Living with a hernia can feel frustrating and uncomfortable. “Many patients have described it as a nagging pressure, swelling, or bulge that just doesn’t go away,” shares Dr. Stephen Chagares, general surgeon with Premier Surgical Network.
The good news is that hernias are very common, and there are several safe and effective ways to repair them. In fact, more than a million hernia repairs are performed in the United States each year, making it one of the most frequent surgical procedures.
However, because no two hernias are exactly the same, surgeons consider several factors when deciding on the best repair method, ensuring patients receive the treatment that offers the most relief and long-term success.
Understanding the Different Types of Hernias
While anyone can develop a hernia, they are most common in men, especially those over the age of 40 and women who have been pregnant in the past. Younger men and women, children, and even infants can also be affected.
Hernias can also develop in different parts of the body, and the type of hernia plays a vital role in how it is repaired. Some of the most common types include:
- Femoral hernia: Found just below the groin, more common in women.
- Hiatal hernia: Happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
- Incisional hernia: Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision.
- Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin and is the most common type, especially in men.
- Umbilical hernia: Appears near the belly button and is often seen in infants but can also affect adults.
“Ultimately, the type of hernia will determine our repair method,” Dr. Chagares says. Beyond the hernia itself, a patient’s overall health, medical history, and lifestyle are also important factors.
How to Fix a Hernia: Evaluating Hernia Repair Methods
Surgeons have several techniques available to repair hernias, each with its own strengths and considerations:
- Laparoscopic Repair: This minimally invasive method uses small incisions and a camera, resulting in shorter recovery, less pain, and fewer, smaller scars.
- Open Surgery: A traditional approach where the surgeon makes an incision directly over the hernia. This method is often best for very small, large, or complex hernias.
- Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Repair: This method uses a robot to enhance laparoscopic repair by offering wrist-like action for more natural suturing and dissecting with enhanced precision and dexterity through robotic instruments.
When you choose Premier Surgical Network for your hernia care, expertise in all three methods ensures that you receive the approach best suited to your unique needs.
Our Robotic Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair Options
For many patients, minimally invasive robotic hernia procedures provide faster recovery, less discomfort, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery in properly selected cases. “We tend to go with these approaches when dealing with moderate sized hernias or recurrent hernias.” shares Dr. Chagares.
Open Hernia Repair
Also known as herniorrhaphy, this involves making an incision over the hernia site to push the protruding tissue back into place. The weakened area is then reinforced with stitches and sometimes mesh. Open repair is often chosen for smaller hernias or those in complex locations.
Recovery from an open hernia repair typically takes 4-6 weeks, during which heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, and hernia recurrence.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
This minimally invasive approach involves making small incisions and using a camera (laparoscope) to guide the repair. The hernia is repaired and usually reinforced with mesh, similar to open surgery. Laparoscopy is often preferred for larger or multiple hernias.
Patients generally return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, though complete healing may take longer. Risks include injury to surrounding organs and recurrence, but these are less common with experienced hernia surgeons.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
This approach adds robotic technology assistance to laparoscopic hernia repair to give surgeons greater precision, enhanced 3D visualization, and improved control. This technique often results in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and a quicker recovery, and is ideal for complex, recurring, or difficult-to-access hernias.
Most patients recover quickly after robotic-assisted hernia repair, thanks to the small incisions and minimal tissue disruption. In fact, many can return to light activities within just a few days, with most resuming normal routines—including light duty work—within one to two weeks.
Schedule Your Hernia Consultation Today
“Hernias are very common, but living with one doesn’t have to mean living with discomfort forever,” encourages Dr. Chagares. From open to laparoscopic to robotic-assisted techniques, there are safe and effective options to repair hernias and restore quality of life.
Our team of hernia specialists at Premier Surgical Network is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care and expert guidance. If you or a loved one is experiencing hernia symptoms, don’t wait—reach out today to explore your treatment options.
