Hernia Repair
Nearly one in 10 people develop a hernia at some point in their lifetime. Some of these painful bulges in the abdomen may be managed with non-surgical therapies. However, many hernias eventually require surgical repair – especially if they cause pain or symptoms that interrupt your daily life.
Hernia repair specialists at Physicians Regional Medical Group offer laparoscopic hernia repair and other surgical techniques to patients.
Types of Hernias
There are many types of hernias. Some of the most common ones include:
- Hiatal hernias, which occur when part of the stomach moves up into the diaphragm, potentially causing heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
- Incisional hernias, which occur when a part of the intestine bulges through an incision site (from a previous surgery) in the abdominal wall.
- Inguinal hernias, which occur when a part of the intestine (or other tissue) bulges through the abdominal wall.
Symptoms of a Hernia
Hernia symptoms can vary, depending on the type. Hiatal hernias, for example, commonly cause acid reflux and heartburn, while inguinal hernias can cause pain, aching or pressure in the groin. If a hernia becomes incarcerated (unable to be pushed back into the abdominal wall) it could lead to hernia strangulation, which can cause intense pain and may even be life-threatening in some situations.
Ultimately, if you believe you may have some symptoms of a hernia, you should see your primary care provider for an evaluation. While many hernia repair surgeries are scheduled in advance, some cases may require emergency repair. Hernia repair specialists at Physicians Regional provide surgical care for most kinds of hernias.
Treatment for Hernia: Surgery & Other Options
Hernia surgery, on the whole, has become a much faster, less invasive procedure than it was in years past. At Physicians Regional, surgeons frequently take a laparoscopic approach to hernia repair. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that involves just a few small incisions (as opposed to one large abdominal incision). The surgeon may complete the procedure in as little as 45 minutes with the aid of cameras and small surgical tools. Some hernia repair surgeries at Physicians Regional are even done with robotic-assistance. Patients typically go home the same day of their surgery.