Laparoscopic robotic surgery makes hernia repair precise and efficient with a quicker recovery time.
Hernias are a common condition where an organ within the body pushes through a rupture or weakened muscle or tissue wall. Herinas affect men, women and children, and they typically occur in the abdomen, upper thigh or groin area.
If you have a hernia, you may notice a bulge in your torso or groin. They can cause pain, pressure, or numbness near the affected area. Vomiting and sharp abdominal pain may also be indications of an incarcerated or strangulated hernia, which should be examined by a doctor immediately.
The cause of a hernia is not always known, though the majority of risk factors cause weakening of the abdominal muscles, which can make it easier for hernias to develop. According to the American College of Surgeons, people with the following risk factors may be more at risk of developing a hernia:
Hernias are typically diagnosed with a physical exam. Other tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, and CT scans may also be used to identify hernias. Treatment for hernias offered at Adena Health System include minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery (laparoscopic) and open surgery. While lifestyle changes may reduce hernia symptoms, most hernias require surgery. Severely obese patients may need to reach a certain weight target before hernia surgery is recommended.
Hernia surgery is the most common surgical procedure in the U.S. Ignoring a hernia may lead to additional health complications. Laparoscopic robotic surgery makes hernia repair precise and efficient - with a faster recovery time.*
The Adena Health System is accustomed to treating a variety of hernias. Hernia treatment offered at Adena Health System includes minimally-invasive robotic-assisted surgery (laparoscopic) and open surgery. Most hernias need to be repaired as quickly as possible to avoid complications and reduce the risk of developing an incarcerated hernia or a strangulation, which occurs when the intestine becomes entrapped and blood flow is reduced.
A bulge near the pubic bone; or pain, weakness, pressure or discomfort near the groin can be indications of an inguinal hernia. Other times, a physician may only recognize an inguinal hernia during a routine exam. Inguinal hernias account for nearly 75 percent of all hernia cases.
Resulting from an adnominal surgery, incisional hernias must be fixed with a surgical procedure. Adena Health System offers minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery for most incisional hernias. Learn more about treatment for incisional hernias here.
Hiatal hernias occur when a part of the stomach pushes through the opening of the diaphragm and up into the chest, causing cause pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Hiatal hernias are most common in people over the age of 50. Learn more about hiatal hernia treatment here.
More common in infants, umbilical hernias occur when part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles. While some umbilical hernias correct themselves by the time an infant reaches one year, those that persist until the age of 3 or appear in adulthood typically require surgery.
Inguinal hernias can develop into incarcerated hernias if a portion of the intestine becomes entrapped in the abdominal wall, blocking the bowel and leading to pain and vomiting while preventing bowel and gas from moving.
Ventral hernias can be a birth defect or develop over time as a result of stress, pregnancy, or previous abdominal procedures. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation are common symptoms of ventral hernias.