Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Not always. A side bulge after kidney surgery can be a true hernia through a gap, or weak muscle with no gap at all.
- A CT scan shows whether there is a real gap in the muscle. That answer decides whether a hernia repair is likely to help you.
- A muscle bulge without a gap is not dangerous. A true hernia that becomes hard, painful or causes vomiting needs care the same day.
Open kidney operations, such as removing a kidney or some stone operations, are often done through a cut on the side of the belly, below the ribs. Some people later notice a bulge on that side.
That bulge is not always a hernia. This page explains the two common causes and why telling them apart matters.
Two causes that look alike
A true hernia forms when the scar stretches and a gap opens in the muscle. Fat or bowel pushes through the gap. This is an incisional hernia.
A muscle bulge happens when a nerve that supplies the side muscles is stretched or cut during the operation. The muscles go slack and the side bulges out. There is no gap. Doctors sometimes call this a pseudohernia.
True hernia vs muscle bulge after kidney surgery
True hernia vs muscle bulge after kidney surgery
| Feature | True hernia | Muscle bulge |
|---|---|---|
| Gap in the muscle | Yes | No |
| Cause | The scar stretched and opened | A nerve to the muscles was stretched or cut |
| Shape | A rounded lump, often at the scar | A broad, soft swelling of the whole side |
| Can trap bowel | Rarely, yes | No |
| Usual treatment | Repair if it causes trouble | Support garment and core exercise |
Have a bulge on your side after kidney surgery? Bring your operation notes and scan to a review.
How the cause is found
Your surgeon examines you lying down and standing, and asks you to cough or strain. The edges of a gap can sometimes be felt.
A CT scan is the most useful test. It shows whether there is a gap, how big it is and what is inside. Bring your kidney operation notes too, as they show which cut was used.
Treatment of a true hernia
A hernia that aches, grows or limits daily life is usually repaired. The gap is closed and reinforced with a mesh. A hernia on the side is close to the ribs and the hip bone, so the mesh has to be fixed with care. Some people are suited to keyhole repair, and others to open repair.
Treatment of a muscle bulge
A muscle bulge is not dangerous and cannot trap bowel. A hernia repair may not flatten it, because there is no gap to close. Some nerve recovery can happen over months.
Many people manage well with a support garment and core exercises guided by a physiotherapist. Your surgeon will explain whether any operation is likely to help.
When to seek help the same day
Go to hospital if the bulge becomes hard and painful, will not go back, or if you start vomiting or cannot pass wind.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have a bulge on my side after kidney surgery?
It may be a true hernia through a gap in the scar, or the muscles may have weakened because a nerve was stretched or cut. Both look alike.
How can my doctor tell the difference?
By examining you standing and lying down and asking you to strain, then with a CT scan that shows whether there is a gap.
Does a muscle bulge need an operation?
Often not. A bulge without a gap is not a hernia, and a hernia repair may not flatten it. Some people are helped by a support garment.
Can a hernia after kidney surgery be repaired by keyhole surgery?
Sometimes. It depends on the size of the gap, its position near the ribs and hip bone, and earlier surgery.
Is a bulge after kidney surgery dangerous?
A muscle bulge is not. A true hernia can rarely trap bowel. Sudden pain, a hard bulge or vomiting needs care the same day.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.