Offers Comprehensive Approach to Simple & Complex Hernias
Stamford Health is now offering a designated hernia center, a new program led by a team of experienced abdominal wall surgeons who treat simple and complex hernias. A hernia occurs when an organ, intestine or fatty tissue squeezes through a hole or a weak spot in the surrounding muscle and connective tissue (fascia) of the abdominal wall.
“Hernias will slowly enlarge over time and do not heal by themselves,” said Stamford Health Medical Group surgeon William Symons, MD, FACS, who is the Director of the new Hernia Center. “Our collaborative team specializes in hernia surgery – understanding that just like every patient, every hernia is different – and tailors treatment to be specific for that individual.”
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) medical devices website, hernia repairs are one of the most common general surgical procedures, with more than one million repairs performed each year in the U.S. A hernia can form due to a variety of reasons, including lifting heavy objects, chronic coughing, abdominal weight gain, pregnancy, genetics or previous surgical incision.
The inguinal (groin) hernia represents roughly 70 percent of all abdominal wall hernias and occurs much more often in men than women. Most hernias can be treated with a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure on an outpatient basis, promoting faster recovery times and less pain.
The Stamford Health Hernia Center also treats hernias that are more complex due to issues including size and location, risk factors and infection, or are the result of a cancer, prior abdominal surgery, trauma or weak abdominal muscles. Abdominal wall defects and complex hernias are serious conditions that can cause discomfort and additional health complications and often require abdominal wall reconstruction surgery. Learn more about hernias and the approaches taken at the Stamford Health Hernia Center or call 203.276.5959 to schedule an appointment.