The common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical) and the site of a previous operation (incisional). It is usually easy to recognize a hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, strain during urination or bowel movements, or during prolonged standing or sitting. Severe, continuous pain, redness and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and contact your physician immediately if you experience them.

To repair a hernia, our surgical team uses a laparoscope (a tiny telescope) connected to a special camera to first view the hernia and surrounding tissue on a video screen.

Cannulas are then inserted that allows the surgeon to work inside the abdominal cavity to repair the hernia from behind the abdominal wall. A small piece of surgical mesh is then placed over the hernia area and held in place with small surgical staples. This laparoscopic approach offers a quicker return to work and normal activities with decreased pain for some patients.