Hernia repair is a one of the most common procedures at Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville, as it is nationally. Over one million Americans undergo some type of hernia surgery each year, according to the American Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Roland B. Weast, MD, FACS, is one of the board certified surgeons at Premier Surgical Associates that is dedicated to treating patients who are suffering with hernias. He knows that no two hernias are alike, and so the approach to treating each hernia will be different.
“Simply put, a hernia is a true hole in the abdominal wall muscle where things from the inside—such as organs or tissue—are trying to get outside,” Dr. Weast says. The signs and symptoms of hernias varies depending on the type and location. The following types of hernias may cause pain or bulging near the location of the defect. Sometimes they don’t cause pain, but are detected through a physical exam.
- Inguinal hernias occur near the inner groin and are especially prevalent in men.
- Femoral hernias occur in the outer groin and are most common in women, especially those who are pregnant or obese.
- Incisional or Ventral hernias occur at the site of an incompletely healed incision from a previous abdominal surgery, and occur most often in elderly or overweight people who are inactive after abdominal surgery.
- Umbilical hernias near the navel occur in newborns, obese women, or those who have had several children.
Hiatal hernias occurs when the upper stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm that the esophagus passes through. Hiatal hernias can cause heartburn, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, or acid reflux.
Regardless of the type of hernia, Dr. Weast says, ““Hernias are defects that must be closed surgically. Hernias don’t go away and they will grow. It’s always easier to repair if the defect is smaller, so if someone suspects they have a hernia they should consult with their physician early on.”
He adds, “Surgical repair of hernias has really evolved and there are different approaches for each hernia. Many general hernias can be repaired laparoscopically, which means smaller incisions, less pain, and less time in the hospital. Hernia repair can be very simple and done in 30 minutes, or it can be extremely complex. We go for the least invasive option that will have the best lasting results.”
Premier Surgical Associates is the largest surgical group in the Knoxville region, providing comprehensive surgical care, with referrals from across the entire East Tennessee region. To learn more about hernia surgery, visit http://www.premierherniacenter.com.