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. With a multidisciplinary approach to care, our world-class team includes wound care specialists, dietitians, radiologists, weight-loss experts and more.
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 complex hernia is a hernia that requires specialized expertise for proper treatment. At the AdventHealth Advanced Hernia Center, we are highly experienced in managing even the most difficult hernia cases using a multidisciplinary team approach and customized surgical planning. Our multidisciplinary team approach to care and customized surgical planning ensures that each patient receives the most effective treatment.
Common features of complex hernias include:
- A diagnosis of either an epigastric, lumbar, parastomal, spigelian or subxiphoid hernia.
- Failed previous hernia repair(s)
- Large hernias (larger than 7 centimeters or about the size of a peach)
- Previous history of a mesh repair or mesh infection
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 Surgery and Other Hernia Repair Methods
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At our center, we use the most advanced techniques and minimally invasive approaches to hernia repair. The repair can be done in one of several ways depending on the complexity of your hernia, including:
- Minimally invasive surgery: Laparoscopic or robotic surgery is done using specialized instruments through small incisions around the hernias site.
- Open surgery: A surgical incision is made over the hernia site.
- Who Needs Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
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Abdominal wall reconstruction is a specialized surgical procedure designed to restore the strength, structure and function of the abdominal wall. It is typically recommended for patients with large or complex hernias, particularly when standard hernia repair is insufficient.
You may be a candidate for abdominal wall reconstruction if you:- Have a complex hernia that involves significant muscle or tissue separation
- Have had multiple previous hernia repairs that have failed or resulted in recurrence
- Have suffered abdominal trauma or undergone prior surgeries that compromised the integrity of the abdominal wall
- Experience large abdominal hernias that cause visible deformity, discomfort or reduced mobility
Although these hernias are rarely life-threatening, they can significantly affect daily activities and diminish your quality of life. Unfortunately, they do not improve without surgical intervention. Abdominal wall reconstruction requires advanced surgical expertise and offers patients a path to restored function, improved appearance and long-term relief.
Our Locations
Expert Providers Dedicated to Your Care
Our skilled team of compassionate providers at our Advanced Hernia Center offers whole-person care for all our patients. If you're suffering with hernia symptoms, there is hope. Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled providers today.
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.
Answering Your Hernia Surgery Questions
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Q:Question: What are the symptoms of a complex abdominal wall 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 wall 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.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf 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 first office visit?
A:Answer:Gather Necessary Documents:
- Bring your identification (ID card, driver's license, or passport)
- Have your insurance information ready
- Prepare any medical records or referral letters
- Previous operative reports
- Contact information for any specialists (cardiology, pulmonology etc.)
- Bring any CTs or other imaging
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerList Your Medications:
- Write down all medications you are currently taking, including dosages.
- Include any over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Note Your Symptoms:
- Make a list of any symptoms you are experiencing.
- Include details such as when they started, their severity, and any patterns.
Prepare Questions:
- Think about any questions you have for your healthcare provider.
- Write them down to ensure you don't forget during the visit.
Confirm Appointment Details:
- Double-check the date, time, and location of your appointment.
- Arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
Bring a Support Person:
- Consider bringing a family member or friend for support.
- They can help you remember information and provide emotional support.