Hernia Repair

A hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscular structure of the wall of the abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the abdominal wall. Serious complications from a hernia result from the trapping of tissues in the hernia's process called incarceration. Trapped tissues may have their blood supply cut off, leading to damage or death of the tissue. The treatment of an incarceration usually involves surgery. Symptoms of a hernia include pain or discomfort and a localized swelling somewhere on the surface of the abdomen or in the groin area.

Epigastric, umbilical, incisional, lumbar, internal, and Spigelian hernias all occur at different sites over the abdomen in areas that are prone to anatomical or structural weakness. With the exception of internal hernias (within the abdomen), these hernias are commonly recognized as a lump or swelling and are often associated with pain or discomfort at the site. Internal hernias can be extremely difficult to diagnose until the intestine (bowel) has become trapped and obstructed because there is usually no external evidence of a lump.

A hernia repair requires surgery. There are several different procedures that can be used for fixing any specific type of hernia. More and more of hernia repairs are now being done using laparoscopic techniques. With laparoscopic surgery, the procedure can be done with several relatively small incisions which reduces both discomfort after surgery and the time needed to recover.

Dr. Rene L. Alvarez can diagnose and treat your hernias. Please call today to make an appointment with South Peninsula General Surgery & Endoscopy.