incisional

Incisional is an adjective derived from incision, used to describe things related to or resulting from a surgical cut into the body. In medical terminology, incisional indicates that a wound or procedure was created by deliberate cutting, as opposed to traumatic lacerations or other forms of injury. The term is often followed by nouns such as wound, biopsy, or hernia.

An incisional wound is the deliberate opening made during surgery to access internal structures. Following the procedure, the wound is typically closed with sutures, staples, or adhesive devices, and its healing is assessed for infection, dehiscence, and proper tissue repair. Wound care and minimizing tension on the incision are important for favorable outcomes.

Incisional biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which only part of a lesion is removed through a surgical incision for microscopic examination. This contrasts with an excisional biopsy, where the entire lesion is removed. Incisional biopsy is chosen when the lesion is large, involves a critical structure, or when a definitive treatment may not yet be appropriate.

Incisional hernia refers to a hernia that develops at the site of a previous surgical incision, most commonly in the abdomen. It results from weakness or failure of the scar tissue to maintain abdominal wall integrity. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, infection, and wound dehiscence. Treatment typically involves surgical repair, often with mesh reinforcement to reduce recurrence.