Hernia Surgery
Personalized care for hernia repair and long-term outcomes.
Robotic hernia repair focused on symptom relief and recovery.
Hernia Surgery Overview
Hernia surgery strengthens weakened tissue and repairs areas where tissue or organs push through muscle or connective tissue.
Surgery may be recommended when a hernia causes pain, discomfort, limits daily activities, or continues to enlarge over time. Our team evaluates your symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging when appropriate, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Inguinal hernias
- Umbilical hernias
- Ventral hernias
- Incisional hernias
- Recurrent hernias
- Symptomatic abdominal wall hernias
When Surgery Is Recommended
Hernia repair surgery may be recommended when:
- Pain or discomfort develops
- Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- The hernia increases in size
- Physical activity becomes more difficult
- Recurrent hernias occur
- Surgical repair is recommended to reduce future complications
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, hernia treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s anatomy, hernia type, symptoms, and treatment goals. When appropriate, robotic-assisted surgical techniques may be utilized to support durable repair, recovery, and long-term outcomes. The Clarus Surgery team provides education, preparation guidance, and follow-up support throughout the surgical journey.
Have questions about hernia repair surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Hernia Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Hernia Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume your regular diet as tolerated and begin walking shortly after surgery.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, fatigue, and mild discomfort are common during recovery and generally improve over time.
Compression Garments
Compression garments may be recommended to support recovery based on your procedure. Patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair should bring firm compression shorts on the morning of surgery for scrotal and perineal support, while patients undergoing ventral hernia repair may receive an abdominal binder after surgery.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Showering is permitted immediately after surgery. Follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
Activity & Recovery
Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, and patients should gradually return to normal activities as tolerated. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be resumed according to the instructions provided by your surgical team.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent bleeding
- Significant abdominal swelling
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach Dr. Porterfield or one of his partners who is on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a hernia surgeon?
A hernia surgeon may evaluate hernias causing pain, discomfort, enlargement, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities. Dr. Porterfield and the Clarus Surgery team evaluate symptoms, anatomy, and treatment options to determine whether surgery may be appropriate.
What types of hernias can be repaired?
Dr. Porterfield and the Clarus Surgery team evaluate and treat:
- Inguinal hernias
- Umbilical hernias
- Ventral hernias
- Incisional hernias
- Recurrent hernias
- Symptomatic abdominal wall hernias
Treatment recommendations vary based on diagnosis and surgical evaluation.
How long does recovery take after hernia repair surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed and individual healing. Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, and most patients gradually return to normal daily activities as recovery progresses. The Clarus Surgery team provides individualized recovery guidance before and after surgery.
Will mesh be used during hernia surgery?
Treatment recommendations vary based on hernia type, anatomy, and surgical goals. Dr. Porterfield discusses repair options and treatment recommendations during consultation.
What should I expect after hernia surgery?
Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, fatigue, and mild discomfort are common during recovery. The Clarus Surgery team provides detailed recovery instructions, follow-up support, and guidance throughout the healing process.
