Incarcerated Incisional Hernia Following Drain Placement: A Case Report

Year 2026, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 43 - 46, 30.01.2026

Mehmet Emin Gönüllü , Erman Yekenkurul , Gürkan Güneri , Kadir Çorbacı , Mücahit Ünal

Abstract

Incisional hernia is one of the most common long-term complications following abdominal surgery. Although it is typically
associated with laparotomy incisions, hernia formation may rarely occur at previous drain insertion sites. We report the case of an
85-year-old woman who had undergone emergency surgery for an incarcerated umbilical hernia seven months earlier, during which a
surgical drain was placed. She presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging studies
demonstrated an incarcerated small bowel loop at the former drain site. Emergency laparotomy was performed. Approximately 3500
mL of ascitic fluid was evacuated, the hernia sac was excised, and the fascial defect was repaired using primary suturing with
Prolene®. No ischemic bowel was identified. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on
postoperative day 10. Incisional hernia may rarely develop at previous drain insertion sites, particularly in patients with predisposing
factors such as cirrhosis and ascites. Early surgical intervention is essential to prevent severe complications. In cirrhotic patients,
primary repair may represent a safer alternative to mesh hernioplasty due to the increased risk of mesh-related complications.

Keywords

Drain Complication , Incarceration , Incisional Hernia

References

• Kozakoglu, C., Genc, H., & Damburaci, N. (2018). Factors affecting the recurrence after incisional hernia repair. Aegean Journal of Medical Sciences, 3(1), 1-5.