Surgical Approaches to Hernia Repair

A hernia develops when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin. This can happen because of natural weak points in anatomy, prior surgery, repeated strain, weight gain, pregnancy, chronic coughing, or heavy lifting. Hernia repair surgery is a procedure that returns tissue or part of an organ to its normal position, reinforcing the weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue. Surgeons may use stitches, mesh, or both, depending on the hernia’s size and location. Here’s information on hernia repair surgery approaches and how they are done:

Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Some hernias are present at birth, but others develop over time; there are different types depending on where the weakness forms. Symptoms vary by location and size, but a visible bulge is most common, especially when standing, coughing, or straining. Some people may also experience pressure or pain, often occurring with physical activity or prolonged standing. In some cases, a hernia causes few symptoms and can be found during a physical exam or imaging study.

Umbilical hernia repair focuses on the area near the navel or belly button. In an open repair surgery, the surgeon makes an incision near the bulge, returns the tissue to the abdomen, and closes the defect with sutures or mesh. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches use small incisions and a camera to guide the repair. The choice of technique depends on the:

• Defect’s Size
• Patient’s History
• Surgeon’s Recommendations

Ventral or Incisional Hernia Surgery

Ventral hernias occur in the abdominal wall, while incisional hernias develop at or near a prior surgical incision. These types sometimes enlarge over time and can affect daily movement, posture, or activity tolerance. Surgical repair may be recommended when the visible bulge increases in size or creates gastrointestinal issues. Mesh is often used to reinforce the abdominal wall, but the material and placement method vary by case. Surgical planning depends on the size and location of the defect, prior operations, and the condition of the surrounding tissue. Open surgery repairs are used for large or complex cases, while laparoscopic or robotic repair may be recommended for selected cases.

Inguinal Hernia Surgery

An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin and is one of the most common types, accounting for around 75% of all hernias. It develops when tissue passes through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall near the inguinal canal. Some people may notice a groin bulge, aching, or heaviness with lifting or standing, while others notice abdominal discomfort at the end of the day.

Surgical repair for this type can also be performed with open, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques, depending on personal health factors. In open surgery, the surgeon reaches the hernia through a single incision in the groin. In minimally invasive repair, the surgeon uses small abdominal incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments to place mesh behind the defect. This approach may be recommended for bilateral hernias or for some recurrent ones after prior open surgery repair.

Visit a General Surgeon Today

A skin bulge evaluation includes a physical exam, review of symptoms, and discussion of your surgical options. Your initial consultation with a general surgeon allows you to discuss your health and how to effectively improve your symptoms. To prepare for your consultation, bring valuable information on your medical history and current medications. Discuss any prior operations with your specialist, and think about preparing a list of questions and concerns before your visit. Learn more about your surgical options today.

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