Q: My mother underwent a hysterectomy. She developed hypertension and diabetes at that time. She is also obese, weighing around 85 kgs and her age is 54 years. She has been complaining of a small bulge at the site of surgery for sometime. When we consulted our doctor, we were told it was mild hernia. My mother had undergone caesarian 25 years back. That was a vertical incision while the hysterectomy was a horizontal one. We have been advised hernia repair surgery. I would like to know if surgery is necessary? Should we take a second opinion; if so which surgeon should we consult and is laparoscopy advisable?

A:Your mother has what is called an incisional hernia. It occurs due to some of the stitches of the previous surgery giving way. It requires surgery to prevent complications such as pain or strangulation. In view of previous two abdominal operations, an open operation rather than a laparoscopic one may be a better choice.