Hernia Surgery

Advanced Surgical Techniques to Repair Hernias

A hernia occurs when a protrusion of tissue bulges out of a hole or weakened layer of muscle and fascia in your body. Sometimes doctors will elect to monitor a hernia in a patient’s abdomen, chest or groin; but frequently a hernia requires surgery.

The surgeons at Loyola Medicine are experienced in performing hernia surgery through modern techniques and minimally invasive repair procedures. Our multidisciplinary surgical team handles all types of hernias most commonly found in adults, including:

• Hiatal hernia (in the diaphragm)
• Inguinal hernia (in the groin)
• Sports hernia
• Ventral hernia (in the abdomen)

Umbilical hernias are treated by our board-certified pediatric surgeons.

Why Choose Loyola for Hernia Surgery?

The skilled surgical team at Loyola has vast experience treating all types of hernias. Our surgeons work as part of a clinically integrated care team that includes gastroenterologists, nutritionists, anesthesiologists, nurses, pain control doctors, sports doctors and rehabilitation specialists.

We will develop an individualized plan for your condition and provide comprehensive care from diagnosis and treatment through recovery and rehabilitation.

What to Expect with Hernia Surgery

When you call Loyola about a hernia, you will be asked a few questions about your medical history and any prior surgeries you may have had. We do this to make sure you see the appropriate specialist for your case.

When you meet with your surgeon, he or she will discuss all of your treatment options and determine if you are a good candidate for surgery—and, if so, whether or not a minimally invasive procedure is right for you.

In an open surgery to repair a hernia, you will be given a general anesthesia, and a surgical cut will be made near the hernia site. Your surgeon will remove some of the extra hernia tissue and move the rest back into your abdominal cavity. In some surgeries, a piece of mesh is put in place to strengthen your abdominal wall.

In a laparoscopic or minimally invasive hernia repair, you will be given a general anesthetic; three or four small cuts will be made near the site of the hernia. A small scope with a light and digital camera will be inserted, as well as small surgical tools, and your surgeon will make repairs similar to that of an open surgery. With this procedure, your recovery likely will be quicker and less painful.

The surgery itself normally takes less than an hour, although it will take longer to recover from the anesthesia. Most patients are able to go home from the hospital the same day as the surgery, though you will need someone to drive you. You’ll need to rest for a few days after surgery, and full recovery takes from one to six weeks.

What are the Risks of Hernia Surgery?

Every surgery involves risk, and Loyola’s experienced surgeons know the best ways to minimize it. Your clinical team will discuss the risks and benefits of any proposed treatment plan with you prior to surgery. Hernia surgery carries a small risk of the following complications: