What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when the inner layers of the abdominal wall weaken or tear, allowing tissues or organs to push through. This often presents as a bulge and can cause discomfort or pain. Most hernias are found near the groin but can also appear around the navel, below the groin, or at the site of a previous incision.
The highly skilled surgeons of the TriHealth Comprehensive Hernia Program focus on the repair of all types of hernias, using both open and minimally invasive methods. Our surgeons and staff have made hernia repair a significant focus of their practice and they are dedicated to the care of hernia patients.
Why you should choose TriHealth for Hernia Care
At the TriHealth Comprehensive Hernia Center, we have a strong interest in pre-habilitation, minimally invasive hernia repair (both laparoscopic and robotic), complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, and postoperative rehabilitation of hernia patients. We have the most advanced preoperative optimization techniques to care for hernia patients with significant comorbid conditions including diabetes, tobacco use, collagen disorders, and obesity.
Through the TriHealth Comprehensive Hernia Program, patients reap the benefits of surgical expertise through:
Experienced Surgeons: Our specialized surgeons in the TriHealth Comprehensive Hernia Program perform approximately 1,000 repairs annually.
Types of Hernias
Epigastric/Umbilical Hernia
Hiatal or Paraesophageal Hernia
Inguinal/Femoral Hernia
Ventral Hernia
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of a hernia often mimic other conditions. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bulge in the abdomen or groin, constipation, nausea, or pain that worsens with activity.
If you are at high risk for a hernia due to certain factors including age, obesity, trauma, pregnancy, stress injury or previous abdominal surgery, and suffer from one of these symptoms, a healthcare provider will start with a physical examination and potentially order diagnostic imaging.
Treatment Options
Not all hernias require surgery. Our surgeons do a thorough evaluation to determine the best way to treat each case and provide individualized plans unique to each patient. Some hernias may require rest and physical therapy, while others may require surgery for repair.
For surgical options, the procedure chosen will be due to the type and severity of the hernia. Your surgeon will provide you with the best option for to have the greatest chance for a successful hernia repair.
Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC)
We participate in the The Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) which aims to improve the value in hernia care delivered to patients. Formed in 2013 by hernia surgeons in private practice and academic settings, the AHSQC utilizes concepts of continuous quality improvement to improve outcomes and optimize costs. This is accomplished through patient-centered data collection, ongoing performance feedback to clinicians, and improvement based on analysis of collected data and collaborative learning. This data base currently includes over 60,000 patients and over 400 surgeons from across North and South America.
We are the only surgeons in Southern Ohio, Southern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky to participate in this database. This information supports national improvement protocols to care to include but not limited to improved clinical pathways, appropriate mesh products, surgical technique, and hernia prevention both initial and reoccurring.
TriHealth Comprehensive Hernia Program is also a member of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative.