A hernia is an organ or tissue protrusion through your abdominal wall. It’s caused by muscle weakness and strain, often a result of damage from injury or surgery, age, lifting heavy weights, or pregnancy.
Hernias can develop quickly or over a long period of time. Most of the time, hernias are painless and the only sign is a bulge or swelling in the affected area. Hernias don’t heal on their own, and if left untreated, they can lead to pain and serious medical complications.
When a hernia is painful and puts your health at risk, it needs to be repaired. Hernia surgery puts the organ or tissue back where it belongs and closes the hole in the muscle, strengthening it so that the hernia doesn’t develop again.
For the latest in minimally invasive hernia repair, look no further than the surgical team at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery in Peoria, Arizona. Call our office to learn more about hernia repair and schedule an appointment today.
The different types of hernias
The most common type of hernia is the inguinal hernia, which makes up nearly 70% of all hernias. Inguinal hernias occur when the intestines push through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall near your groin. These hernias are most common in men, because the spermatic cord connecting the scrotum to the abdomen can leave a weak area in the muscle.
Hiatal hernias
Hiatal hernias develop when a portion of your stomach pushes up into your diaphragm, the sheet of muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest. This type of hernia is most common in people over the age of 50. A common side effect of hiatal hernias is acid reflux, or heartburn.
Incisional hernias
Incisional hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through an area in your abdomen that’s been weakened due to previous surgery. Intestines can emerge through the incision scar or surrounding tissue.
Femoral hernias
Femoral hernias develop when a portion of the intestine pushes through the canal that carries the femoral artery from your abdomen to your upper thigh. These hernias are more common in women than in men, and your risk increases if you are obese or pregnant.
Why some hernias need surgical repair
Many hernias don’t cause pain or discomfort. In fact, the only symptom you have might be a bulge where the organ or tissue protrudes through the muscle. If the bulge can be pushed back inside the muscle, your doctor may recommend watching and waiting.
Watching hernias that don’t cause pain can help eliminate the need for unnecessary surgery. When you monitor the hernia, you and your medical team can make sure the hernia doesn’t compromise your health.
When hernias cause pain, surgery is the only way to fix them. Some hernias require immediate medical care. Inguinal hernias can obstruct organ function in your abdomen, causing pain, nausea, and vomiting.
At the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, we use the da Vinci® minimally invasive robotic surgery system to safely and effectively repair hernias. Robotic surgery requires a small incision to reach the hernia. We use specialized tools, a camera, and a computer console to look inside your body and repair the hernia.
Robotic surgery lowers your risk of scarring and infection because the procedure is minimally invasive. Our team can repair every type of hernia with the da Vinci® system, eliminating hernia pain and other medical complications.
Robotic surgery repairs hernias without the need for open surgery and long recovery times. If you have a hernia that is painful or has developed into a more serious condition, it’s time to consider hernia repair. Contact us for an appointment today and find out if robotic hernia repair is a good option for you.
