Hernias

A hernia is a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The sac comes through a hole or weak area in the strong layer of the belly wall that surrounds the muscle. Which type of hernia a person has depends on where it is:

• Abdominal wall hernia is a weakness in the wall of the abdominal cavity that can especially affect the intestine
• Hiatal hernia occurs in the upper part of the stomach
• Inguinal or groin hernia is a bulge in the groin area
• Incisional hernia occurs at the site of a previous surgical wound

Repair of a hernia in the groin is one of the most frequently performed operations in general surgery. Dr. Hossein Bagshahi repairs groin and other hernias via suturing or placement of a synthetic mesh over the hernia in one of the layers of the abdominal wall using minimally invasive laparoscopy. For hiatal hernias, the advanced da Vinci^® robotic surgical system allows Dr. Bagshahi to use a computer monitor to help guide his instruments through a small incision in the lower abdomen and make several small cuts for hernia repair. This precise technique leaves the surrounding tissues untouched and speeds recovery and return to work.