Hernia Surgery

Palm Beach Health Network surgeons offer hernia surgery (herniorrhaphy) at multiple locations in the network. A hernia happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue that normally holds it in place.

Request an Appointment

About Hernias

A hernia is a weakened area of the abdomen where organs push into other areas. Robotic surgery is a newer technique for repairing hernias in which the surgeon is seated at a console and controls the surgical instruments with access to three-dimensional images of the inside of the abdomen for accuracy. Advantages of robotic surgery for patients include smaller scars, less pain and faster recovery time.

  • There are several different types of hernias:
  • Femoral hernia - a bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin
  • Hiatal hernia - occurs in the upper part of the stomach
  • Incisional hernia - can occur through a scar if you have had abdominal surgery in the past
  • Umbilical hernia - appears as a bulge around the belly button
  • Inguinal hernia - a bulge in the groin

The abdomen is the area between the chest and the hips. The inguinal region is the area of the lower abdominal wall. It’s also called the groin region. An inguinal hernia happens when tissue from the abdomen, fat or part of the small intestine, bulges out through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall.

There are two types of inguinal hernias; indirect inguinal hernia and direct inguinal hernias. In men, hernias that don’t exhibit symptoms do not need to be repaired. In women, it is generally recommended that hernias be repaired due to the higher rates of femoral hernias which have more complications.

Femoral hernias occur when fatty tissue or a part of the bowel passes through a naturally occurring weakness called the femoral canal, just below the inguinal ligament. Femoral hernias usually require emergency surgery due to the high prevalence of complications.

In most cases, there is no obvious cause for a hernia to develop. Heredity, birth defects (sometimes not known at birth), straining or heavy lifting or an underlying medical condition may bring about a hernia.

Most hernias begin with mild pain and discomfort that may get worse while sitting, standing or lifting. Patients then may feel a lump that is sore and getting bigger. If a hernia gets too large and stuck in the abdominal wall opening, it may start losing blood supply (a process called strangulation). If this happens, immediate medical attention is needed.

Hernia symptoms

  • A bulge in the area on either side of the pubic bone
  • A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
  • Pain and discomfort when coughing, exercising or having bowel movements
  • Weakness or pressure in the groin, intermittently pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

Hernia causes

  • IndirectiInguinal hernias – a congenital defect in the abdominal wall.
  • DirectiInguinal hernias – caused by weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Complications

  • Incarceration – When a part of the fat or small intestine becomes stuck in the groin or scrotum and can’t go back into the abdomen.
  • Strangulation – When a hernia is not treated, the blood supply to the small intestine may become obstructed. The strangulation of the small intestine can cause the section of the intestine to die.

Diagnosis

A physical exam / medical and family history, imaging tests for confirmation or to rule out other possible causes, abdominal x-rays, abdominal ultrasound and CT scan.

Hernia treatment options

  • Open Inguinal Hernia Repair – This technique uses a piece of synthetic mesh to help bridge the hernia defect. Following mesh placement, new tissue grows into the spaces within the mesh to reinforce the repair.
  • Laparoscopic Hernia Repair – Three small incisions is all it takes. It helps minimize trauma to the patient. The mesh is placed covering all the potential hernia defects in the area. This procedure benefits the patient by helping reduce pain compared to the open inguinal hernia repair.
  • Robotic Hernia Repair – Our facilities are equipped with the da Vinci Surgical System (robot). The surgeon can operate with enhanced vision, precision and fine motor control using this technology.

Benefits and Advantages of the Da Vinci Surgical System

High level of precision, less tissue damage, virtually no scarring due to small size incisions and lower risk of complications. Minimally invasive, smaller incisions, magnified 3D high-definition vision system, tiny instruments that provide fingerprint precision movements.

Are You a Candidate?

Although there are many advantages to laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair, our qualified physicians will determine which procedure is the most appropriate for you.

Continue