Hernia Surgery & Repair

Hernia Care to Produce the Best Outcomes for Your Health

My Philosophy

A hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall that occurs as natural weak points in the tissue. Symptoms such as pain, bulging, swelling and even bowel obstruction can occur when the abdominal contents push through these holes.

Hernia symptoms include a bulge, pain or swelling and in some instances, no symptoms. A hernia will not heal on its own; hernia surgery is needed to repair the defect in the abdomen wall. If you leave a hernia untreated, it can get larger and lead to serious health complications. Dr. O’Connor will discuss all the surgical and non surgical options with you to come up with a plan that helps you achieve your health goals.

Dr. O’Connor is the only surgeon in the region who has received specialty training in repair of complex hernias. He’s well-versed in the spectrum of techniques for both simple and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. He emphasizes minimally invasive approaches to speed recovery after surgery and minimize complications.

The goal of hernia repair is to reconstruct the abdominal wall to be both functional and durable, allowing patients to get back to all the activities that they love. We use advanced surgical methods and robotic surgical technology to produce lower recurrences, fewer complications and faster recovery.

DR. SEAN O'CONNOR

Abdominal Wall Hernias

Umbilicial Hernia
Epigastric Hernia
Insisional Hernia
Inguinal Hernia
Spigelian Hernia
Recurrent Hernia
Obturator Hernia
Parastomal Hernia
Flank Hernia
Epigastric Hernia
Femoral Hernia

Umbilical Hernias

An umbilical hernia is a hole that forms in the muscle layers underneath the umbilicus (belly button). This hernia develops when a portion of the lining of the abdomen, part of the intestine, and / or fluid from the abdomen, comes through the muscle of the abdominal wall.

Inguinal Hernias

An inguinal hernia is a hole that forms through the muscle layers of the groin (inguinal canal). The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object. Abdominal contents can protrude through the defect in the abdominal wall causing symptoms of pain or bulging.

Complex Ventral Hernias

A ventral hernia occurs along the center or lateral (flank) of the abdominal wall. These typically form through previous incision sites from past surgeries due to weakening of the muscle layers. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, especially when lifting or straining. Treatment is with surgery, including open, laparoscopic and robotic

Call to Schedule a Hernia Repair Consult with Dr. O'Connor.

How to prepare for a hernia surgery

Dr. Sean O’Connor will speak with you about the preparation of your hernia surgery. Be sure to:

Inform your physician about any medications (prescriptions & over-the-counter medicines), herbs or supplements you’re currently taking.
Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs at least seven to 14 days before surgery.
Stop smoking; smoking affects blood flow and can slow healing following hernia repair.
Gently wash the surgical area the night before the hernia surgery.
Follow any additonal directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

What to Expect With a Hernia Repair

The Day of Surgery

Arrive at the hospital at your scheduled time. You’ll be asked to change into a gown. Shortly after, an IV will be inserted in your hand or arm to provide fluids and medicine.

Prior to surgery, an anesthesiologist will talk with you to explain the types of anesthesia used to prevent pain during the hernia surgery.

You will have one or more of the following:

Monitored sedation to make you relaxed and sleepy
Local anesthesia to numb the surgical site
Regional anesthesia to numb specific body areas
General anesthesia to let you sleep during the repair

After Hernia Surgery

After the hernia surgery is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery area to rest. Here your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored; you’ll also have a bandage over the surgical site.

To help reduce discomfort, you’ll be given pain medicines. You may also be given breathing exercises to keep your lungs clear.

Later you’ll be asked to get up and walk; this helps prevent blood clots in the legs. Many patients can go home the same day, however you may stay overnight in the hospital if nessicary.