According to the Food and Drug Administration, hernia repair is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. Over one million Americans undergo some type of hernia surgery every year. Many hernias can be repaired laparoscopically, which means smaller incisions, less invasive procedures, and less time in the hospital. However, some hernia surgeries are more complex.
The physicians of Premier Surgical’s Complex Hernia Center works to repair large, dangerous hernias that take more extensive care than smaller, more common hernia surgeries. Many complex hernia surgeries are open and require several days in the hospital after the procedure and a longer recovery period.
Premier Surgical takes a comprehensive approach to complex hernia repair, working with patients before surgery to address lifestyle factors such as infection, diet, diabetes management, obesity and proper nutrition in order to prepare them for a successful, lifelong result. If needed, patients may also undergo a “hernia surgery boot-camp” beforehand, in partnership with a local fitness center program, to help them stop smoking, get their diabetes under control, lose weight (if needed), and adapt to a healthier diet, so they will have a better chance at a lasting repair.
Complex Hernia Center
During a complex hernia procedure, the surgeons may need to rearrange the abdominal muscles in order to close the hernia defect. The abdominal wall is then reinforced with mesh. The goal of complex hernia repair with abdominal wall reconstruction is to repair the hernia defect, reinforce the abdominal wall to prevent recurrences or other hernias from developing, recover abdominal wall functionality, prevent intra-abdominal organs from protruding through the abdominal wall, and provide a cosmetically-pleasing appearance.
The end result of this complex abdominal wall reconstruction is a restored and functional abdominal wall with enough strength and flexibility to withstand physical activity and to improve quality of life. When performed properly by specially trained surgeons, complex hernia repair generally has a low rate of relapse, resulting in a long-term functional repair with an esthetically-improved result.
Although these types of hernia repairs are major abdominal surgeries, the restored functionality and improved mobility often allows patients to return to a completely normal life without limitation following proper post-operative recovery.
Premier Surgical physicians Dr. Joel “Trey” Bradley and Dr. Kristopher Williams specialize in abdominal wall reconstruction for complex hernia patients. The pair were fellowship-trained at the nationally-known Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and work as a team on many of these challenging cases.
Premier Surgical Complex Hernia Center is excited to offer complex hernia repair to patients in East Tennessee. We are passionate about offering permanent solutions for patients with complex hernias and those that have failed previous surgical repairs. Talk to your physician about whether you may be a candidate for complex hernia repair. A lasting, successful result can greatly improve your mobility and quality of life.
Visit our website to learn more about Premier’s Complex Hernia Center.