Hernia Repair in Knoxville, TN

An abdominal wall hernia is a weakness or hole in the abdominal muscles through which organs or tissue may protrude, creating a buldge or lump.  Surgical repair is the treatment for a hernia. In cases where the hernia is small and doesn’t cause pain, surgery may not be needed immediately. If the hernia is growing and causing pain, surgery is usually recommended.

TYPES OF HERNIAS

Inguinal

Located near the inner groin, inguinal hernia are the most common type of hernia. They are especially prevalent in men because of a natural weakness in this area.

Femoral

Occurs in the outer groin and is most common in women, especially those who are pregnant or obese.

Incisional or Ventral

Results from an incompletely healed incision at the site of a previous abdominal surgery. Incisional hernia occur most often in elderly or overweight people who are inactive after abdominal surgery.

Umbilical

Located near the navel, umbilical hernia are common in newborns, obese women or those who have had many children.

Hiatal

Occurs when the upper stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

COMPLEX HERNIA REPAIR

Premier Surgical physicians treat all types of hernias -from routine to very complex cases, such as recurrent hernias. Please visit our Complex Hernia Repair webpage for information about treatment for complex hernias.

HERNIA SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of hernia depend on the type of hernia. Some hernias don’t cause any symptoms, but are discovered during medical exams. Some common symptoms include:
• A bulge under the skin in the groin or other abdominal area
• A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
• Groin pain or discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
• Groin weakness or pressure

Sudden pain, discoloration of the bulge, vomiting and constipation can be signs of “strangulation”. This occurs when the intestines or abdominal tissue becomes trapped in the weakened muscle layer. This condition can cut off the blood supply and requires immediate medical attention.

WHO IS AT RISK OF A HERNIA?

Hernia can affect men, women and children. A hernia may be the result of a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall at birth, or a weakness caused by age, injury or a previous surgical incision. Factors that can increase your risk of hernia include:
• Improper heavy lifting
• Straining during bowel movements
• Sharp blows to the abdomen
• Chronic cough
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Poor nutrition
• Family history

SURGICAL TREATMENT

Painful or enlarging hernias usually require surgery to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications. For common small hernias such as an inguinal or umbilical hernia, the hole or weakness is often repaired using a mesh material to reinforce and support the weakened area. A hernia may be repaired using an open or laparoscopic technique. Hernia repair is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. According to the FDA, over one million Americans undergo some type of hernia surgery annually.

Laparoscopy Repair

In this minimally invasive procedure, a few small incisions are made in your abdomen. The surgeon places a tiny laparoscope (a viewing tube with a camera) and small instruments through the incisions. The organs or tissues are pushed back into their original position and the abdominal wall is reinforced with a special mesh that is secured by sutures, stables, or tacks.

Most non-complex hernia laparoscopic repair patients experience less pain and scarring and a quicker return to their normal activities. Laparoscopic hernia repair may be a good choice for patients who have previously had traditional hernia surgery because it can allow the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from the earlier surgery.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery may not good option if you:
• Have a hernia on both sides of the body
• Have a very large hernia
• Have undergone previous pelvic surgery
• Can’t undergo general anesthesia

Open Hernia Repair

In this procedure the surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen or groin and the bulging intestine or tissue is pushed back into place and sewed securely. The weakened area is usually reinforced and supported with a mesh material.
You will be encouraged to move about soon after surgery, but it may be 4-6 weeks before you are fully able to resume normal activities.

Your Premier Surgical physician will discuss your hernia treatment options with you and determine which repair method is best for you.

HERNIA CENTER WEBSITE

Visit the Premier Hernia Center website for more information about hernia repair.

Premier Surgery Center

Premier Surgeons perform laparoscopic hernia repair for appropriate patients on an outpatient basis at Premier Surgery Center, conveniently located off I-40 in West Knoxville. Click the button to visit the Premier Surgery Center website.

 

FORT SANDERS SURGEONS

FORT SANDERS REGIONAL
1819 Clinch Avenue, Suite 200
Knoxville, TN 37916
865.524.3695

Michael Antiporda, MD, FACS

General Surgery
Fellowship: Advanced GI & Minimally Invasive Surgery

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Sung G. Lee, MD

General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery
Fellowship: Colon and Rectal Surgery

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Joseph B. Thurman, MD, FACS

General Surgery

 

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NORTH KNOXVILLE SURGEONS

NORTH KNOXVILLE MEDICAL CENTER
7714 Conner Road, Suites 103 & 104
Powell, TN 37849
865.938.8121

David J. Harrell, MD, FACS

General Surgery
Fellowship: Surgical Endoscopy and Therapeutic ERCP

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David G. Schutter, MD, FACS

General Surgery
Fellowship: Advanced GI and Minimally Invasive Surgery

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Ronald B. Weast, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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Josh Hamilton, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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PARKWEST SURGEONS

PARKWEST
9430 Park West Boulevard, Suite 310
Knoxville, TN 37923
865.690.5263

Shannon P. Beierle, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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Willard B. Campbell, MD, FACS

General & Vascular Surgery

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Norma M. Edwards, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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 William C. Gibson, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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Michael E. Kelly, MD, FACS

General Surgery
Fellowship: Advanced GI and Minimally Invasive Surgery

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 Schilling Nechtman, MD

General Surgery

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K. Robert Williams, Jr., MD, FACS, FASMBS

General Surgery
Fellowship: Bariatric Surgery

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TURKEY CREEK SURGEON

TURKEY CREEK MEDICAL CENTER
Physicians Plaza 1, Suite G9
10810 Parkside Drive
Knoxville, TN 37934
865.306.5820

J. Randolph Reisser, MD, FACS

General & Vascular Surgery
Fellowship: Peripheral Vascular Surgery

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PREMIER CLEVELAND SURGEONS

PREMIER SURGICAL CLEVELAND
2275 Chambliss Ave. NW, Suite D
Cleveland, TN 37311
423.472.5423

Jason L. Dunn, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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Eston K. Wenger, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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Joshua A. Worthington, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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John Boxberger, MD

General Surgery

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PREMIER LAWSON GROUP SURGEONS

PREMIER SURGICAL LAWSON GROUP
101 Med Tech Parkway, Suite 405
Johnson City, TN 37604
423.975.5650

Kenneth E. Cutshall, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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John (Trey) F. Robertson, III, MD, FACS

General Surgery

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Michael Cutshall, MD

General Surgery

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