Treatment

A hernia will not go away on its own. Surgery is usually recommended for treating most hernias. If your doctor recommends surgery, your surgeon will help decide on the best type of surgery for your condition. Washington University hernia surgeons are experts in treating all types of hernias, and they specialize in open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair.

Open Surgery: A cut is made in the abdomen at the spot where the hernia is located. The tissue is put back in place and the weakened muscle is stitched back together.
Laparoscopic Surgery: Smaller incisions, each less than an inch, are made in the abdomen. Small surgical tools are placed through these incisions and used to repair the hernia. Minimally invasive hernia repair surgery usually has a shorter recovery time and less pain than open surgery.
Robotic Surgery: Just like laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery uses small incisions to repair the hernia. With robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console in the operating room and controls the surgical tools from the console. Our hernia surgeons use the most advanced technology available for minimally invasive hernia repair.

Washington University hernia surgeons are nationally recognized experts in all types of hernia repair surgery. Each type of surgery has advantages and disadvantages. After examining your hernia and talking to you about your options, your surgeons will determine which type of procedure would be best for your condition.

Minimally invasive hernia surgery uses smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. Patients who are treated with these techniques usually have a shorter hospital stay and a much faster recovery than with traditional open surgery.

After hernia surgery, patients can usually go home the same day, or after an overnight stay.