Hernia Repair Surgery

Hernia Repair Surgery services offered in Springboro, OH

If you have a painful hernia, only one treatment will fix it — surgery. David Schumacher, MD, FACS, FASMBS, at Ohio Bariatrics and Laparoscopy, has extensive experience performing hernia repair surgery. Though some people need open surgery, Dr. Schumacher is an expert in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures and recommends this highly successful yet less traumatic approach. If you need treatment for a hernia, book an appointment online or call the office in Miamisburg, Ohio, today.

Hernia Repair Surgery Q&A

When might I need hernia repair surgery?

A hernia begins when the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall, creating a balloon-like sac.

Weak areas develop with years of activities that put pressure on your abdominal muscles. For example, heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements, persistent coughing, and obesity can lead to a hernia.

A ventral hernia refers to any bulge in your abdominal wall. This hernia often occurs near your belly button (umbilicus) or in the area of an earlier surgical incision. Another kind of hernia, called an inguinal hernia, develops in your groin, where your thigh meets your abdomen.

Though your hernia can be small initially, the bulging sac gradually enlarges. Also, your intestines can become trapped in the hernia, causing severe problems like cutting off the blood supply.

After a hernia develops, it doesn't improve on its own; when it becomes large, problematic, or painful enough, you will need surgery to repair it.

What symptoms indicate that I need hernia repair surgery?

This first sign of a hernia is a noticeable bulge under your skin. A small hernia might not cause any discomfort, but as it enlarges, you can experience a dull ache or sharp pain.

If you develop sudden severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or redness around the bulge, you should seek medical care immediately.

Which hernia repair surgery will I need?

The two kinds of hernia repair surgery are traditional open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon makes a long incision in your abdomen when using open surgery. Using laparoscopy, the surgeon makes a few small incisions.

During a minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Schumacher uses a long, slim laparoscope equipped with a tiny camera. After inserting the scope through a tiny incision, the camera sends high-definition images from inside your abdomen to an operating room monitor.

Dr. Schumacher inserts specialized surgical instruments through other small incisions. As he views images on the monitor, he repairs your hernia.

What happens during hernia repair surgery?

During your hernia repair, Dr. Schumacher removes scar tissue, gently puts the internal organs into their proper place, and repairs the abdominal muscle.

Dr. Schumacher might only need to sew the abdominal tissues back together. However, he often inserts a mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent further hernias.