Hernia Surgery
“When we see a patient, we don’t just see someone with a hernia that needs to be repaired. We often see a person with disease and risk factors for hernias and hernia recurrence whom we can help with other types of intervention.” – Alfredo Carbonell, D.O., Co-director of GHS UMG Hernia Center
The Greenville Hospital System University Medical Group Hernia Center is a regional referral and teaching center specializing in hernia care. With an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of hernias, the center is raising the bar in patient safety and successful outcomes.
Founding co-directors, Alfredo Carbonell, D.O. and William Cobb, M.D., are fellowship-trained, minimally invasive surgeons with a special interest in hernia repair. These nationally recognized experts in innovative hernia surgery and research have trained surgeons throughout the United States and other countries in both simple and complex hernia repair procedures.
The center’s emphasis on physician education and outcomes analysis, along with its participation in clinical trials and biomaterials research, means that it can offer patients the most up-to-date treatments and advanced technology available.
What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall weaken, then bulge or tear. The inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area to form a balloon-like sac. When a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue slips into the sac, pain and potentially serious health problems may occur. Symptoms include a noticeable bulging in the groin area or abdomen, pain while lifting heavy objects, a dull ache in the groin area or a vague sensation of fullness.
Hernias can develop in anyone. Many hernias are the result of a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall present since birth. The area can also be weakened by age, injury or earlier surgical incision. Risk factors for hernia formation include:
How are hernias repaired?
In general, all hernias should be repaired unless severe pre-existing medical conditions make surgery unsafe.
Types of surgery include:
Suturing - a few muscular defects can simply be sutured closed with good results. Most, however, require more advanced surgical techniques.
Mesh - a piece of prosthetic material. The mesh is inserted through an incision in the abdomen or groin and sutured into position. The placement of a mesh helps reduce tension on the wound, reduce the chance of recurrence of the hernia and reduce pain.
Laparoscopic Placement of Mesh - a technique often described as a minimally invasive approach. It requires three or four small incisions. The mesh is secured below the abdominal muscles and hernia.
Each technique has its benefits, and it is important to discuss with your physician the options available.
Ancillary Services
As appropriate, the Hernia Center offers special services to patients such as nutritional counseling and action plans for underlying health issues related to hernia problems, such as smoking and obesity.
Corporate Hernia Program
As a way of reaching out into the community to make hernia care more accessible, the center offers a Corporate Hernia Program. This program gives upstate employers an expedited process for enrolling executives and employees of all levels for hernia care procedures.
Click here to view a video message from Alfredo Carbonell, D.O., Co-director of GHS UMG Hernia Center
For more information or call (864) 234-7540 or toll-free 1-877-235-7540.