Advanced Hernia Surgery and Treatment

About 5 million Americans develop hernias each year. Hernias can cause a noticeable bulge under the skin, as well as pain and discomfort. Hernias occur when an organ (most often the intestines) or fatty tissue pokes through a weakened area or tear in the abdominal wall or groin. Most hernias eventually need to be surgically repaired to prevent complications, reoccurrences and other serious problems.

At Atrium Health, our skilled surgeons have extensive experience in hernia surgery. We evaluate and repair all types and stages of hernias, including complex cases such as:

• Recurrent hernias
• Chronic groin pain
• Athletic pubalgia (sports hernias)
• Complete abdominal wall reconstructions

Physicians from across the country and around the world refer patients to us for treatment based on our experience, outcomes and innovative treatments for all types of hernias.

Our experts are helping shape the future of hernia surgery and hernia treatment

Our doctors are dedicated to providing excellence in hernia repair, and we continually invest in research to offer the most up-to-date surgical techniques. We also study new approaches and repair devices (bioprosthetics and fixation devices) that are helping to advance the field and benefit patients.

Hernia causes and risk factors

Many hernias are the result of a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall that was present at birth. There are also conditions and habits that can increase one’s risk of developing a hernia.

Potential risk factors for a hernia include:

• Chronic cough
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Straining while lifting heavy objects
• Straining during bowel movements or urination (going to the bathroom)
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications, such as steroids
• Previous abdominal surgery