The Hernia Clinic

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A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall weaken, allowing tissue to bulge out of the weakened area. During hernia repair, the bulging tissue is pushed back in and the abdominal wall is repaired using stitches or mesh.

Whenever possible, surgeons at Merit Health River Oaks' Hernia Clinic use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for hernia repair. Laparoscopic hernia surgery utilizes a thin, telescope-like instrument known as an endoscope that is inserted through a small incision. The endoscope is fitted with a tiny video camera that allows the surgeon to visualize the area on screen and repair the weakened area. Because the procedure only requires small incisions, patients often have less scarring, pain and a quicker recovery.

Surgeons perform both laparoscopic and conventional hernia repair techniques for various types of hernias, including:

• Epigastric (mid abdomen)
• Hiatal (upper stomach)
• Incisional (occurring through a scar)
• Inguinal (groin)
• Femoral (upper thigh)
• Umbilical (belly button)

The surgeons are continually researching hernia treatments in order to offer advanced surgical techniques. Some of the hernia treatment options we provide include:

• Suture repair - Some minor fascial defects can be repaired simply by suturing the defect closed. Most hernias, however, require more extensive surgical repair.
• Mesh, open repair - In an open repair, surgeons reposition protruding organs or tissue via a traditional incision and use a synthetic mesh patch to repair the hernia, suturing the mesh into place under the weakened area and eliminating tension and stain on the surrounding muscles and ligaments. This promotes healthy tissue growth, reduces pain and creates a strong permanent repair, reducing the change of hernia recurrence.
• Mesh, laparoscopic repair - This minimally invasive approach accomplishes the same result as an open repair but requires only two to four very small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery results in shorter recovery time, fewer complications and less pain, but it is not appropriate for every repair. Your physician will consult with you to determine your best course of treatment

Working as one team, surgeons at The Hernia Clinic collaborate with your primary care physician to develop a customized program designed to help improve your health in the weeks prior to surgery. This unique preoperative, healthy lifestyle program, which may include smoking cessation and weight or diabetes management, dramatically reduces postoperative complications.