All our treatments are tailored to each patient's needs.
A hernia is an opening or weakness in the fascia (the dense fibers that surround muscle) that has fatty tissue or an organ, such as the intestines, pushing outward. Hernias are typically repaired with surgery. Different types of hernia surgery are available depending on the location and type of hernia.
These include: an open incision, laparoscopic hernia surgery, or robotically-assisted hernia surgery. Hernias can be repaired with or without mesh (plastic fabric used to reinforce the repair) depending on the size.
The common type of Hernias
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a hernia that occurs at the umbilicus (the belly button). This is one of the most common types of hernias. An open repair involves a small incision below the umbilicus. Small hernias (1cm) can be repaired without mesh but larger ones usually require mesh.
An inguinal hernia is another type of common hernia that occurs in the inguinal (groin) region. It can happen either on one side or both (bilateral). These hernias almost always require a mesh repair. Most of these hernias can be repaired laparoscopically with or without the aid of the robot.
If there is bilateral hernias, the same three incisions can be used to repair both of the hernias. An open repair involves making an incision over the groin and if there are bilateral hernias, it will require 2 separate incisions.
These hernias occur where a prior surgical incision is located.
These hernias occur along the abdominal wall that are not only located at the umbilicus. These hernias are treated in a similar fashion to the umbilical hernia.
A hiatal hernia is a hernia that cannot be seen on a physical exam. A hiatal hernia is a hernia in the diaphragm where the stomach pushes from the stomach up into the chest. This type of hernia can cause heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, or a chronic cough.
Hernia Treatment
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is an advanced operative technique that uses 3 to 5 incisions that are about 1/4 inch in length and the locations vary depending on where the hernia is located. A laparoscope is a tiny telescope that is attached to a video camera and is inserted into one of the openings.
Hernias are attempted to be closed with suture and then reinforced with mesh. Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include decreased time in the hospital, smaller incisions, reduced amount of pain, and the ability to go back to work quicker.
Robotic Hernia Surgery Repair
Robotic Hernia Surgery Repair
Robotic surgery is more accurately described as robotic-assisted surgery where the surgeon still performs the surgery but uses a robot to help with difficult operations. Robotic surgery is a type of laparoscopic surgery but offers more versatility.
The robot allows for smaller incisions and quicker recovery while having similar outcomes to regular open surgery. Dr. Keller has been certified to use the DaVinci robotic system and has been using it for multiple years.
Open Hernia Surgery
Open Hernia Surgery
This type of surgery requires a larger incision to repair the hernia.
It is less commonly used, but is an option when laparoscopic or robotic surgery isn’t ideal for the location and/or size of the hernia, or prior surgeries.
Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Hiatal Hernia Surgery
We repair hiatal hernias robotically. The surgery involves 5 to 6 incisions that are about ¼ inch in length. The surgery involves bringing the stomach back into the abdomen from the chest and closing up the opening around the esophagus. After that, we perform a fundoplication, which is wrapping the fundus of the stomach around the esophagus. Patients are monitored overnight and usually discharged the following day on a liquid diet. Many patients see near immediate relief of their symptoms.