Inguinal Hernia
If you’re suffering from an odd bulge near the pubic bone or groin that protrudes more when you cough, sneeze, or lift heavy objects, you may have what’s known as an inguinal hernia. If left untreated, inguinal hernias could lead to more serious complications, including painful and life-threatening conditions. Don’t wait for your hernia to become serious! Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo is an expert in both open and laparoscopic surgical techniques to repair your hernia with a very low recurrence rate. Learn more about Dr. Nakhjo’s proven methods for Inguinal Hernia Surgery in NYC, and then schedule a consultation to get rid of your hernia for good.
Discover unparalleled expertise with Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo, NYC's premier mesh-free inguinal hernia repair specialist. Performing 400-500 surgeries annually, Dr. Nakhjo offers the Shouldice Technique, a renowned non-mesh procedure designed to deliver optimal outcomes with minimal recurrence. Unlike generalists, our private boutique practice focuses exclusively on this gold-standard approach. Choose precision, mastery, and a personalized experience—because your health deserves the best.
Aspect | Mesh-Free Shouldice Repair | Robotic/Laparoscopic Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Recurrence Rates | Extremely low due to high-volume, precise technique | No evidence of lower recurrence despite advanced equipment |
| Complication Risk | Limited dissection = fewer injuries; outside the abdominal cavity | Extensive internal dissection increases risk to vessels, nerves, bladder, and bowel |
| Invasiveness | Truly minimally invasive: less anesthesia, shorter OR time, no internal organ contact | Labeled minimally invasive, but internally more extensive and disruptive |
| Risk to Vital Structures | Minimal, thanks to targeted, precise suturing | Higher risk of severe or catastrophic injury during surgery |
| Mesh-Related Issues | None—avoids chronic pain, erosion, infection | Mesh can cause long-term pain, adhesions, or erosion |
| Anesthesia Requirements | Often local with IV sedation | General anesthesia required, adding its own risks |
| Operative Time | Shorter (30–45 minutes) | Longer procedures (1.5–3 hours) |
| Long-Term Comfort | Well-tolerated, natural sensation, no foreign body | Risk of persistent discomfort from mesh |
| Surgical Philosophy | Precision and simplicity: “a few expertly placed sutures.” | Overengineered approach for a problem often solved more directly |
A hernia is defined as a weakening of muscles or other tissues that allows for an organ or fatty tissue to bulge out from its normal location. Inguinal hernias occur when abdominal contents push through a weak spot in your abdominal wall. This can occur on one side (unilateral) or on both sides (bilateral). In males, inguinal hernias are most common near the creases in the groin. They can be painful or painless.
Inguinal hernias are not inherently life-threatening. In some cases, they aren’t even painful and can be corrected simply by gently pressing on the bulge, but they will spontaneously come back.
The danger arises when intestine, intra-abdominal fat, food, or waste becomes trapped within the hernia as it protrudes through the abdominal muscle. This situation is known as an incarcerated hernia and can cause infection, obstructed bowels, and the inability to pass gas, as well as severe pain and nausea.
Inguinal hernias can also lead to a condition called strangulation, where the hernia cuts off blood flow to part of the intestine. This is a serious, painful, life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgery and a prolonged hospital stay.
Dr. Nakhjo uses the Shouldice method for inguinal hernia repair. This method is considered the gold standard of hernia repair due to its low recurrence rate and use of natural tissue rather than surgical mesh to repair the defect. The rate of recurrence for the Shouldice method is less than one percent, making it by far the most effective method to cure your inguinal hernia. However, most surgeons are not trained in this method, making Dr. Nakhjo one of the top inguinal hernia surgeons in the region.
Learn more about the difference between the Shouldice method and surgical mesh by reading Dr. Nakhjo's article "Mesh Vs. No Mesh".
During your surgery, you will be under general anesthesia, so you will not feel a thing. (If you wish to avoid general anesthesia, you may have the procedure performed under light sedation and local anesthesia.) Dr. Nakhjo will make a small incision near the hernia, which he will use to perform the operation. Dr. Nakhjo begins by gently relocating the fatty tissue or organ that has protruded through the abdominal muscle back to its proper position. From there, he restores the integrity of the abdominal musculature by repairing each layer individually, thereby maximizing the strength of the repair. This way, Dr. Nakhjo can confidently correct the gap that led to the hernia without using synthetic mesh or foreign objects.
A typical incision for a Shouldice hernia repair is only 1.5-2 inches. Patients may shower the next day, and no sutures are required to be removed. The wound is injected with a long-acting anesthetic, which lasts 24-36 hours, which minimizes discomfort, allowing for minimal pain medicine post-op.
Most healthy adults with inguinal hernias are good candidates for surgery. Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo offers both the laparoscopic and Shouldice methods for his NYC inguinal hernia surgery patients. The Shouldice method is an open, meshless hernia repair method with a very low recurrence rate, making it extremely safe and effective. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that can also be extremely effective, often with slightly less downtime than open techniques.
During your consultation, Dr. Nakhjo will review your health history, your hernia, and your risk factors and help you determine whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
While an inguinal hernia may not feel like much, it can lead to serious complications and injury. Other hernia repair methods have a much higher recurrence rate, which can lead to multiple surgeries. Don’t take those risks! Get your inguinal hernia surgery right the first time with help from NYC’s hernia expert, Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo.
Our "Ask the Dr. Anything" service is tailored to address any questions or uncertainties you may have regarding your hernia troubles. Whether you're seeking clarification on symptoms, treatment options, or our practice, we are here to provide you with comprehensive information and guidance. Please feel free to email us at [email protected]. Under Subject type “ADA," and Dr. Nakhjo will be happy to answer your questions.
Let's navigate the complexities of your hernia troubles together, ensuring you have the support you need for a healthier tomorrow.
Mesh is not required for all inguinal hernia surgeries. During your consultation, Dr. Nakhjo will go over the pros and cons of the different surgical techniques (mesh vs. meshless) and which will be the best for you.
All surgeries contain some level of risk. For most hernia surgeries, the biggest risk is the recurrence of the hernia. However, Dr. Nakhjo’s method reduces this risk down to about one percent. Dr. Nakhjo will give you a complete guide on the risks of surgery and how he minimizes them during your consultation.
Surgery usually takes 20-30 minutes and patients can go home the same day. There are no sutures to remove, and most patients require little to no prescribed pain medication. Most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within a few days of surgery. Work that requires lifting of objects weighing more than 15 pounds usually requires three to four weeks of recovery first.
