Hernia Care

Comprehensive Hernia Care

At the University of Chicago Medicine, we believe every patient is unique, and our experienced surgeons offer a diverse range of surgical techniques to provide tailored treatment for every patient, including those with complicated conditions that cannot be treated elsewhere. Our team is nationally recognized for advanced hernia surgery and personalized care.

Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we strive to help our patients achieve the best possible outcomes from their hernia surgery. It is our goal to provide excellence in hernia care, serving the city of Chicago and beyond.

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UChicago Med Hernia team photo — UChicago Medicine's renowned hernia care team

What is a hernia?

A hernia is a weakness or hole in the muscles of the abdomen through which soft tissue, such as fat or intestines, can pass through.

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Hernias may appear as an asymptomatic bulge, or they may cause discomfort or pain. When the intestines are trapped in the hernia, the bowels can become obstructed or blocked, which may require surgery to relieve the obstruction.

In some cases, the blood supply to herniated bowel can be interrupted, known as strangulation, and this can cause the affected bowel to die. This can result in a life-threatening infection that requires emergency surgery.

When does a hernia need to be fixed?

Some hernias, such as small, asymptomatic inguinal (groin) or umbilical (belly button) hernias, can be safely observed, provided your surgeon agrees it is safe to do so.

A hernia should be repaired if it is symptomatic (e.g. pain, obstructive symptoms), enlarging, interfering with mobility or abdominal wall function, or at increased risk of emergent complications.

When to seek emergency medical attention:

Severe pain, swelling, or redness at the hernia site
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation, bloating, or inability to pass gas
Fever

How are hernias treated?

Hernia surgery can be performed using open and minimally invasive techniques. In general, the surgery involves returning the hernia contents back to the proper location, closing the hole in the muscle, and reinforcing the closure with a permanent or temporary mesh.

What conditions do you treat?

Incisional hernia
Ventral hernia and umbilical hernia
Inguinal and femoral hernia
Parastomal hernia
Flank and lumbar hernia
Loss of domain
Rectus diastasis
Sports hernia
Chronic groin pain
Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia
Diaphragm hernia

Treatment Options

Minimally Invasive Repairs

Minimally invasive hernia repair uses multiple small incisions to access the hernia. The abdomen is inflated with gas and the hernia is repaired with the assistance of a small camera, called a laparoscope, and specialized instruments.

The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include the potential for less scarring, less postoperative pain, lower risk of wound infection, and shorter hospital stay/return to normal activities. However, not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive hernia repair.

Minimally invasive techniques include both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches.

Open Hernia Repairs

Specific Procedures

Complex abdominal wall reconstruction

Abdominal wall reconstruction involves separating, and in some cases dividing, the muscles of the abdominal wall to reduce tension and close large hernia defects.

Depending on the nature and anatomy of your hernia, this can be performed open or using a robotic-assisted approach.

Sports hernia

Sports hernia repairs address chronic groin pain often related to repetitive stress or injury. Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis and may involve minimally invasive surgery.

PoRSHA

At the University of Chicago, our surgeons have pioneered a new technique for the repair of hiatal and paraesophageal hernias using the patient’s own tissue to reinforce their repair. Learn more.

Mesh-free hernia repair

Depending on the type and anatomy of your hernia, mesh-free options may be considered, if preferred.

Preparing for Surgery

Meeting With Your Surgeon

After you request an appointment, or if a referral is placed, you will be scheduled for a meeting with one of our hernia team members. During this visit they will review your medical history and provide recommendations for the management of your hernia.

At this visit you should be prepared to discuss:

Your symptoms
Your medical history
Questions you have about your hernia and its treatment

Prehabilitation

Depending on the extent of the planned operation and your overall fitness for surgery, your surgeon may request you make modifications to your lifestyle to decrease your risk of surgery. Potential areas of intervention may include:

Smoking cessation
Daily exercise
Optimizing blood sugar control
Consultation with other services:
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Pain medicine services

Pre-Operation Evaluation

Day of Surgery

Make sure to follow any preoperative instructions from your surgical team (i.e. holding any medications, not eating the day of surgery). If your procedure requires a stay in the hospital, make sure to bring anything you will need during your stay.

Recovery After Surgery

Hospital Stay

Discomfort After Hernia Surgery

Postoperative Restrictions

Returning to Work

Possible Complications

Why Choose Us

Academic medical center and quaternary referral center
Expertise in repairing complex and recurrent hernia
Robotic and minimally invasive techniques that allow for outpatient recovery in select cases
Mesh-free options or alternatives when appropriate
Multiple convenient locations throughout the Chicagoland area

Our Experts

Vanessa Buie, MD, MBA

General Surgery

Mustafa Hussain, MD

Bariatric Surgery

Alex Lois, MD, MS

General Surgery

Vivek N. Prachand, MD

Bariatric Surgery

Yalini Vigneswaran, MD, MS

Gastrointestinal Surgery (GI Surgery)

Our Locations

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

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