Comprehensive Hernia Center

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is a weakness or opening in the wall of the abdomen. Soft tissue such as fat or the intestine can protrude through the abdominal muscles and occupy the space under the skin. It is not unlike a bulge in a damaged car or bicycle tire, where the inner tube—normally contained by the hard rubber of the tire—extends through a thin or weakened place. The opening in the abdominal wall that leads to the hernia is also called a hernia defect.

Expert Hernia Repair and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Hernias, openings, and other defects in the wall of the abdomen can cause significant discomfort and affect your quality of life. The surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital are leaders in repairing complex hernias and other abdominal wall defects requiring complex surgery. They typically use minimally invasive robotic surgery to close the opening in the abdomen, restoring your comfort and function and returning you to your normal activities in just weeks.

Conditions We Treat

• Inguinal (Groin) Hernias
• Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia
• Ventral Hernias
• Spigelian Hernias
• Incisional Hernias
• Recurrent Hernias
• Hernia Incarceration/Strangulation
• Rectus Diastasis
• Lumbar, Obturator, and Flank Hernias

Treatments We Offer

• Open Hernia Repair
• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
• Robotic Hernia Repair
• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
• Component Separation
• Totally Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair
• Non-Mesh Hernia Repair (Suture only repair)
• Mesh Excision
• Nerve Resection
• Hernia Repair under Minimal Anesthesia
• Other General Surgery Procedures (i.e. gallbladder removal, lipoma or cyst removals)

Who can have abdominal wall surgery

Our surgeons use abdominal wall surgery to care for people with:

• Previously repaired hernias
• A bulge larger than a baseball
• Abdominal wall defects due to being overweight or as a complication of a prior surgery
• A history of drainage of fluid or an infection in the abdomen
• An ostomy (bag worn on the abdomen to collect waste)

Robotic hernia surgery

Our surgeons most often repair abdominal wall defects using a robotic surgery approach. During the procedure, the operating room staff positions the arms of the robot on the patient’s abdomen. The surgeon controls the robot while sitting at a console nearby, operating through multiple very small incisions with exceptional dexterity and precision.

What to expect

Before Surgery

• Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or other aspirin-containing products for two weeks before the operation.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding bowel preparation.
• If you smoke, stop smoking. Doing so will help you heal better.

During Surgery

You will receive general anesthesia and be asleep during the operation. There are different ways to fix the defect in the abdominal wall, using:

• Muscle flaps are taken from your abdomen or other areas of your body to repair the opening
• Synthetic materials to close and maintain the integrity of the abdominal wall

After Surgery

• If you have robotic surgery, you will likely stay in the hospital one night and go home the next day. Your stay may be a few days if you have open abdominal surgery.
• You can expect discomfort, but few people report serious pain.
• You may be given an abdominal binder to wear after the operation. Your surgeon will let you know how long to wear it.
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks. You can expect to return to your normal activities after this time.