Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Removes the Pain, Restores Wellbeing

A hernia occurs when tears or weaknesses allow the intestines to protrude through the abdominal wall. For many people, the lump is visible through clothing; even more concerning — hernia symptoms detract from their daily quality of life or can lead to an obstruction requiring emergency surgery.

Dr. Nicole Basa and Dr. Alan Abando have performed hundreds of hernia surgeries, from routine to emergency, and encourage patients to learn the facts about hernia surgery to make informed decisions.

A hernia causes both physical and structural problems within the abdomen. You may feel constant pain, nausea and constipation, and/or see a lumpy protrusion in your abdominal region. One of the most common of all surgeries, hernia repair corrects these distressing symptoms.

Experience Affects Hernia Surgery Outcomes

Dr. Basa and Dr. Abando have extensive training as board certified surgeons, fellowship trained in minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and the da Vinci Surgical System.

Your surgical team will explain the technique that they will use in your unique case. A laparoscopic hernia surgery will involve general anesthesia and approximately three tiny incisions in the abdomen.

The laparoscope is a thin device used to maneuver instruments and a lighted camera within the abdominal cavity that is inflated with gas. This newer surgical method helps most patients avoid opening the entire abdomen for a traditional laparotomy. (If you have scarring due to prior abdominal surgery, you may not be a good candidate for minimally invasive hernia surgery.)

Our Cedar Park surgeons treat ventral and inguinal hernias using a special “mesh” substance. After hernia surgery, you can expect to return home the same day and make a quick recovery, due in large part to the minimally invasive approach. Exercise will no longer feel uncomfortable, and it will again yield the results you desire in your abdominal region.

Diagnosing Abdominal Hernias

As you can see in the diagram, hernias present themselves in different areas, from the leg crease to just under the rib cage, and some people are more prone to the condition. For example, women who have given birth are more prone to umbilical hernias in the mid abdomen and weight lifters sometimes experience more groin or sports hernias.

Some people are born with a hernia (congenital) and others develop problems due to trigger events such as surgeries, trauma or childbirth. Oftentimes, sneezing, coughing, lifting or other exertion can exacerbate the condition. Obesity also has a significant effect on worsening a hernia because of internal pressure on the abdominal wall. Studies show that weight reduction prior to hernia repair improves longterm outcomes and helps to reduce one’s recurrence rate and incidence of infection.

The pain and discomfort of a hernia is nothing to sneeze at, and treatment is an alternative to worrying about the progression of symptoms. There is no cure for a hernia and it won’t resolve without surgical intervention, so it is important to seek medical care at the earliest signs.

Contact us at Cedar Park Surgeons. Dr. Basa and Dr. Abando will outline your options for hernia surgery, the only known treatment for this condition.