Hernias don’t get better on their own and usually have to be surgically repaired to avoid complications such as tissue and organ death. Expert surgeon Kevin Lynch, DO, founder of Odessa General Surgery, uses minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery whenever possible to repair all kinds of hernias. If you live in West Texas and want the most experienced robotic surgeon in the area to evaluate and repair your hernia, call the Odessa, Texas, office today or make an appointment online.
Hernia Surgery
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a condition in which one of your organs or fatty tissue pushes through a break or weak part of another organ and bulges inside it, outside of its normal location.
You’re at risk for a hernia if your muscles or fascia are weak and are subjected to pressure, such as lifting a heavy object, straining while defecating, or coughing. Dr. Lynch repairs all kinds of hernias, including:
- Inguinal — intestine or bladder pushes into abdominal wall or groin
- Ventral — bulge through the abdominal wall
- Umbilical — small intestine protrudes into abdominal wall, near belly button
- Hiatal — upper stomach pushes into hiatal opening in diaphragm
- Femoral — intestines or fatty tissue enters femoral canal, which carries the femoral artery to the upper thigh
- Incisional— intestines push into abdomen at the site of previous surgical incision
Whenever possible, Dr. Lynch chooses minimally invasive da Vinci® robotic surgery or laparoscopic surgery to repair your hernia.
Why do I need hernia surgery?
Hernias cause pain and complications and tend to grow bigger if not treated. Hernias may cut off circulation, causing tissue death, including organ death.
Dr. Lynch recommends hernia surgery if tissue is trapped (incarcerated) in your abdominal wall or is strangulated (cut off from circulation). Contact Dr. Lynch right away if you have symptoms such as:
- Sudden, worsening pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Hernia that darkens
- Hernia that turns red or purple
Dr. Lynch repairs the hernia and places your intestines or tissues back where they belong. He also strengthens the herniated area with surgical mesh to prevent reherniation.
What should I expect from hernia surgery?
All hernia surgery, including minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery, usually requires general anesthesia.
In most cases, hernia surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis and you can go home within a few hours after your procedure is completed. You should arrange to have someone take you home afterward and to take time off from work and other activities.
If you’re a candidate for robotic surgery, Dr. Lynch makes small incisions to repair your hernia, minimizing trauma and bleeding.
The da Vinci’s tiny surgical instruments facilitate stitching of the delicate tissues and applying the mesh. Recovery time is faster with da Vinci robotic surgery than other approaches.
To repair your hernia and minimize your risk for another one, contact Odessa General Surgery by phone or online form.