The 46-year-old woman with a growing abdominal mass post-surgery is likely presenting with which condition?

Study for the UWorld Surgery Test. Use multiple choice questions with explanations to enhance your understanding and performance. Prepare for your exam effectively and gain confidence!

In this scenario, the most likely condition associated with a growing abdominal mass after surgery is an incisional hernia. An incisional hernia occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weakened area or defect in the abdominal wall at the site of a previous surgical incision. This type of hernia can develop after surgery due to factors such as improper healing, infection, or increased intra-abdominal pressure, leading to the protrusion of abdominal contents.

The description of a "growing abdominal mass" is particularly indicative of an incisional hernia, as these masses typically enlarge over time and are often more noticeable when the patient is standing or straining, as opposed to lying down. They may also cause discomfort or pain, especially at the site of the surgical incision, further reinforcing the possibility of an incisional hernia in this case.

Other options like an abdominal hernia could refer to a different type of hernia not specifically related to a surgical incision, while cystic masses and fibroid tumors typically do not correlate with the timing of post-surgical complications and would usually have different clinical presentations and histories.

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