Ventral Hernia Surgery in NYC
Hernias will not heal on their own or “fix” themselves. Left unaddressed, they will not get better and may progress to a point that presents great discomfort and even serious medical risks. Don’t take chances.
Traditional laparoscopic/robotic techniques dictate 3-4 separate incisions and require the surgeon to make additional holes through the abdominal wall to secure mesh. Dr. Nakhjo does not do any of this.
The overwhelming majority of our laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs only require 2 small incisions, the mere width of a fingernail. That’s it. Nothing Else. If you have an Umbilical (belly button) Hernia, it may be closed with an open technique few simple sutures without having to use mesh.
These techniques require fewer incisions than a laparoscopic appendectomy or a laparoscopic gallbladder procedure.
We do not offer robotic hernia surgery because there is no clear advantage over laparoscopic hernia repair. Numerous reputable studies indicate that, on average, robotic hernia repairs take twice as long to complete and frequently entail more incisions compared to laparoscopic hernia repair.
Furthermore, robotic surgery comes at a significantly higher cost to achieve the same outcome. Robotic hernia repair proves inefficient in terms of both cost and surgical duration for the majority of hernia patients.
NYC patients seeking ventral hernia repair should know that treatment can involve a variety of procedures, based on their unique needs. Dr. Nakhjo will thoroughly assess your concerns to determine the treatment that will deliver you the best results and minimal recovery.
Diagnosis of a ventral hernia
While a physical examination of your abdomen is often sufficient to diagnose a ventral hernia, your doctor may also order tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, a CT, or an MRI scan.
Preparing for Surgery
Several days before your surgery, you will be directed to stop taking all supplements or medications that may impair normal blood clotting. Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history to determine the type and amount of anesthesia that’s right for you.
While ventral hernia repair is typically performed using general anesthesia, small hernias are sometimes repaired using a spinal or epidural block that leaves you awake but pain-free. Most hernia repairs are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. In some cases, you may require hospitalization for up to several days.
Treatment Options for a Ventral Hernia
Depending on the size or type of a hernia, Dr. Nakhjo may select one of three surgical repair techniques. In “open surgery,” he makes an incision near your hernia before pushing tissues back into place and sewing the area shut. Our laparoscopic hernia repairs are usually performed with two very small incisions through which a small camera and surgical instruments are inserted into your body to guide and perform your surgery. Dr. Nakhjo will choose a surgical strategy based on a variety of factors, including your age, medical history, hernia size, and whether infection is present.
What we don't do:
We do not place multiple sutures through the abdominal wall to secure the mesh. This creates unnecessary trauma, which increases postoperative pain and leads to higher infection rates.
We do not place mesh over the hernia defect without first suturing the defect. Failure to close the hernia defect leads to mesh buckling through the hernia site and an unacceptably high recurrence rate. We close every hernia defect with sutures, then place mesh on top of the hernia defect for a "double repair," which leads to the best possible results.
While laparoscopic surgery is not always sufficient for the repair of large hernias, this “keyhole” surgery has many advantages when it can be utilized, including:
Dr. Nakhjo will always opt for the least invasive, most comfortable, and most effective technique available.
A patient with a significant incisional hernia following major abdominal surgery two years prior initially consulted a major academic center. They advised an open repair involving multiple surgeons, hospital admission for several days, and drain placement. The patient was also informed of a 4 to 6-week recovery period before returning to work. Seeking a second opinion, the patient approached us, desiring a minimally invasive solution.
Laparoscopic abdominal wall reconstruction was completed using two small incisions, taking about 1.5 hours. The patient was discharged on the same day and returned to work within a week. At a one-year follow-up, the patient reported being in good health, fully functional, and without any issues.
Following their ventral hernia repair, patients will be moved to a recovery room where our medical team will monitor their vital signs until they are stable. Dr. Nakhjo will prescribe pain management medication as appropriate. As soon as you are able, it is important that you walk several times a day to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Ventral hernia repair offers long-lasting symptom relief, so you can be healthy, happy, and active. Don’t wait another day to begin your journey toward resolving your symptoms once and for all.
We’re ready when you are. Please book a conversation with Dr. Nakhjo online or by calling (973) 381-9297.
Schedule your New York City ventral hernia repair consultation with Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo at Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Nakhjo is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on reducing the invasiveness of hernia repair surgery through innovative techniques and technologies. He invites you to book your personal consultation today.
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 find the solution to your hernia troubles together, ensuring you have the care you need for a healthier, happier tomorrow.
We will carefully and effectively manage your pain with any needed, safe, appropriate, and effective medications.
Surgical complications, including infection, blood clots, bleeding, and bowel injury, are rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of patients.
That will depend on your medical condition, your age, and the extent of your surgery. Dr. Nakhjo will provide you with detailed instructions. It’s vitally important that you follow them diligently.
All incisional hernias are a specific type of ventral hernias. But not all ventral hernias are incisional hernias.
