General Surgery: Multiple Procedures. Individual Expertise.

Hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. Each year more than 750,000 hernias are repaired, while an even greater number go unrepaired. Commonly called a "rupture", a hernia is a weakness or tear in the wall of your abdomen creating a defect or hole. Men and women of all ages can have hernias, as can children.

Types of Hernias

Hernias can occur in many locations. These areas include the umbilical (belly button) area, inguinal (groin) area, and in the location of a previous abdominal incision called an incisional hernia. Acquired hernias are caused by wear and tear over the years. Congenital hernias result from a weakness in your abdominal wall that is present at birth. Hernias get bigger with time or physical stress and do not repair themselves. Carmel Surgical Specialists' hernia surgery capabilities include:

• Abdominal hernia repair
• Hiatal hernia repair
• Inguinal hernia repair
• Umbilical hernia repair
• Incisional hernia repair

Recognizing Hernias

It may be easy or very difficult to recognize a hernia. You may notice a bulge under your skin. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, or strain during urination or bowel movements. The pain may be sharp and immediate or dull and intermittent. In some cases, the pain may be a dull ache that gets worse towards the end of the day or after standing for long periods of time.

Surgical Hernia Repair

Indications for repairing a hernia are due to the complications that may develop if they are left untreated. Complications from hernias occur when the intestine pushes into the abdominal wall defect and the intestine becomes trapped. Losing its blood supply, the portion of the intestine strangulates, and dies.

Hernias are surgically repaired using one of two methods. The type of hernia, such as hiatal hernia, determines the method of repair.

• Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery: Using laparoscopy, tiny incisions provide the surgeon sufficient access to reduce the hernia sac back through its hole and secure a mesh patch over the defect in the abdominal wall. Over time, scar tissue forms around the reinforcing mesh, creating a supporting wall that will help to prevent future hernias. Laparoscopic surgery often results in less pain and an outpatient procedure.

• Open Hernia Surgery: The other main option for hernia repair is open surgery. In open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the location of the hernia. The hernia defect is repaired and a mesh is often used to reinforce the abdominal wall. Hernia surgery repairs are usually performed as an outpatient procedure. You will either go home the same day or the next morning.