Learn More About Hernia Repair
A hernia occurs when part of your insides, like an organ or fatty tissue, bulges through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that holds it. Imagine a tire with a tear – that’s kind of like what happens inside your body. Hernias are a common occurrence and can become painful, needing surgical repair. While some small, painless hernias may not require repair, many hernias will grow over time as the muscle wall weakens and tissue pushes through, requiring surgical hernia repair. The abdomen is the most common location for a hernia, but they can occur in other areas, including the groin or belly button. They can cause a noticeable bulge and sometimes pain, especially when you cough, lift something heavy, or bend over.
FAQs About Hernia Repair
Not all hernias require surgery. Small, pain-free hernias might be monitored, but surgery is usually recommended for symptomatic, painful, or larger hernias to prevent future complications.
Dr. Greene specializes in the three main types of hernia repair surgery, which include open surgery (larger incision), laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive with small incisions),and robotic-assisted laparoscopy (uses robotic arms to assist the surgeon during laparoscopy).
During a hernia repair surgery, Dr. Greene pushes the protruding tissue back in place and strengthens the weakened area using stitches or surgical mesh. The type of surgery determines the size and location of incisions.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. Laparoscopic surgery often allows for same-day discharge, while open surgery might require a hospital stay. Full recovery usually takes 1-2 weeks, but strenuous activity may be limited for longer.
As with any surgery, there are risks like infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications. Mesh rejection is a potential complication specific to surgical methods using mesh.
You may experience pain, discomfort, and soreness at the incision site. Dr. Greene will give you specific instructions on pain management, activity restrictions, and returning to work.
Understanding Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair Surgery in Virginia
While surgery is the main treatment for hernias, where organs push through a weakened area of muscle, there are different surgical options. Open surgery, laparoscopy (minimally invasive), and robotic repair are the most common. The type of surgery you receive depends on your specific hernia and the complexity of the case.
A Closer Look at Different Options for Hernia Repair
There are three main approaches to hernia repair surgery, each with its own advantages:
Open surgery is the traditional method, with a single larger incision to access the hernia. During an open surgery, Dr. Greene pushes the protruding tissue back and strengthens the weakened area with stitches, often using surgical mesh for reinforcement
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach that uses several small injections. A camera is inserted through one incision to view the location of the hernia on a scree. Surgical instruments are inserted through other small incisions to repair the hernia.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery utilizes robotic arms controlled by Dr. Greene, through a console. Robotic surgery offers greater precision and control for complex hernia repairs, while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Greene has extensive training and experience on the Intuitive DaVinci Surgical System for both Bariatric and General surgical procedures, including inguinal, ventral, umbilical, incisional, paraesophageal and hiatal hernia repair. Surgeons, like Dr. Greene, can perform robotic assisted procedures through smaller incisions, causing minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Some benefits of robotic surgery include reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.
The Benefits of Hernia Repair Surgery
Hernia repair surgery offers significant advantages. The most notable benefit is pain relief. Hernias often cause discomfort, especially during physical activity, coughing, or straining. Surgery can permanently address this pain by pushing the bulge back in and reinforcing the weakened area. Additionally, surgery reduces the risk of complications like strangulation, which occurs when the protruding tissue loses blood supply. This can be a serious medical emergency.Furthermore, hernia repair can improve your quality of life by allowing you to return to your normal activities without discomfort or worry about the hernia worsening.
Meet Dr. Joe Greene, Top Doc
Dr. Joseph Greene is one of the best hernia surgeons in Virginia. He is a highly trained surgeon in robotic hernia repair surgery for inguinal, umbilical, and hiatal hernias. Dr. Greene has performed over 500 robotic-assisted surgeries. He is also actively engaged in research advancing the growth of robotic surgery in Virginia and around the country. Dr. Greene is proud to give lectures and proctor at medical institutions to help teach the next generation of the best hernia surgeons in Virginia and beyond. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Joseph Greene for hernia repair surgery in Virginia, call (571) 910-7878.