A Dedicated Center for the Most Complex Hernias
At AdventHealth's Advanced Hernia Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating of the most complex abdominal wall hernias.
Our center is dedicated to educating patients about their condition and the best treatment options available. We understand that hernias can significantly impact your quality of life, and our goal is to restore your health with as little discomfort as possible.
Whether you have a simple hernia or a more complex case, our experienced surgeons are here to help. We offer personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care.
Trust AdventHealth's Advanced Hernia Center for your hernia repair and complex abdominal wall reconstruction needs.
Types of Hernias We Treat
Our team treats many kinds of hernias, from the straightforward to the most complex. We specialize in complex abdominal wall hernias and also treat more general hernias like hiatal, inguinal, umbilical, epigastric, incisional and femoral hernias. Whatever your diagnosis, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the utmost care at our hernia center.
A hernia can be considered complex due to several factors like infection, injury or trauma and previous failed hernia repair procedures (including cancer and tumor removal). Most complex hernias are in the abdominal area near previous surgical scars, around the belly button or in the groin area.
Because of the weakened surrounding tissue, complex hernias are more difficult to treat and have higher complications, which makes choosing an experienced hernia surgeon even more important. At our AdventHealth Advanced Hernia Center, we’re well-versed in treating the most complex hernia cases, and our experts will focus on you and your needs at every step.
We treat a variety of hernias throughout the body, including:
Epigastric hernias: These are hernias located between the belly button or navel and the sternum, and at the side of the abdominal wall below the navel, respectively.
Femoral hernia: Mainly affecting older women, this type of hernia happens when fatty tissue or intestine pushes through the muscle wall into the groin at the top of the inner thigh.
Hiatal hernia: The muscle wall involved in this type of hernia is the diaphragm. An organ, usually the stomach, pushes through the diaphragm wall and up into the chest cavity. Diaphragmatic hernias are similar but caused by different organs pushing up into the chest cavity.
Incisional hernia: This hernia is located along the vertical center of the stomach wall in the case of a ventral hernia and an incisional hernia can be found anywhere in the abdominal cavity. Incisional hernias are caused by a previous surgery which weakened the muscle wall.
Inguinal hernia: These hernias differ in men and women due to our unique anatomies. In men they occur in the area from where the testes descended during puberty, and in women, they occur in a canal containing a round ligament used to support the womb during pregnancy. When an inguinal hernia occurs it’s either fatty tissue or intestine pushing through the muscle wall.
Umbilical hernia: This type of hernia occurs when fatty tissue or intestine protrudes through the abdomen near the navel.
No matter which kind of hernia you’ve been diagnosed with, you can count on our team to understand your diagnosis, listen to your concerns and develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
Hernia Repair Methods
Hernias are common and treatable, yet some people live with a hernia for years without seeking treatment. If your hernia is causing discomfort, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your treatment options before your condition worsens. And we’re here to walk you through your surgical options.
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic-Assisted Surgery Options for Hernia Repair
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We’re pleased to offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery options to ensure you experience a smoother and quicker recovery than with traditional surgery. Robotic surgery is the latest and very effective technique for hernia repair.
During robotic hernia repair, your surgeon controls the robotic arms and instruments from a nearby screen, allowing them to make precise movements and repair difficult or complex hernias with small cuts rather than a large incision. Patients undergoing robotic surgery can usually go home the same day.
- Surgery Options
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When the tissue surrounding your hernia is especially damaged, a tissue replacement or reconstruction surgery is most often necessary.
Surgery to repair a complex hernia involves pushing the hernia tissue back into place and sometimes adding a mesh reinforcement to help prevent future tears. Our surgical team will work with you to create the best plan of action to treat your unique needs and minimize your discomfort.
Our Locations
Answering Your Hernia Surgery Questions
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Q:Question: What are the symptoms of a complex abdominal hernia?
A:Answer:With a hernia that’s become complex, you may notice a more pronounced bulging and experience a greater level of pain than you previously experienced. Watch for other common hernia symptoms, too, like:
Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Back or chest pain
- Blood in your stool
- Constipation
- Discomfort when lifting or bending over
- Heartburn
- Heavy feeling in your abdomen
- Upper abdominal pain
- Vomiting
If you’re concerned about a potential complex hernia, it’s important to seek care to prevent further complications.
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Q:Question: What are the causes of a complex abdominal hernia?
A:Answer:A complex abdominal hernia is often caused by previous hernia repair surgeries. Each successive surgery further decreases the chance of a successful hernia repair, as the surrounding tissue becomes weakened and stretched.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOther causes of hernias include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heavy lifting
- Long-term coughing and sneezing (causes tensing of the stomach muscles)
- Straining from chronic constipation
- Strenuous physical activities
Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of a hernia include:
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Use of improper lifting techniques
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Q:Question: How do I know if I need hernia surgery?
A:Answer:Knowing whether you need surgery to repair your hernia depends on several factors, including your symptoms, the location of the hernia and its severity — all of which your primary care provider can discuss with you.
If you’re experiencing hernia symptoms, see your doctor to get on the path to healing. They can offer an accurate diagnosis with a physical exam and, if needed, imaging tests such as an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan to get a clear picture of your health.
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Q:Question: How should I prepare for my hernia surgery?
A:Answer:Before your hernia surgery is scheduled, we highly recommend that you:
- Stop smoking, as smoking increases the risk of problems after surgery such as infection
- Control your blood sugar, as this can help reduce the likelihood of complications from surgery
- Arrange for transport ahead of time by asking a family member or friend to drive you home from the hospital
- Follow the hygiene instructions that your pre-testing nurse gives you
If you have any additional questions before your procedure, rest assured that our team will be there to answer them.
Let Us Help You Feel Whole Again
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or want a second opinion on a diagnosis, our dedicated digestive health experts are here to help you find answers and a path forward. Request an appointment today to take charge of your health and get the personal support you need.