Complex Hernia Repair
In recent years the complexity of patients and difficulty of hernia repair has dramatically increased. A growing number of patients have large or complex hernia and abdominal wall defects. These defects may be the result of an incisional hernia related to multiple abdominal operations, surgical resection of the abdominal wall, or catastrophic injury or infection.
In cases of multiple previous failed hernia repairs or catastrophic injury to the abdominal wall, or for very large hernia, advanced hernia repair techniques are often required to reconstruct the abdominal wall properly.
The goal of complex hernia repair with abdominal wall reconstruction is to repair the hernia defect, reinforce the abdominal wall to prevent recurrences or other hernias from developing, recover abdominal wall functionality, prevent intraabdominal organs from protruding through the abdominal wall, and provide a cosmetically-pleasing appearance.
During the procedure, the surgeons may need to rearrange the abdominal muscles in order to close the hernia defect. The abdominal wall is then reinforced with mesh.
The end result of this complex abdominal wall reconstruction is a restored, physiologic and functional abdominal wall with enough strength and flexibility to withstand physical activity and to improve quality of life. When performed properly by specially trained surgeons, complex hernia repair generally has a low rate of relapse, resulting in a long-term functional repair with an esthetically-improved result.
Preparing for Complex Hernia Surgery
Because factors like smoking, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, poor nutrition and previous wound infections can diminish the success of hernia surgery, our surgeons counsel hernia patients before surgery to help lower known risk factors. Smoking cessation, adequate control of diabetes, weight management, and proper nutrition are necessary elements for achieving a successful, lifelong hernia repair.
Our patients are required to have a healthy weight, control their diabetes, and stop smoking before undergoing a complex hernia procedure.
Talk to your physician about whether you may be a candidate for complex hernia repair. A lasting, successful result can greatly improve your mobility and quality of life.