Hernia Repair Surgery
Surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester treat simple and complex hernias of the abdominal wall. Repair procedures can treat both primary and recurrent hernias, using both open and laparoscopic methods. Both methods of hernia repair utilize a piece of synthetic or prosthetic mesh to reinforce the weakness in the abdominal wall. The Center’s surgeons have years of experience using the newest techniques and materials in hernia repair.
An open surgical repair is generally an outpatient procedure, usually done under local anesthesia with conscious sedation. The surgeon makes an incision directly over the hernia defect and sews the prosthetic mesh to the abdominal wall.
A laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach, performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. In this approach, the surgeon makes small incisions in the lower abdomen, inserts a small tube through one incision and uses long thin tools through the others to affix the mesh to the undersurface of the abdominal wall with stitches and staples. This technique is used for both small and large hernias of the abdomen. Advances in laparoscopic surgery have led to reduced discomfort and shorter hospital stays for the patient and a more rapid return to normal activity.
Read more about the hernias of the abdominal wall in our health library.