A specialised team of Gastro-intestinal and Hernia surgeons at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, has successfully managed a rare and complex case of a giant recurrent incisional hernia in a 75-year-old woman. The team—Dr Nitin Tawte, Dr Chirag Vaja, and Dr Sarang Bajpai—restored displaced abdominal organs and reconstructed the patient’s entire abdominal wall, significantly improving her mobility and quality of life.
Following advanced surgical reconstruction, the patient recovered well, achieved complete wound healing, and returned home in stable condition.
Patient’s Long Journey of Pain and Uncertainty
Mrs Surekha Patil (name changed)*, a 75-year-old resident of Navi Mumbai, presented to Medicover Hospital on December 19, 2025, with massive abdominal swelling that had progressively worsened over several years. The condition caused persistent discomfort, heaviness, and pain, making even simple daily activities such as walking, sitting, or standing extremely difficult.
Having undergone three previous hernia surgeries, she lived in constant fear that her condition would deteriorate further. The repeated surgical failures left her physically weak and emotionally exhausted, with growing anxiety about her survival. By the time she sought care at Medicover Hospital, she was battling not only severe pain but also years of distress and uncertainty.
Diagnosis Reveals a High-Risk, Complex Hernia
Clinical examination and abdominal CT imaging revealed a giant recurrent incisional hernia with a defect measuring approximately 18 cm. Due to the long-standing nature of the defect, the abdominal cavity had significantly reduced in volume, causing several abdominal organs to shift outside the cavity over time.
This displacement increased discomfort and raised the risk of serious complications such as bowel obstruction, intestinal strangulation, and further loss of mobility. Given the size of the defect and the reduced abdominal space, standard hernia repair would not have been sufficient. Therefore, the surgical team planned a complex abdominal wall reconstruction to restore both anatomy and function.
Understanding the Surgical Challenge
Explaining the condition, Dr Nitin Tawte, GI and Hernia Surgeon at Medicover Hospital, said that an incisional hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through a weakened area of the abdominal wall, often at the site of a previous surgical incision.
“In this patient, recurrence occurred due to multiple prior surgeries, age-related muscle weakening, and delayed intervention,” he explained. “Standard hernia repairs often fail in such complex cases if advanced reconstruction techniques are not used.”
He further added that the large defect and prolonged displacement of organs made this case particularly challenging. “Our primary goal was to safely reposition the organs back into the abdomen and rebuild the abdominal wall to ensure long-term strength and stability. Giant hernias require meticulous planning and step-by-step execution to avoid complications.”
A Three-Step Advanced Surgical Reconstruction
As per the press release, Dr Chirag Vaja and Dr Sarang Bajpai, GI and Hernia Surgeons at Medicover Hospital, described the surgery as a carefully planned, guideline-based procedure carried out in three stages.
First, the team administered Botox injections into the abdominal wall muscles. This step helped relax and lengthen the muscles, reducing tension and preparing the abdomen for reconstruction.
Next, they performed progressive pneumoperitoneum, a technique that gradually expands the abdominal cavity by gently stretching the muscles. This step increased abdominal volume closer to normal levels, allowing safe repositioning of the internal organs without excessive pressure that could prove life-threatening.
Finally, the surgeons performed hernia repair using the component separation technique along with complete abdominal wall reconstruction. They placed a large 30 × 30 cm mesh to provide durable reinforcement and reduce the risk of recurrence. The surgery lasted approximately four hours and was completed successfully.
Smooth Recovery and Early Mobilisation
Following surgery, the patient showed steady and uncomplicated recovery. She was able to walk the very next day and resumed a normal diet within two days. The surgical wound healed completely, and she was discharged within five days.
Dr Tawte noted that the patient was advised to wear an abdominal belt for 1 to 1.5 months to support healing and prevent recurrence. “Her abdominal shape and muscle strength were restored, and she gradually resumed her routine activities without difficulty,” he said.
Patient Shares Her Experience
Expressing her gratitude, Mrs Surekha Patil said, “I suffered for years and had multiple surgeries, but the swelling kept returning. I was worried all the time. The doctors explained everything clearly and gave me confidence. After the surgery, I feel much lighter and healthier. I am truly thankful to the entire team at Medicover Hospital for giving me a new life.”
Demonstrating Expertise in Complex Surgical Care
This case underscores Medicover Hospital’s capability to manage highly complex and recurrent surgical conditions through advanced planning and a multidisciplinary approach.
Concluding the case, Sandip Joshi, Centre Head, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, said, “With experienced surgeons, modern infrastructure, and patient-centric care, we strive to deliver safe and effective outcomes—even in elderly patients with multiple previous surgeries.”
Name changed to protect patient privacy.