Hernia Procedure

Treating a hernia, which occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place, is commonly done with either an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Both procedures are generally done on an outpatient basis.

• Open hernia surgery is conducted when an incision is made just above the groin. The surgeon then pushes the hernia back into the abdomen and strengthens the abdominal wall with stitches or synthetic mesh.
• Laparoscopic hernia surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument that is inserted through a small incision at the belly button.
• The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera projecting the image into the surgical team in the operating room.
• The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide that creates a space so the surgeon can view organs and identify the weakness in the abdominal wall. A synthetic mesh is placed to strengthen the compromised tissue.
• Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include a few small scars rather than one larger one and less pain after surgery promoting a quicker return to normal movement within days.