Overview
Our board-certified surgeons perform hundreds of hernia repairs every year. They specialize in a variety of surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. From routine hiatal hernia repairs to complex abdominal wall reconstructions, our team can help you get back on your feet.
The Benefits of Hernia Surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Florida
You’ll have access to:
- Complex repair specialists: Treating large, recurrent, revisional and complex hernias requires a wide-ranging approach, so we’ll make sure you receive a thorough evaluation and personalized surgical plan.
- Minimally invasive surgical options: We specialize in outpatient minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques. That means you’ll have a better chance for a quicker recovery and faster return to normal activities
- Collaborative care: Our hernia repair surgeons work closely with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care for any hernia type. We partner with colorectal, gynecologic and plastic surgeons when needed to deliver the best possible outcome. Meet our team.
- High-volume expertise: As a high-volume referral center in the state of Florida, you can expect to receive exceptional care from our experienced team at one of our nationally ranked hospitals.
Types of Hernias We Treat
Our surgeons are experienced in performing all types of hernia repairs. We treat:
Complex hernias
Our team regularly receives referrals for complicated hernia repairs. We specialize in hernia repairs that require extensive abdominal wall reconstruction due to:
- Infection
- Injury or trauma
- Recurrent hernias
- Revisional or previously failed hernia repairs
- Surgery, including cancer and tumor removal
Hiatal hernias
Hiatal hernias happen when part of your stomach pushes through the diaphragm into your chest. You can’t see the hernia, but you might feel pressure or discomfort. There are four types of hiatal hernias, but only one (Type I, or sliding hiatal hernias) may not require surgery. In these cases, our gastroenterologists will work with you to build a comprehensive care plan to manage symptoms like GERD (chronic acid reflux), which is commonly seen with these hernias.
The other three types (II, III and IV hiatal hernias, or paraesophageal hernias), however, often require surgery. But our experienced surgeons regularly repair these types of hernias with minimally invasive procedures. These technically challenging repairs should be done by high-volume specialists to guarantee the best outcomes. Typically, you’ll spend just one night in the hospital.
Incisional hernia
When tissue or organs protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall due to a past surgery, it’s called an incisional hernia. We’ll work with you to determine the best approach to reinforce the weakened abdominal area and repair this type of hernia.
Inguinal (groin) hernias
Inguinal hernias happen when tissue bulges through the muscle wall in your groin. There are two types of inguinal hernia, direct and indirect. Several specialists — including colorectal, general and urologic surgeons — work together to give you the best outcome. In most cases, we use minimally invasive methods that include laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.
Ventral hernias
If you feel a bulge protruding from the front of the abdominal wall, it may be a ventral hernia. Our surgeons repair most ventral hernias with minimally invasive methods. We treat all types, including:
- Epigastric (upper abdominal)
- Incisional (from a previous surgery incision)
- Umbilical (belly button)
- Spigelian (to the side of the rectus muscle)
Treatments & Surgery
Our specialists at Cleveland Clinic in Florida offer several proven surgical options to repair hernias, including both open and minimally invasive methods. We’ll recommend a minimally invasive approach whenever possible, giving you a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay. Your surgeon will talk with you about which method is right for you.
Robotic-assisted surgery
Robotic-assisted hernia repair surgery is a type of laparoscopic procedure that allows your surgeon to see a magnified, 3D view of the surgical area and precisely control instruments from a console next to the surgery table. The jointed or “wrist-like” instruments can bend and rotate, allowing for exceptional dexterity and precision.
You’ll usually be under general anesthesia for this type of procedure. As with all surgeries, you’ll have a general health evaluation, which will include a review of your health history as well as additional labs and imaging tests.
Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
After robotic-assisted surgery
Your surgeon will typically close the small incisions with absorbable sutures under the skin and waterproof surgical glue on the outside.
Laparoscopic surgery
Cleveland Clinic surgeons in Florida have pioneered several laparoscopic approaches to repair hernias. We’ll insert a thin, telescope-like instrument (known as an endoscope) through a small incision at your belly button (the umbilicus). The endoscope is connected to a tiny video camera — smaller than a dime — that projects an “inside view” of your body onto video screens in the operating room.
You’ll be under general anesthesia for this procedure. You’ll also have an evaluation of your general state of health, including a history and physical exam and, possibly, laboratory tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG) test.
Benefits of laparoscopic hernia surgery
- Tiny scars rather than one larger incision
- Reduced postoperative pain
After laparoscopic surgery
Following the procedure, your surgeon will close the small abdominal incisions with absorbable sutures under the skin and waterproof glue over the skin. Your return to normal activity is similar to robotic surgery — usually within a few weeks.
Open repair surgery
Your surgeon performs an open hernia repair under a local anesthetic and sedation or general anesthetic. They do this through an incision, moving the herniated contents into their proper position behind the muscle wall. They then reinforce the muscle wall and close the incision to complete the repair.
After open repair surgery
Most people are able to go home a few hours after surgery. If needed, a 23-hour extended recovery area is available. You’ll usually feel fine within a few days after the surgery and resume normal eating habits and activities. Strenuous activity and exercise are restricted for four to six weeks after surgery.
Abdominal wall reconstruction
When we can’t treat more severe, large or recurring incisional or ventral hernias with standard techniques, our surgical team may perform an abdominal wall reconstruction. We’ll often also use a type of massage (myofascial release) to release tension and bring the muscles of the abdominal wall back together to recreate a functional abdominal wall.
This usually means we’ll make an incision in your abdomen to perform the surgery and place mesh in between the layers of the abdominal wall. This will provide much-needed strength and support for a definitive and lasting hernia repair. Our team also performs robotic-assisted wall reconstructions for some people who are good candidates for this technique. Talk to your provider to see if this option would be best for you.
Resources
Patient stories
- No Distance Too Far as Central Florida Couple Embarks on Mission to Find the Right Hernia Surgeon
- Triumph Over Triple Hernias With One Surgery
Podcasts
Appointments & Locations
Make an appointment at one of our Cleveland Clinic Florida locations, or schedule a virtual visit.
