Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Impaired healing of a vertical abdominal incision can indeed lead to herniation. When an incision does not heal properly, the structural integrity of the abdominal wall is compromised. This lack of strength can allow internal abdominal contents to push through weakened areas of the wall, leading to a hernia. A hernia can occur when the layers of the abdominal wall do not come together seamlessly, which is particularly concerning in vertical incisions due to the pressure from abdominal organs and contents during movements or activity.

In contrast, while infection, scar tissue formation, and fluid accumulation are potential complications of impaired healing, herniation is a specific consequence that arises from the mechanical weakness at the site of an incision. Thus, recognizing herniation as a result of impaired healing emphasizes the importance of proper surgical techniques, careful wound management, and patient compliance with postoperative care to support optimal healing and prevent complications.