Which hernia type develops at a surgical scar?

The correct answer is the incisional hernia, which specifically occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision. This type of hernia can develop when the tissue surrounding the surgical area weakens or is unable to hold in the internal organs, allowing part of the intestine or other tissue to protrude through the abdominal wall. The risk factors for incisional hernias include infection, wound dehiscence, chronic cough, obesity, and poor surgical technique.

In contrast, an inguinal hernia occurs in the groin area, usually through a weakness in the abdominal wall, and is not directly related to a surgical scar. An indirect hernia is a type of inguinal hernia that occurs when abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal and is typically congenital rather than acquired from a surgical procedure. Diastasis recti refers to a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles and is not classified as a hernia but rather a muscle condition. Thus, the incisional hernia is uniquely defined by its association with surgical scars, distinguishing it from other hernia types.