Incisional Hernia Surgery Specialist

New York Hernia Center

General Surgeons & Advanced Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeons located in Upper East Side, New York City, NY, Secauses, NJ, & Darien, CT

Incisional hernias can feel incredibly painful and uncomfortable when left untreated. That’s why the dedicated team at New York Hernia Center offers surgical treatment options for patients throughout Brooklyn, the Upper East Side, and the surrounding Metro area of New York City, as well as in Secauses, New Jersey, and Darien, Connecticut. With a team of expert surgeons, New York Hernia Center helps patients through minimally invasive incisional hernia surgery. For more information, call your nearest location, or book an appointment online today.

Incisional Hernia Surgery Q & A

What is an Incisional Hernia?

An incisional hernia occurs after there has been surgery where a cut is made through the abdominal wall. Even after that incision is sewed up, it is weaker than the surrounding tissue.  Over time, the repair in the muscles can break down and develop into a hernia, even if the scar you see on the surface of the skin looks normal. When an incisional hernia occurs it can be due to the fact that the stitches which held the incision closed have come apart or it could have failed to heal properly. Incisional hernias can occur soon after surgery or can appear months or even years later. An incisional hernia can show up after a small or large incision, in only a portion of the incision, and many small hernias can be present along a long incision. They can be quite painful and will require surgery with placement of a mesh to strengthen the already weakened tissue.  

Who is at a Greater Risk for Developing an Incisional Hernia?

Anyone who has undergone surgery on their abdomen can develop an incisional hernia, however individuals can be at a greater risk if they:

  • Have had an infection after the surgery
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have had lung problems after surgery
  • Used steroid medications
  • Are older
  • Have more than one surgery using the same incision

Are Incisional Hernias Dangerous?

All hernias carry with them the chance of intestinal strangulation. This is when the intestine become stuck and twisted within the hernia and the blood flow then gets cut off. If the intestines become strangulated, the pain will be severe and vomiting is often present because the strangulated intestines get kinked or blocked. Strangulated hernias are a surgical emergency, because if left untreated the intestine may die and the situation can become life-threatening for the patient. It is best to have a surgeon address the hernia when it is first noticed to prevent such things from occurring.

What Does Incisional Hernia Surgery Do to Help?

The pain from a hernia will limit physical activity.  During a laparoscopic surgical procedure, the tissue pushing through the hernia defect will be returned to its proper position in the abdominal cavity and the hole in the muscles of the abdominal wall will be closed, and the closure will be reinforced with a mesh to keep the hernia from coming back.  This procedure is minimally invasive because it utilizes thin, long instruments which are inserted into a person’s abdominal cavity through tiny incisions placed from an area of the abdomen not involved with the hernia.  This makes the procedure ideal for treating incisional hernias, with less pain and reduced recovery time.

Insurance Plans

We accept all major insurance plans that provide members with out-of-network benefits. We participate with Medicare and 1199. We do not take Medicaid or any 3rd party managed Medicaid plans at this time. Please call our office for more information at (212) 203-2146.

1199SEIU
Aetna
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Cigna
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
Empire Plan
Fidelis
GHI
Health First
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare/Oxford Health Plans
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