Hernia Surgery Specialist

What is hernia surgery?

Hernia surgery is a common treatment option for people who have pain or other symptoms of a hernia. A hernia develops when a weak spot in your abdominal muscles allows an organ to push through the abdominal wall. 

The goals of hernia surgery are to reposition the organs into their original position and repair the weak spot in the muscle. There are several types of hernias Dr. Gordon can treat with surgery, including:

Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin area when your intestine pushes through the inguinal canal in the lower abdominal wall. 

Hiatal hernia 

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes into your chest through an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that contributes to your breathing. 

Femoral hernia

A femoral hernia develops in your upper thigh or outer groin when your intestines push through the femoral canal. This condition is more common in women than men. 

When should I consider hernia surgery?

You may need hernia surgery if you have symptoms of a hernia that limit what you can do physically or interfere with your quality of life. These symptoms can include:

• Acid reflux
• Persistent heartburn
• Pain in the abdomen or groin
• Noticeable bulge in groin or the abdomen

You may also experience difficulties standing or lifting heavy objects because of a hernia.

Dr. Gordon offers hernia evaluations in-office to determine if you’re a candidate for hernia surgery. He may recommend surgery to prevent additional complications that hernias can cause, such as vomiting, bowel obstructions, and chronic pain.

What happens during hernia surgery?

To repair hernias in the  abdominal wall or groin, Dr. Gordon uses robotic/laparoscopic techniques when possible that only require small incisions. Through these incisions, he inserts specialized surgical tools with an attached camera. 

The camera sends real-time images of your muscles, so Dr. Gordon can repair them with a high level of precision. He may use stitches or a piece of mesh to strengthen your abdominal wall and prevent additional hernias. 

In robotic surgery using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, Dr. Gordon controls robotic arms with a computer console during surgery. Using this technology, he can repair the weak areas of your abdominal muscles with a high level of precision to prevent unwanted tissue damage. 

In certain cases, open techniques are necessary and Dr. Gordon will discuss the approach and expected recovery with you and reasons why a minimally invasive technique may not work in your case.

Dr. Gordon continues to monitor the healing of your incisions during follow-up visits and can recommend lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk for additional hernias. 

To schedule a hernia surgery consultation, call the office of Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida nearest to you today or book an appointment online.