Hernia Surgery

Hernias form at a tear in the strength layer of the abdominal wall, called fascia. Fascia gives structural support to the muscles and when it is torn, the muscles retreat to where there is fascial support, leaving behind a weakness where a bulge or hernia sac can develop.  Damaged or torn fascia requires surgery. Hernias get larger with time, and if left untreated, can entrap internal fat or even parts of your intestine.  If the intestine is trapped in the hernia sac, it is called incarceration and requires immediate evaluation at the emergency room.  The reason for this is that incarcerated bowels can result in a cut-off blood supply leading to intestinal strangulation, which means the tissue is ischemic or non-viable.  Both incarceration and strangulation are indications for emergency surgery.  We recommend elective hernia repair for this reason, whenever possible.