in adults. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.