Overview
Our board-certified surgeons at Cleveland Clinic in Florida provide hundreds of hernia repairs each year. You receive a comprehensive evaluation before surgery to determine the best treatment for you. We’re experienced in the latest techniques that repair your abdominal wall and quickly get you back on your feet.
Abdominal Wall Surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Florida: Why Choose Us?
Our respected surgeons receive frequent referrals for complex hernia repairs, including reoperations and abdominal wall reconstruction. As our patient, you benefit from:
- Team approach: Our hernia repair specialists work with other surgeons, so you receive comprehensive care for any type of hernia. We partner with colorectal, gynecologic and plastic surgeons when needed to provide the best possible outcome. Meet our team.
- Minimally invasive options: We specialize in all types of abdominal wall surgery, including laparoscopic hernia repair. With our techniques, most patients quickly recover and go home the same day.
- Respected surgeons: Our surgeons are leaders in hernia repairs and abdominal surgeries. Our hospitals are nationally ranked for their expertise and care.
Types of Hernias We Treat
Our surgeons are experienced in all types of hernia repairs, from routine to complex. We treat:
Hiatal hernias
Type I, or sliding hiatal hernias, may not require surgery. In these cases, our gastroenterologists provide you with comprehensive care to manage symptoms like GERD (chronic acid reflux).
Types II, III and IV hiatal hernias, or paraesophageal hernias, often require surgery. Our surgeons are experienced in minimally invasive hiatal hernia repair. You experience a shorter recovery than traditional surgery with our methods.
Inguinal (groin) hernias
We provide emergency and planned procedures to repair inguinal hernias, also called groin hernias. Our surgeons know the latest techniques, quickly repairing the hernia and preventing complications.
Several specialists, including colorectal, general and urologic surgeons, work together to provide the best outcome for inguinal hernia repair. In most cases, we use minimally invasive methods, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Perineal hernias
Perineal hernias are rare, but our surgeons are experienced in repairing them. We successfully repair many perineal hernias with laparoscopic or robotic techniques, so you have small incisions.
Ventral hernias
Our surgeons repair most ventral hernias with minimally invasive methods. We are experienced in repairing all types of ventral hernias, including:
- Epigastric (stomach area).
- Groin area.
- Incisional (from a previous surgery incision).
- Umbilical (belly button).
Complex or recurrent hernias
Our team regularly receives referrals for complicated hernia repairs. We provide successful repairs for patients who have lost most of their abdominal wall due to:
- Infection.
- Injury or trauma.
- Previous failed hernia repairs.
- Surgery, including cancer and tumor removal.
Treatments & Surgery
How can a hernia be repaired?
Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic Florida offer several options to repair hernias to prevent intestinal damage and further complications. The surgery may be performed by an open repair (small incision over the herniated area) or by laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive). Your surgeon will determine the best method of repair for your individual situation.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Cleveland Clinic Florida’s surgeons have pioneered several laparoscopic approaches to repair hernias. Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument (known as an endoscope) that is inserted through a small incision at the umbilicus (belly button). Usually, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. This requires an evaluation of your general state of health, including a history and physical exam, possibly including laboratory tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG) test. The endoscope is connected to a tiny video camera – smaller than a dime – that projects an “inside view” of the patient’s body onto television screens in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) to allow your doctor to view your internal structures.
The peritoneum (the inner lining of your abdomen) is cut to expose the weakness in the abdominal wall. A mesh patch is attached to secure the weak area under the peritoneum. The peritoneum is then closed with staples or sutures.
Benefits of laparoscopic hernia surgery
- Tiny scars rather than one larger incision.
- Reduced postoperative pain.
After the surgery
Following the procedure, the small abdominal incisions are closed with a stitch or two or with surgical tape. Within a few months, the incision is barely visible.
Open Repair Surgery
An open hernia repair is performed under a local anesthetic and sedation or general anesthetic. The surgeon performs the procedure through an incision, pushing the hernia contents into its proper position behind the muscle wall. The muscle wall is then reinforced with stitches or synthetic mesh to complete the repair.
An anesthesiologist recommend a type of anesthesia according to your condition and health status. You will not feel pain during the surgery. A small incision or cut is made in the skin. The hernia “sac” containing the bulging intestine is identified. The surgeon pushes the intestine inside the hernia sac back into its proper position behind the muscle wall. The muscle wall is reinforced with stitches or synthetic mesh to complete the repair.
After the surgery
Most patients will be able to go home a few hours after surgery. If needed, a 23-hour extended recovery area is available. Typically, most patients feel fine within a few days after the surgery and resume normal eating habits and activities. Strenuous activity and exercise are restricted for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
For more severe or recurring incisional or ventral hernias, Cleveland Clinic Florida’s surgeons offer abdominal wall reconstruction to correct abdominal weaknesses and defects.
Abdominal wall reconstruction repairs abdominal tissue through an abdominal incision. If needed, your surgeon will place bio-prosthetic mesh over the open wound or hernia site, which is grafted into the abdomen and provides additional closure and support to the area.
Appointments & Locations
Make an appointment at one of our Cleveland Clinic Florida locations, or schedule a virtual visit.
