Hernia Surgery

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A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall weaken, allowing tissue to bulge out of the weakened area. During hernia repair, the bulging tissue is pushed back in and the abdominal wall is repaired using stitches or mesh.

Whenever possible, surgeons at North Knoxville Medical Center use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for hernia repair. Laparoscopic hernia surgery utilizes a thin, telescope-like instrument known as an endoscope that is inserted through a small incision. The endoscope is fitted with a tiny video camera that allows the surgeon to visualize the area on screen and repair the weakened area. Because the procedure only requires small incisions, patients have less scarring, pain and a quicker recovery.

Surgeons perform both laparoscopic and conventional hernia repair techniques for various types of hernias, including:

• Epigastric (mid abdomen)
• Hiatal (upper stomach)
• Incisional (occurring through a scar)
• Inguinal (groin)
• Femoral (upper thigh)
• Umbilical (belly button)