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Hernia Repairs​

Hernia Repairs​ Overview

Hernias are very common in the US, with over a million hernia repairs done each year. A hernia happens when an organ bulges through an opening in the muscle or tissue that is supposed to hold it in place. The surgeons at Suburban Surgery Center utilize the latest techniques in Hernia repair, including robotic-assisted procedures that can aid in recovery and lower recurrence rates.

Table of Contents

What is strangulation?

An important complication to keep in mind with untreated hernias is the possibility of strangulation. Strangulation occurs when part of the intestine gets trapped inside the hernia which can lead to compromised bowel. Symptoms of strangulation in a person with hernia are sudden pain, nausea or vomiting. In this case it is important to obtain medical attention quickly.

Methods of hernia repairs

Surgery is the only treatment for hernia. Open repair of the hernia is the historic method of surgery. Laparoscopic repair involves several small incisions and the use of a laparoscope for visualization. A third type of hernia repair is Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery or SILS.

SILS is a new advancement in laparoscopic surgery and is conducted by making a single small incision, generally in the navel (belly button). The surgeon performs the procedure using specialized surgical instruments through this single point of access. The typical laparoscopic procedure involves several incisions, all of which require time to heal and may cause scarring. The SILS procedure on the other hand is almost undetectable because the incision is “hidden” in the navel and it involves only one incision. In addition to less scarring, other important advantages of SILS are shorter healing time and less risk of infection.

Types of hernias

Hernias are classified by location and or cause:

  • Inguinal (the most common) is in the groin area and occurs in men mostly due to a natural weakness in this area.
  • Incisional hernia occurs at the location of a previous incision site
  • Femoral hernia is when the intestine push into the femoral canal which carries the femoral artery into the upper thigh.
  • Umbilical or abdominal hernia is is a bulge out of the abdominal wall within the navel. (This occurs when the umbilical ring does not close prio to birth. Tissue can then bulge through the weak spot.
  • Hiatal hernia takes place at the top of the stomach and occurs when the upper stomach squeezes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

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