Hernia

A hernia is a weakened area of the abdomen where organs push into other areas. Robotic surgery is a newer technique for repairing hernias in which the surgeon is seated at a console and handles the surgical instruments from the console. Advantages of robotic surgery include three-dimensional images of the inside of the abdomen, smaller scars, and less pain.

Eduardo Parra-Davila, MD, FACS, FASCRS focuses on a robotic approach for hernias, including gand ventral/incisional hernias, multiple recurrent hernias and abdominal wall reconstructions.

About Hernias

There are several different types of hernias. A femoral hernia is a bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin. A hiatal hernia occurs in the upper part of the stomach. An incisional hernia can occur through a scar if you have had abdominal surgery in the past. An umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button. An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin.

In most cases, there is no obvious cause for a hernia to develop. Heredity, birth defects (sometimes not known at birth), straining or heavy lifting, or an underlying medical condition may bring about a hernia.

Most hernias begin with mild pain and discomfort that may get worse while sitting, standing or lifting. Patients then may feel a lump that is sore and getting bigger. If a hernia gets too large and stuck in the abdominal wall opening, it may start losing blood supply (a process called strangulation). If this happens, immediate medical attention is needed.