abdomen, including the groin area. Not all hernias require surgery. However, if your hernia is causing pain, discomfort, and an unsightly bulge, a surgical repair is the best way to relieve your symptoms.
At Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas, Texas, fellowship-trained general surgeon Dr. Sutker offers open or laparoscopic surgical techniques, usually with surgical mesh as support, to repair a variety of hernia types, including inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, and incisional hernias.
The recurrence rate of hernias after a surgical repair is about 5-10%. Learn how surgical mesh can fortify your abdominal wall to help prevent hernia recurrence.
There are several types of hernias. The two most common are umbilical hernias, which are abdominal (near the navel), and inguinal hernias, which are in the groin. Common causes of hernias include:
An injury or surgical procedure can also increase your risk of developing a hernia. Additionally, women who’ve recently given birth often have weakened connective tissue that increases their risk of developing an abdominal hernia.
Some hernias are minor and don’t cause symptoms. Others are bigger or get more severe over time. A hernia never goes away on its own, so it’s likely that at some point, if you have a hernia, you’ll need surgery to repair the problem.
Depending on the type and size of your hernia, Dr. Sutker recommends the best surgical option for you. He can perform open surgery when necessary, but most patients qualify for minimally invasive, laparoscopic da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgery for hernia repair.
During the procedure, Dr. Sutker gently pushes the protruding organ back into the correct position, then repairs the hole to ensure it doesn’t escape again. Finally, he fixes a piece of surgical mesh to the area to strengthen the weak or damaged tissue and keep it together.
The most common type of mesh used in hernia repair surgery is made of a synthetic material or animal tissue. Both materials are safe and effective for most patients. Mesh is especially useful when the hole or weakened area left by the hernia is large.
Some mesh is considered non-absorbable and stays in the body indefinitely, supporting and strengthening tissue. Absorbable mesh does exactly that — it’s absorbed in the body over time with new tissue growth providing the support to prevent a hernia recurrence.
Research shows that hernia recurrence decreases by up to 50% when mesh is used during hernia repair surgery. Additionally, mesh may improve the patient experience by reducing operating and recovery time.
If you’re considering hernia surgery, call our office to schedule a visit with Dr. Sutker, so you can learn about your repair options and how using surgical mesh helps protect your health. You can also request an appointment online through our website.
