Preventing Incisional Hernias After Abdominal Surgery: Tips & Exercises
If you're recovering from abdominal surgery, one of the most important things you can do is protect your healing body from incisional hernias. These occur when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the surgical incision site. Fortunately, with the right strategy—including smart movement, lifestyle choices, and surgical techniques—you can significantly lower your risk.
At Suncoast Surgical Associates, we're committed to helping our patients heal fully and confidently. Here's what you need to know about preventing incisional hernias and strengthening your recovery.
What Is an Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia is a complication that occurs when abdominal tissue bulges through a surgical incision that hasn't fully healed. They can happen months—or even years—after surgery, but many occur within the first year. Up to 20% of patients develop them after open abdominal procedures (Mutwali, 2014).
Top Risk Factors to Watch For
You may be at higher risk if you have:
A history of wound infections
Obesity or poor nutritional status
Chronic coughing or straining
Poor connective tissue strength
Smoked cigarettes pre- or post-op
Had a midline incision or emergency surgery
Surgeon technique, suture materials, and incision closure all play critical roles in prevention (Yurtkap et al., 2018).
Tips for Prevention
Here are expert-backed strategies to reduce your hernia risk:
1. Follow Post-Op Movement Guidelines
Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for the first 4–6 weeks. Avoid intense twisting or abdominal strain. Instead, focus on gentle walking to encourage healing without pressure.
2. Use Core Engagement, Not Strain
When moving from lying to sitting or sitting to standing, roll to your side first and use your arms for support. This keeps abdominal pressure low.
3. Wear an Abdominal Binder (if recommended)
An abdominal binder can offer external support during early healing phases, especially in high-risk patients.
4. Stop Smoking
Nicotine compromises blood flow, impairs healing, and increases the risk of wound breakdown and hernia formation.
5. Manage Coughing & Constipation
Use a pillow to brace your incision if you need to cough or sneeze. Stay hydrated and use stool softeners to prevent straining during bowel movements.
Safe Core-Strengthening Exercises Post-Surgery
Starting light activity as soon as cleared by your surgeon is crucial. These exercises, when introduced gradually, may help strengthen your abdominal wall:
Deep belly breathing with gentle core contraction
Pelvic tilts in bed or on a mat
Heel slides to activate lower abdominals
Wall sits for core control without straining the midsection
Avoid sit-ups, crunches, or heavy lifting until your surgeon clears you for full activity.
Surgical Techniques That Help
At Suncoast Surgical Associates, we use advanced closure techniques and prophylactic mesh (when appropriate) to reduce hernia risk in high-risk patients. Studies have shown that prophylactic mesh placement can significantly reduce recurrence and first-time incisional hernia formation (van den Berg et al., 2024).
Our surgeons follow the latest European Hernia Society guidelines for closing abdominal wall incisions using optimal suture techniques and mesh placement when needed (Stabilini et al., 2019).
Your Partners in Recovery
Whether you’re planning surgery or recovering from it, the experienced team at Suncoast Surgical Associates will help you navigate every step with personalized care. Our priority is your full and lasting recovery—free from complications like incisional hernia.
Works Cited
Mutwali, I. (2014). Incisional hernia: Risk factors, incidence, pathogenesis, prevention and complications. Sudan Medical Monitor, 9, 81–86. Link
Yurtkap, Y., Deerenberg, E., Jeekel, J., & Lange, J. (2018). The prevention of incisional hernia. Springer. Link
Stabilini, C., D’Amore, L., Annesi, E., Bambi, L., Negro, P., & Gossetti, F. (2019). Preventing incisional hernias: Closure of abdominal wall, follow-up in abdominal surgery. Abdominal Wall Surgery. Link
van den Berg, R., den Hartog, F. D., Bali, C., et al. (2024). Independent patient data meta-analysis of prophylactic mesh placement for incisional hernia prevention. British Journal of Surgery. Link