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WHAT ARE HERNIAS?
North Florida Surgeons repairs inguinal, umbilical, incisional and hiatal hernias in Jacksonville, FL using traditional, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques. A hernia occurs when tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weak spot in the wall of the abdomen or diaphragm. The weakness can be present at birth or develop later in life. Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), incisional and hiatal hernias. Most hernias grow larger over time because pressure inside the abdomen keeps pushing on the weak area. A hernia doctor can usually diagnose it with a physical exam, sometimes with an ultrasound or CT scan. If you have a visible bulge, discomfort when lifting or coughing, or pain that gets worse, see an experienced hernia specialist in Jacksonville for an evaluation.
WHY CHOOSE US?
North Florida Surgeons are leaders in the treatment of hernias. Collaborating with our other specialty surgeons, we provide our patients with individualized and comprehensive care from the time of diagnosis through recovery. At North Florida Surgeons, our highly experienced surgical team offers the newest techniques for treating all types of hernias, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical procedures.
Our overall purpose is to help you live the happiest, healthiest life possible as soon as possible. Our patients follow up with us long term and essentially become part of our family!
At North Florida Surgeons our skill in treating all types of hernias has advanced over the years, as treatment options have progressed from traditional incisional surgery, to the use of minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery.
TYPES OF HERNIAS WE TREAT
INGUINAL (GROIN) HERNIA
The most common type of hernia. Tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall near the groin, often causing a bulge that is more noticeable when you stand, cough or lift.
UMBILICAL HERNIA
A hernia at or near the belly button. In adults these tend to get larger over time and are often repaired to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
INCISIONAL AND VENTRAL HERNIA
A hernia that develops through the scar of a previous abdominal operation, or elsewhere in the front of the abdominal wall. Repair commonly uses surgical mesh to reinforce the area.
HIATAL HERNIA
Part of the stomach moves up through the diaphragm into the chest. Hiatal hernias are often linked with acid reflux (GERD). Learn about hiatal hernia repair in Jacksonville. Read about anti-reflux surgery in Jacksonville and the types of hiatal hernia surgery.
FEMORAL HERNIA
A femoral hernia appears in the groin area, just below the inguinal ligament and close to the large blood vessels that carry blood supply to the leg. It is more common in women. Femoral hernias have a higher risk of becoming trapped, so surgeons usually recommend repair soon after diagnosis.
TYPES OF SURGERY WE OFFER
TRADITIONAL
REPAIR
In a traditional repair, surgical mesh is often used to reinforce the hernia repair site providing long-term reinforcement.
LAPAROSCOPIC HERNIA REPAIR
In laparoscopic hernia repair procedures—such as laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs or laparoscopic repairs for ventral and incisional hernias—patients receive general anesthesia and are completely asleep for the surgery. This procedure is less invasive, using only small incisions to insert the laparoscope. Patients are usually able to leave a few hours after surgery.
ROBOTIC REPAIR
Robotic-assisted hernia repair uses a few small surgical incisions, like laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon controls precise instruments while viewing a magnified 3D image. It is often a good option for inguinal, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, and for patients who want a faster return to daily activities.
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN TO SEE A SURGEON
See a surgeon if you notice a bulge in the groin or abdomen, or pain when lifting, coughing or straining. A hernia that becomes hard, very painful or cannot be pushed back in, especially with nausea or vomiting, needs emergency care. Read about inguinal hernia repair, umbilical and ventral hernia repair or learn the early signs you may need hernia surgery.
WHY SEE A HERNIA SPECIALIST?
If a hernia becomes trapped, its blood supply can be cut off. This is called strangulation and it is a surgical emergency. A hernia specialist confirms the diagnosis, tells you whether watchful waiting is safe, and chooses the right repair for your hernia type, size and health: open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted. Our board-certified surgeons repair simple and complex hernias every week.
PREPARING FOR HERNIA SURGERY
Before surgery you will meet your surgeon, review your medicines (especially blood thinners) and complete any lab work. Follow your eating and drinking instructions and plan for someone to drive you home. Our checklist for general surgery walks you through each step.
RECOVERY AFTER HERNIA SURGERY
Recovery depends on the type of hernia, the technique used and your general health. Many hernia repairs are outpatient procedures, so you go home the same day. Most patients walk the same day and return to light daily activities within a few days. Desk work is often possible in 1 to 2 weeks. Heavy lifting is usually limited for about 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions. Read our guide to hernia surgery recovery time.
OUR HERNIA SURGEONS
Hernia repairs at North Florida Surgeons are performed by board-certified general surgeons. Dr. Steven Hodgett has advanced training in robotic, laparoscopic and complex hernia surgery. Meet our surgeons.
HERNIA REPAIR FAQS
Do all hernias need surgery?
Not always. Some small hernias that cause no symptoms can be watched. Hernias do not heal on their own and many get larger over time, so a surgeon should examine yours and explain your options.
Is hernia surgery an outpatient procedure?
Many hernia repairs are outpatient procedures and you go home the same day. Larger or more complex repairs may need a hospital stay.
Will my hernia repair use mesh?
Surgical mesh is often used to reinforce the repair and lower the chance of the hernia coming back. Your surgeon will discuss whether mesh is appropriate for you.
What happens at my first visit with a hernia doctor?
Your hernia doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine the area while you stand and cough, and may order an ultrasound or CT scan. You will leave with a clear plan, whether that is monitoring or surgery.
Does insurance cover hernia repair?
Many insurance plans cover hernia repair when it is medically necessary, but coverage varies by plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
How do I schedule a hernia consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
