Hernia Program
Each year, an astounding 5 million Americans will develop a hernia. To put it
in perspective, that number is 4 times greater than the 1.2 million Americans
who will experience a heart attack. What most of us do not realize is that an
untreated hernia can be equally life-threatening.
Hernias Defined
A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in
the body and caused by a weakness or defect in the lining of the abdominal or
pelvic wall. These weaknesses can be present at birth, can develop over years
or occur due to a sudden strain.
Types of Hernias
- Inguinal Hernia (most common in men)
- Umbilical Hernia
- Sports Hernia
- Ventral or Incisional Hernia
- Femoral Hernia (most common in women)
- Hiatal or Epigrastric Hernia
Common Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in the abdominal or pelvic region
- Bulge in the abdominal wall
- Constipation or blood in stool
- Nausea/vomiting
- Urinary difficulties
Specialized Treatment Options at St. Francis
The St. Francis Hernia Program offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment
services designed to relieve the painful symptoms of a hernia and return you to
normal activity as soon as possible. St. Francis offers a range of both minimally
invasive (Minisurgery at St. Francis
TM) and standard surgical procedures including:
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Ventral and Incisional Hernia Repair