Hernia
Hernia surgery at Reid Health is performed using advanced minimally invasive techniques, offering faster recovery, reduced pain, and expert, personalized care.
Expert hernia diagnosis and repair close to home
At Reid Health, our board-certified general surgeons provide advanced care for hernias. Whenever possible, we use robotic and laparoscopic approaches to repair many different types of hernia, helping patients across East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio recover faster and with less pain.
What is a hernia?
Hernias are tears in your tissue or muscle where part of an internal organ bulges through the abdominal wall. Hernias occur when pressure develops in weakened areas of muscles and tissues. In some cases, a hernia is visible from the outside of your body.
Although providers can treat some hernias without surgery, surgery allows people with very painful or severe hernias to avoid serious and sometimes life-threatening complications.
Types of hernias
Hernias can develop in different parts of the body and vary in severity depending on their type and location.
- Femoral hernia: These develop in the upper thigh near the groin when tissue pushes through a weakened area. Femoral hernias are more common in women and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Hiatal hernia: This occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. A hiatal hernia can cause symptoms like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.
- Incisional hernia: An incisional hernia can develop if a previous abdominal surgical site hasn’t healed correctly, This hernia occurs when the tissue protrudes through a scar in the abdomen.
- Inguinal hernia: The most common type of hernia, inguinal hernias occur in the groin area when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. These are more common in men.
- Umbilical hernia: These hernias occur more often in babies but also affect adults. They develop near the belly button when tissue bulges through the abdominal muscles.
- Ventral hernia: This type of hernia is a bulge anywhere on the front side of the abdominal wall, often caused by weak or stretched muscles.
Minimally invasive hernia repair surgery at Reid Health
Surgeons at Reid perform three types of hernia procedures: da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and open hernia repair.
Our general surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to repair hernias as much as possible.
Laparoscopic surgery
Using a laparoscope, a tube-like device with a light and tiny camera attached to look inside the body, our surgeons work through small incisions, or cuts, to repair your hernia and move its contents back into place. A harmless gas is also pumped into your stomach to give the surgeon more space to work.
A piece of mesh placed during the procedure helps reinforce weak areas of the abdominal wall and prevent a hernia from returning. Stitches are used to close the surgical site.
Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery
During da Vinci Surgical System hernia repair, the surgeon makes a few small incisions, which are used to insert robotic instruments. A high-definition 3D camera gives the surgeon a clear, magnified view of the hernia area. The robotic arms, controlled entirely by the surgeon, make the repair process precise and efficient.
Robotic surgery helps make the surgery more accurate and speeds your recovery.
Open hernia repair surgery
Some patients need traditional open hernia repair. Those surgeries require a large incision near the affected area, but unlike laparoscopic hernia repair, which might require general anesthesia, open hernia repairs can be performed using local anesthesia.
Your surgeon will recommend the right approach for you based on the type of hernia you have, your overall health, and other factors.
Preparing for your procedure
Before your surgery, your care team will ensure you’re fully prepared for surgery. They will review your medical history, address any questions you may have, and guide you through the procedure steps, so you feel confident and informed.
Your surgery team will also provide you with clear instructions on adjusting your medications, avoiding specific foods and drinks, and when to stop eating before surgery. These steps ensure a smooth experience and a successful outcome.
In some cases, you may be referred to the Reid Health Perioperative Care, where your perioperative team will assess your health and guide you through the preparation process. They may order tests or lab work to better understand your overall health.
Recovering from hernia repair surgery
After your laparoscopic hernia repair, you might be able to head home the same day, but if you face any complications or require open surgery, your stay might be longer. Our dedicated surgical team is here for you every step of the way. You’ll receive tailored recovery instructions, which typically include avoiding intense activities, staying hydrated, and eating plenty of with fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation.
If you experience difficulty urinating, especially after inguinal hernia repair in the groin, don’t worry — we can assist with a catheter if needed. Your care team will monitor your recovery closely, ensuring you’re on the path to a smooth recovery with scheduled follow-up visits to check in on your progress.