Hernia Surgery in Phoenix, AZ
Hernias are a common problem that many Americans struggle with managing. Characterized as a protrusion of an abdominal organ through the abdominal wall, hernias can be quite uncomfortable and may continue to grow and cause additional discomfort when left untreated. They do not usually go away on their own and can affect patients of any age — even infants. Sometimes, a hernia may cause restricted blood flow, which can cause life-threatening complications.
Patients experiencing pain, tenderness, or discomfort in their abdominal region should seek a professional diagnosis and treatment from a surgical professional. At Surgical Professionals, our team provides the hernia surgery solutions that Phoenix residents need to reclaim comfort and normalcy in their daily lives. Our team would be happy to assess your situation and discuss the best surgical options available for restoring optimal health and wellness.
Schedule your hernia surgery consultation by contacting Surgical Professionals today!
Types of Hernias
Hernias take many shapes and sizes, and they can occur in many different locations on the body. Each hernia is categorized by its specific location. Different types of hernia diagnoses include the following:
- Inguinal Hernias: These are located in the groin and upper thigh
- Ventral Hernias: Hernias that occur through the layers of the abdominal wall
- Umbilical Hernias: Occur in the navel region of the abdomen
- Incisional Hernias: Recurring hernias where tissue breaks through a previous surgical site
- Hiatal Hernias: Defects in the diaphragm that are typically treated by a thoracic surgeon
Currently, Surgical Professionals has the resources to treat inguinal, ventral, umbilical, and incisional hernias through surgical means. However, our team does not presently offer hiatal hernia surgery. If you have a hiatal hernia, our team will be happy to meet with you and provide a referral to a thoracic surgeon in the Phoenix area who may be able to remedy the issue.
Causes of Hernias
There are many different reasons why a hernia may occur. Usually, hernias are caused by strenuous activities that weaken the abdominal wall over time. Such activities include:
- Strenuous exercise, such as repeated heavy lifting
- Straining while going to the bathroom
- Pregnancy
- Rapid weight gain or obesity
- Persistent coughing and sneezing
Particularly if your hernia has been caused by rapid weight gain or obesity, losing weight before surgery may help reduce the likelihood of surgical complications. Discuss your options with your Surgical Professionals surgeon to understand how you can reduce surgical complications during your procedure.
Hernia Symptoms
Along with discomfort and pain, hernias can cause additional symptoms depending on where they are located in the body. The most common symptoms include:
- Bulges in the groin
- Pain during bowel movements
- Soft bulge in the belly button region
- Burning or aching sensation
- Pressure, weakness, or dragging sensation
- Tenderness to the touch
Sometimes a hernia may be asymptomatic; however, that does not mean the hernia should be left untreated. Since hernias do not resolve on their own over time, even an asymptomatic hernia may develop symptoms over time as it enlarges. Your surgical professional will help you make the best decision for treatment during your consultation.
Types of Hernia Surgeries in Phoenix
At Surgical Professionals, our team proudly offers the following surgical solutions for hernia repair:
- Open Surgery: This is the traditional method for treating hernias and may be the best option for your specific situation. However, surgeries of this kind involve larger incisions and a recovery period of about six weeks.
- Laparoscopy: Through this method, several smaller incisions will be made, and a tiny camera will be inserted into the incision along with surgical equipment to perform the procedure. While less invasive in nature, these surgeries tend to take longer; however, the recovery period is much faster and there is a significantly lower rate of infection and surgical complications.
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery: This minimally invasive option allows for complete control over open surgery through laparoscopic means. Surgeons operate master controls through a console to view the operation in real-time, using a robotic arm to perform the procedure. Recovery time is similar to laparoscopy.
Using Mesh in Hernia Repairs
In addition to these three surgical options, your doctor may recommend the use of mesh to repair your hernia. While using mesh can prove effective in bridging the gaps your hernia has created and reinforcing the tissue, there are associated risks with this option that can make surgery more complicated. Such risks include:
- Chronic pain
- Infection
- Blockages
- Leaks
Especially for recurring hernias, using mesh is often the best option as it provides a longer-lasting repair. However, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor to find the best solution for your specific condition.
Potential Hernia Surgery Complications
All surgeries come with their set of risks and potential complications, and hernia repair is no different. While very rare, patients that undergo hernia repair surgery may experience the following:
- Bleeding, pain, or infection
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic
- Postsurgical infection
- Hernia recurrence
- Injury to abdomen
- Mesh-related complications
- Blood clots in legs or lungs
- Respiratory failure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pneumonia
- Death
Your surgeon will review the potential complications of your procedure with you carefully prior to your scheduled operation. Consult with Surgical Professionals to understand all the risks that may be associated with your decision to undergo a hernia repair operation.
Schedule Hernia Surgery With Phoenix’s Surgical Professionals
At Surgical Professionals, our team provides a thorough examination for each patient to determine the best treatment option for their condition. We perform a comprehensive range of general surgeries, including hernia repair, providing an exhaustive consultation prior to scheduling any operations. Our team is dedicated to providing each patient with a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.
Find the treatment plan you need to repair your hernia once and for all by contacting our Phoenix-area team today!