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The Hernia Surgical Specialists of Southern California wish to
welcome you to our website and thank you for choosing us as your surgical
experts. We pride ourselves on our 21st century technology and
old-fashioned caring. Our surgeons have obtained the highest possible credentials,
including certification from the American Board of Surgery and fellowship from
the American College of Surgeons. More importantly, we are innovators in hernia
repair with many years of experience. We would like to take this opportunity to
educate you regarding hernias and our unique surgical techniques.
DEFINITION OF A HERNIA
A hernia is defined as the protrusion of an internal organ
through a normal or abnormal opening in the body wall. Most hernias occur in the
abdominal wall through congenital and/or acquired defects. Congenital defects
are opening in the body wall from the time of birth that fail to close, or
re-open over time. Congenital hernias often appear in the groin and umbilicus
(navel).
Acquired defects occur after vigorous straining or injury
causes tears in the body wall. Acquired hernias may appear in the groin, flank,
or at the sites of old surgical incisions.
While the occurrence of hernias is more common in men,
inguinal (groin) hernias are the most common type of hernia in both men and
women. Children’s hernias are routinely congenital. more
Directions to Office
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
The symptoms and signs of hernias are variable. Most
commonly a painful mass of bulge is detected in the groin or are of the hernia,
often after heavy lifting or straining. On the other hand, some hernias are
without symptom and require expert examination to find them. Typical causes of
hernia include sudden twists, pulls, strains, marked weight gain, chronic
constipation, smokers' cough, and an enlarged prostate gland; but brisk coughing
and straining during bowel movements or urination can also be major contributors.
more
REASON FOR HERNIA REPAIR
Hernias are repaired due to the pain they cause, and to
avoid eventual devastating complications. When the herniated internal organ
slides in and out of the abdominal wall defect, a scar reaction is started.
Eventually this organ will scar outside the abdomen,
thus preventing its return back into the normal intra-abdominal position. This
is
termed an incarcerated hernia. Within a short period of time, the blood supply
to that organ (most commonly intestine) is restricted and eventually completely
interrupted. Thereafter , that portion of the organ begins to die, thus
becoming a strangulated
hernia. At this point emergency surgery is required to repair the hernia
and remove the dead organ.
Even in no-emergency situations, hernia repair should be
performed shortly after diagnosis in order to avoid serious complications. more
BEFORE SURGERY
Before any surgery is performed on our patients, we take
great care to explain all the alternatives to surgery in detail. Some people
have used trusses or belts that serve to irritate the hernia and worsen
scarring. Although such methods may diminish hernia symptoms, surgery remains an
ultimate inevitability.
Pre-operative teaching
as to the pathophysiology, pros, cons, risks, and benefits of hernia repair are
reviewed. Hernia surgery is considered minor surgery with inherent minimal risk.
The anesthetic of choice is tailored to the patient’s needs, desires, and
ultimate safety.
Almost all
hernia repairs are performed outpatient or with a short overnight hospital stay.
This enables our patients to quickly return to the comfort and privacy of their
own residence while still retaining the security of a hospital in case of any
post-operative problems or concerns. more
SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
Hernias are repaired not “cut out”. The reconstruction
of the abdominal wall is reinforced with the use of a prosthetic mesh. Mesh is a
space age polymerized plastic that is routinely accepted by the body. In
addition, we use a newly developed suture that stretches with the body while
still providing superior strength. We also offer the most advanced laparoscopic
techniques, whereby the hernia is repaired without an incision. Instead, small
punctures are utilized in conjunction with a video monitor and camera system.
Your surgeon will discuss the benefits of each available
technique with you personally. The choice of technique for your hernia repair
will depend on you individual needs, lifestyle, and work requirements.
Our innovative methods assure our patients the strongest
repair available with an exceptional low recurrence rate as well as a pleasing
cosmetic result. While the average recurrence rate of most surgeons in the
United States is 10%, or greater, the Hernia Surgical Specialists recurrence
rate is less than 1%. more
CONVALESCENCE
Our patients customarily return to their usual work or life
style situation in one to three weeks from the date of surgery. Specific
operative approaches afford our patients the advantage of substantially reduced
post-operative discomfort. more
PROFESSIONAL FEES AND BILLING
Our staff will help the patient with the billing and
insurance process. We are happy to discuss the components of the professional
fee including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and hospital. Workers’ compensation
cases are handled directly through the employer and their insurance company. Our
ultimate goal is to repair the hernia permanently at the most reasonable cost
possible.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Workers' compensation companies are favorably impressed by
our ability to generate reports of special examinations and second opinions
within 48 hours. In addition, these companies are grateful for our successful
early return of the patients to their usual and customary work duties with
minimal temporary disability. more
SECOND OPINION
Second opinion consultations are gladly performed by the
Hernia Surgical Specialists. We are sensitive to this issue and deliver honest
opinions based on our detailed and gentle examination.
OFFICE HOURS
Our office hours are Monday-Friday,
9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. In the event of an emergency, call our office at any time.
We have a voice mail system that is able to contact your surgeon on an emergency
basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
ADDITIONAL NOTE
Although surgery is our specialty, non-surgical care is an
important and integral part of our practice.
DISCLAIMER
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