At UT Physicians, we’re committed to delivering exceptional surgical care through the most advanced, least invasive techniques. Our team of hernia specialists provides pioneering techniques and medical technology to repair hernias, including the most complex cases.
We believe in a patient-centered approach, combining medical excellence with compassionate care to help you achieve the best possible surgical results.
Expert hernia repair
UT Physicians surgeons use the latest techniques and advanced expertise to repair all types of abdominal wall hernias when surgery is necessary. Surgical options include open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. A comprehensive presurgery assessment will determine the best option for your particular circumstance.
A hernia occurs when the intestine or other organs push through an opening in the abdominal wall, diaphragm, groin, or belly button. It can materialize quickly or over a long period of time. Symptoms include pain, a noticeable bulge, a feeling of pressure, constipation, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea. Congenital defects, previous surgery, heavy lifting and straining, and obesity are common causes.
Hernias are diagnosed based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and such tests as an ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan. There are many types of hernia, including:
- Inguinal: occurs in the groin
- Femoral: develops near the upper inner thigh and close to the groin
- Umbilical: arises at birth and frequently requires repair postpregnancy or later in life
- Incisional: forms as the result of previous abdominal surgeries that weakened muscle
- Epigastric: pushes through the abdominal wall between the breastbone and belly button in weak areas of the stomach
- Hiatal: develops when the stomach shifts into the chest cavity
Not every hernia needs to be treated surgically, but when surgery is necessary, a repair can be done with an open or laparoscopic procedure.
In open hernia surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin and pushes the hernia into the proper position behind the muscle wall, which he then reinforces with stitches or synthetic mesh.
In laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall, and tools and a small camera, called a laparoscope, are inserted. The camera images guide the surgeon as they repair the hernia. A minimally invasive surgery, this treatment option generally has a quicker recovery.
Abdominal wall reconstruction
In complex cases, hernia repair may also require abdominal wall reconstruction to restore strength and stability to the abdomen when weakened muscles have separated.
In addition to repositioning intestinal or other organs, muscles, and tissues, the surgeon will remove scar tissue or medical material from previous surgeries, move separated muscles back together, and repair and rebuild the abdominal wall. A hernia mesh may or may not be sewn over the hernia site to hold, protect, and support muscle and tissue.
Abdominal wall reconstruction is an open surgery that often involves multiple layers of the abdominal wall and can take several hours. It usually requires a hospital stay.
Why choose UT Physicians?
UT Physicians hernia specialists are highly trained, experienced, and respected for their skill and compassionate care.
We believe a team approach leads to the best outcomes, so we work with colorectal, gynecologic, and plastic surgeons as needed to provide comprehensive, personalized care. We’re leaders in hernia surgeries, including complex abdominal wall reconstructions. As part of one of the nation’s largest academic health centers, we’re doing research that will lead to the innovative treatment options of tomorrow.
