Hernia Repair in Dallas, TX
When an organ breaks through an opening in your muscle or tissue, it’s known as a hernia. Most hernias result from muscle weakness and strain due to injury, surgery, and chronic cough. Hernias are typically the result of increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. Risk factors include obesity, chronic cough, constipation, straining to urinate, and repetitive heavy lifting. Hernias can occur in many areas of the body, including the upper thigh and groin, but are most commonly found in the abdominal area. Though rarely life-threatening on their own, hernias will not go away on their own and can continue to grow and cause pain, putting you at risk for further complications. Dr. Sutker is dedicated to providing patients like you with the relief you deserve through careful, comprehensive hernia repair, allowing you to get back to living life to the fullest.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
An umbilical hernia happens when abdominal cavity tissue, such as a section of intestine or omentum (intra-abdominal fat), penetrates a weak spot in your abdominal wall near your belly button. This breach produces a pouch or bulge in the abdomen. Adults who are overweight and recently pregnant women are commonly susceptible to umbilical hernias. A dangerous risk with this hernia is strangulation, in which the herniated tissue’s blood flow is cut off. Strangulation includes symptoms like severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Herniated tissue can die if it’s strangulated, and you should call us for medical attention if you suspect it’s occurring.
Surgical Repair for an Umbilical Hernia
Surgical repair fixes umbilical hernias by putting the patient under general anesthesia and performing either open hernia repair or robotic-assisted laparoscopic hernia repair. In an open repair, the doctor makes an incision close to your belly button for access to the hernia over the bulge or pouch. In laparoscopic repair, the doctor makes several much smaller incisions and uses a long, thin tube with a camera and light to perform the surgery. Larger hernias require placement of mesh to buttress the repair and decrease the chance of recurrence. Both types of surgery have the same goal: to gently move the herniated tissue back into place and sew the hole closed in the abdominal wall.
Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Surgery is performed laparoscopically with the da Vinci robot via three small incisions using a camera and small instruments. The contents of the hernia and the hernia sac are reduced back into the abdominal cavity and put in their correct position. The hole in the tissue is repaired with a piece of mesh or plastic. Your body will incorporate and scar the mesh into place. It is almost always permanent.
Recovery from Hernia Surgery
Recovery from hernia surgery is typically very rapid. Most patients are 80% recovered within 2 weeks. It may take 4-8 weeks for you to return to normal- pain and soreness to completely resolve, appetite to return to normal, and to feel energetic. Patients typically stay off of work 3-10 days. You will return to a normal life after you have recovered from surgery. You will return to eating a normal diet and engaging in your usual activities. Patients are encouraged to avoid strenuous activities for about 2 weeks after surgery until their post-operative appointments to prevent a recurrence of the hernia. The goal of surgery is to allow you to resume your activities without restrictions.
Ventral or Incisional Hernia Repair in Dallas, TX
Ventral or incisional hernias tend to develop in the center of the abdominal area following a prior surgical incision. They typically present as a bulge near the incision site that can vary from small to very large and cause sharp pain and discomfort during physical activity. Some ventral hernias can lead to intestinal obstruction if left unchecked. Like most hernia repair procedures, your surgeon may recommend either open or laparoscopic surgery to repair a ventral or incisional hernia depending on your unique circumstances. Laparoscopic procedures generally entail shorter recovery times but are not recommended in cases where the hernia is exceptionally large or is surrounded by excessive prior scar tissue. Dr. Sutker specializes in repair of complex and recurrent hernias with both open and robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques.
