Hernia Surgery

Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal (groin) hernias are very common. Patients usually complain of a bulge in the groin and sometimes pain. A hernia is caused by weakness in the tissues of the abdominal wall. This leads to a defect through which intestine can bulge through. Groin hernias are only an emergency if the pain is very severe and the bulge won't go away when you lie down or put pressure over it. This may indicate that intestine is trapped within the hernia sac. This is called an incarcerated hernia.

Traditionally, these hernias are repaired through a three to four inch incision in the groin. In general a piece of prosthetic material is used to repair the defect. The procedure is done as an outpatient. Normal activities can be resumed in four to six weeks.

In a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair the defect is repaired through three small incisions. I feel this results in less pain after surgery and a more rapid return to usual activities. This procedure is particularly well-suited for those with hernias on both sides or with a recurrent hernia. Not everyone is a candidate for the laparoscopic approach.

The open and laparoscopic repair are both very good operations. I have performed hundreds of these operations.

For more information on the subject please go to: http://www.sages.org/pi_herna.html.

Ventral Hernia Repair

A ventral hernia is a tear or weakness in the abdominal wall that results in a bulge. It often occurs at the site of a prior incision (also called an incisional hernia). The only effective treatment for this problem is surgery. Traditionally, the hernia was repaired through an incision at the site of the bulge. Depending on the location and size of the hernia it is either repaired with sutures or with a piece of prosthetic material (mesh). This often required a large incision.

Many ventral hernias can now be repaired using a laparoscope. Instead of 1 large incision multiple small incisions are used. The advantages of this technique are less pain, shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activity. The time required for full recovery varies greatly depending on the size of the hernia. For further details regarding this procedure please go to: http://www.sages.org/pi_ventral_hernia.html.