Hernia Repair

At North Orlando Surgical Group, we are proud to have established a unique surgical practice characterized by superior skills and extraordinary services both to the patient we care for as well as their referring physicians.  We are recognized in Central Florida for our ability to perform complex procedures in the least invasive way.  Our attentive staff is focused on providing the highest level of personal services and are committed to making every patient’s surgical experience as comfortable and convenient as it can be.

A hernia is a hole in the muscle. Most people will experience pain, a bulge, or both when a hernia is present. The bulge can be fat, the lining of the abdominal cavity, or even intestine coming through this hole. Hernias can be diagnosed by a physical examination by your doctor. Occasionally diagnostic testing such as a CT scan may be ordered.

The signs that you may have a hernia are:

• A bulge in an incision, your groin, or belly button
• Pain when you strain, bend over, lift, or pain which develops as the day goes on
• Constipation, nausea or difficulty emptying your bladder

There are two main ways of repairing a hernia; laparoscopically or open. In the laparoscopic approach the surgeon makes small incisions and uses a scope to see the area of the hernia. Depending on the type and size of the hernia a mesh may be used to reinforce the abdominal wall and patch the hole.

Some hernias are better repaired in an open fashion. In this approach an incision is made over the area of the hernia and the repair is performed. A mesh may be used in this approach as well. You will most likely have sutures underneath the skin which will not need to be removed.

There are several types of hernias. The most common is an inguinal hernia. This is a hernia occurring in the groin. Contrary to popular belief both men and women can get inguinal hernias. In men the defect is located where the spermatic cord goes through the abdominal wall, and in women it is where the round ligament goes through the abdominal wall. In most cases a laparoscopic repair is the preferred method used by our doctors. Three tiny incisions will be made in the middle of the lower abdomen, through which the doctor will pass instruments, mesh and a scope. This approach allows the doctor to view both groins, in the event that there is a hernia on the opposite side which has not yet been diagnosed. In this manner both groins can be repaired at the same setting. Most of the time you will be clear to resume full duty without restrictions. If you have had this type of repair in the past or if you have had previous lower abdominal surgery it may be decided that an open repair would provide you the best outcome. In this instance you will receive an incision near the hernia defect and a mesh will be placed to patch the hole. You may have restrictions after an open hernia repair.

The umbilicus, or belly button, is another common place to develop a hernia. The belly button is a weak spot in the abdomen where your umbilical cord was once attached. Umbilical hernias are generally repaired in an open fashion. If it is small enough the doctor will fix the hole in the muscle by stitching it closed. If it is a larger hole than a mesh will be used to reinforce the repair. You may be advised to avoid lifting, pushing or pulling greater than 20 pounds for four weeks after your surgery.

Ventral hernias can occur anywhere in the abdominal wall. In ventral hernias a laparoscopic repair may be recommended. This allows the doctor to view your abdominal wall from the inside using tiny poke holes. In this way the doctor can place mesh to repair the hernia.

Incisional hernias can occur anywhere on your abdomen that you have had an incision made from a previous surgery. Incisions create a weak spot in the muscle that can tear to create a hernia. Most incisional hernias are repaired laparoscopically using small poke holes. This allows the doctor to view the entire length of the incision from the inside and patch it with a mesh, strengthening it and repairing any defects.

Our doctors are experts at repairing hernias in the most minimally invasive way to provide you with the best outcome possible. Our doctors encourage your participation in choosing the best surgical option for you. Call our office for an appointment to discuss surgical options today.