Hernia Repair Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hernia repair surgery is among the most widespread surgery types, with over a million hernia repairs performed yearly in the US alone. Hernia repair is required when an organ protrudes through the muscle or other structure that contains it. A hernia often occurs when the abdominal wall is weaker, and the intestine pushes through it. That being said, the most common hernia in the abdominal cavity is an inguinal hernia.
Hernia Types
Before hernia repair, the doctor will have to diagnose the type of hernia the patient’s dealing with. On that end, here are the most common hernia types:
- Inguinal hernia: These occur when the intestine pushes through the inguinal canals. Around 27% of men and three percent of women will develop this issue at some point in their lives.
- Femoral hernias: These happen in the femoral canals and are less common than the first type. These can cause more complications if left untreated.
- Ventral hernias: These develop through abdominal muscle openings. Epigastric hernias develop above the belly button. Incisional hernias are usually a result of weakened abdominal muscles that result from previous abdominal surgeries. Lastly, umbilical hernias occur near the belly button, most commonly affecting newborns.
- Hiatal hernias: These hernias happen when the stomach’s upper part protrudes into the chest in the diaphragm through the hiatus.
Hernia Symptoms
The most common symptom that will call for hernia treatment is a noticeable bulge or lump that’s accompanied by some pain or discomfort. The lump might not always be apparent, but the symptoms may worsen when the patient is straining, standing, or lifting something heavy.
For the most part, the diagnosis is established during a physical exam, but in other cases, imaging may be necessary.
Hernia Treatment
In the case of a hiatal hernia, patients may be able to find relief with medication, but in other cases, hernia repair surgery will be recommended. On that note, experts will most likely advise one of the two options:
- Open hernia surgery: In this scenario of hernia repair, the doctor or surgeon makes a cut in the groin area to repair the hernia. After the repair is done, the surgeon will close the abdominal wall with stitches (sometimes, they may also use mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall).
- Laparoscopic hernia repair: The surgeon will make several tiny incisions in the area of the lower abdomen to insert special tools to repair the issue. The cuts will usually be closed with a piece of mesh to help strengthen the abdomen. In some cases, the surgeons will choose to repair the hernia “robotically,” sitting at a console and controlling robotic arms to carry out the procedure.
Hernia Repair in Fort Lauderdale
Don’t forget that top-of-the-line treatment is within arm’s reach. If you are looking for a team of knowledgeable experts who are also highly compassionate, feel free to schedule an appointment at our practice.
