Hernia Surgery & Repair
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue (the fascia). Hernias do not heal on their own and typically worsen over time. Dr. Baker Henson provides advanced, minimally invasive hernia repairs designed to strengthen the abdominal wall and get you back to your normal life quickly.
Types of Hernias We Treat
1. Inguinal & Femoral Hernias (Groin Area)
These are the most common types of hernias, occurring in the groin. You may notice a bulge that becomes more prominent when you cough, bend over, or lift something heavy. They can cause a burning, gurgling, or aching sensation at the site.
2. Ventral & Umbilical Hernias (Abdominal Wall)
These hernias occur in the midline of the belly. An umbilical hernia happens near the belly button, while a ventral/incisional hernia often occurs at the site of a previous surgical scar where the muscle wall has weakened.
3. Hiatal Hernias
A hiatal hernia happens internally when the upper part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and into your chest cavity. This often causes severe acid reflux (GERD) or difficulty swallowing, and can be repaired robotically alongside anti-reflux surgery.
The Robotic Advantage
Whenever possible, Dr. Henson performs hernia repairs using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Instead of a large open incision, he uses a few small "keyhole" incisions.
- Unmatched Precision: The robotic instruments articulate like a human wrist, allowing Dr. Henson to sew the muscle defect closed and place surgical mesh with incredible accuracy.
- Behind the Muscle: The robot allows Dr. Henson to place the surgical mesh behind the abdominal muscle wall (retro-muscular). This prevents the mesh from coming into contact with your intestines, reducing the risk of scar tissue and long-term complications.
- Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions mean less trauma to the body, significantly less post-operative pain, and a faster return to work and daily activities.
Pre-Operative Instructions
To ensure a successful repair and minimize the chance of your hernia returning, please follow these guidelines:
Crucial Pre-Op Steps
- Stop Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and dramatically impairs your body's ability to heal the muscle wall. Smoking is one of the leading causes of hernia recurrence.
- Medication Management: You must stop taking blood thinners, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and certain supplements 7 days prior to surgery, as directed by Dr. Henson.
- Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
Post-Operative Recovery Instructions
Protecting your newly repaired muscle wall is the most important part of your recovery. If you strain the muscle before it has fully healed into the mesh, the hernia can come back.
Activity Restrictions
- Lifting: Do not lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks. (A gallon of milk is roughly 8 pounds).
- Movement: Walking is excellent and highly encouraged starting the day of surgery to prevent blood clots. Avoid strenuous core exercises, golf, or heavy yard work until cleared by Dr. Henson.
- Returning to Work: If you have a desk job, you may be able to return within 1 to 2 weeks. If your job involves heavy lifting or manual labor, you will need 4 to 6 weeks of restricted duty.
Pain Management & Bowel Care
- Prevent Constipation: Straining on the toilet puts immense pressure on your abdominal wall and groin. Take over-the-counter stool softeners (like Colace or Miralax) daily while taking prescription pain medication, and drink plenty of water.
- Pain Relief: Ice packs applied to the incisions (or the groin for inguinal hernias) for 20 minutes at a time can greatly reduce swelling and discomfort. You can alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen as directed.
Incision Care
You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Let warm, soapy water gently wash over the surgical glue or steri-strips. Do not scrub the incisions, and pat them dry with a clean towel. Do not submerge your incisions in a bath, hot tub, or pool for at least 3 weeks.