Hernia Repair and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

The abdominal wall reconstruction program offers a team of hernia surgeons dedicated to the repair of abdominal wall hernias.

Hernia Repair

An abdominal wall hernia occurs when the intestine or their surrounding connective tissue (fascia), bulges out through a tear or area of weakness in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). There are several causes for abdominal wall hernias, but most often they occur at a previous surgical incision site, including a cesarean section (c-section). Types of hernias include:

• Femoral hernia is a bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin. This type is more common in women than men.
• Hiatal hernia occurs in the upper part of the stomach which pushes into the chest.
• Umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button.
• Inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin. It is more common in men and may extend into the scrotum.
• Incision wall hernias or port site hernias associated with the laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands
  

Surgery is the only treatment that can permanently repair a hernia, however, you may be a candidate for an innovative, minimally-invasive robotic surgery. Benefits of laparoscopic surgery over traditional surgery include:

• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities
• Significantly less pain
• Reduced blood loss and risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stay
• Small incisions for minimal scarring

Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Expertise, innovation and collaboration are hallmarks of abdominal wall reconstruction program at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy. Firmly on the forefront of quality outcomes and demonstrable results, our program was approved by the Creighton University Board of Governors more than a decade ago and has since treated more than 2,500 complex abdominal wall defects. Here, state-of-the art care is made possible with the support of primary care physicians and of surgeons around the world.

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex, comprehensive surgery to correct weaknesses or defects in these many layers. Abdominal wall defects may be the result of a failed prior attempt at closure, recurring hernias, traumatic injury, infection and the effects of radiation therapy or tumor removal.

CHI Health also offers options for reconstruction surgery to improve the aesthetic appearance of this region after an initial procedure. Our team of physician specialists and staff members have the experience and expertise to manage complex abdominal wall defects. Our program unites expert surgeons from several specialty areas, including: general surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, surgical oncology, abdominal wall reconstruction and plastic surgery.

For more information about the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernia Repair or to request a consultation with our medical staff, please call (402) 717-4836.

Cancer Surgery

Patients with abdominal cancer often have had multiple surgeries and would benefit from abdominal wall reconstruction. These cancers include:

• Peritoneal Mesothelioma
• Appendix Cancer (Pseudomyxoma peritonei)
• Malignant Melanoma

Abdominal wall surgery also benefits patients who have been treated with Intraperitoneal Heated Chemotherapy (HIPC) following de-bulking surgery to reduce the size of ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal, gastric and liver tumors.