Large Bulge Remaining After Laproscopy For Ventral Hernia. Doctor Says Muscle Weakness. Want Second Opinion

Posted on Sun, 29 Jul 2012

Question: I am a 63 year old male. I have had two prvious laproscopic stomach surgerys; removal of a bad gall bladder, and removal of a cancerous prostate using the Da Vinci method. After the return of my prostate cancer 4 years after my prostatectomy I did a 3 month course of radiation. I have been in remission for a year. 6 months ago I started to notice a bluge that continued to get larger 6 or 7 inches above my naval. After consulting my doctor a surgeon performed yet another laproscopic procedure to reapir what was diagnosed as a Ventral hernia. That was 6 weeks ago. Post surgery I still have the rather large bulge in the same area. The surgeon says not to worry that it is just muscle weakness. All info I have been able to find on internet says if I still have the bulge the hernia is still there. My GP and Surgeon say otherwise. Is it possible to still have the large bulge after a laprosocpic repair for a ventral hernia

Answered by Dr. Rajat Gupta (5 hours later)

Hi Jsoflin

Thanks for chosing health care magic.

I would like to know is the bulge same as before surgery?

Why I am asking is because in some situations like these, the hernia is repaired but the muscles in the midline of abdomen get weak due to the stretch of the hernial sac and this is called diverication of rectii muscles and this also presents as bulge in abdome but less conspicious as compared to that of hernia..

Looking forward to your reply..

Dr. Rajat Gupta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rajat Gupta (2 hours later)

Yes the bulge is in same area and same size as prior to heirnia repair. The area feels weak like I've been doing sit ups and aches and almost hurts when I rollover or get up out of bed or a chair from sitting as well as when I bend over. My whole stomach area is very flabby. Is the bulge permanent then, or what can be done about it?

Answered by Dr. Rajat Gupta (39 minutes later)

Hello,

You need to be examined by a surgeon to make out whether it is a recurrent hernia or divarication of rectii.

In case of hernia, re-surgery for repair of hernia will be helpful.

And in case of divarication, treatment depends upon how symptomatic you are. If it is causing too much pain, then muscle advancement surgery can be done.

But, again I would suggest, first you consult and get yourself examined by a surgeon.

Hope this helps.

Do let me know if you have any more questions.

Dr. Rajat Gupta

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E