Hernia specialists in Savannah, Georgia
A hernia can cause discomfort, pain and worry, but you don’t have to manage it alone.
At Memorial Health University Medical Center, our experienced team provides compassionate, personalized care for hernias using advanced techniques designed to relieve symptoms and support a smooth recovery.
Diagnosing and treating hernias
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in determining the right approach to your care. After a thorough evaluation, we’ll recommend whether your hernia can be safely monitored or if surgical treatment is the best option.
Experts in hernia repair
Our surgeons specialize in advanced hernia repair procedures. Memorial Health is proud to be recognized by the Surgical Review Corporation as both a Hernia Surgery Center of Excellence and a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence.
What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when part of an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in muscle or tissue. Many hernias appear as a lump or bulge, which may be more noticeable when you cough, lift or strain. The bulge may go away when you lie down or when you gently push it back in.
Hernia treatment depends on the type, size and severity of your symptoms. Some small or minimally symptomatic hernias may be safely monitored over time, while others require surgical repair to prevent discomfort or complications.
How is a hernia diagnosed?
Hernias are typically diagnosed through a physical exam and a review of your symptoms. Your provider may gently examine the area while you stand, cough or strain to see if a bulge becomes more noticeable. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis or better understand the size and location of the hernia before recommending treatment.
Types of hernias we treat
Our physicians have experience treating various types of hernias, including:
- Hiatal hernia: Part of the stomach moves up through the diaphragm and into the chest
- Incisional hernia: Develops at or near a previous surgical incision
- Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall
- Ventral hernia: Occurs in the abdominal wall (often near the belly button or at a previous incision)
Complex incisional hernias
If you have a complex incisional hernia, you may experience a number of symptoms. They may get quite large, be open or ulcerated or have an infected mesh. You may experience pain or discomfort and some people feel a burning or aching sensation particularly when straining, lifting or exercising.
Hernia surgery
Hernia repair surgery closes and reinforces the weak area that caused the hernia. This used to be an open procedure, requiring large incisions and a lengthy recovery, but our surgeons repair hernias using robotic technology whenever possible because of the potential benefits from this type of minimally invasive surgery, including less scarring and a faster recovery.
During a robot-assisted hernia procedure, your surgeon makes a few small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a tiny camera to clearly view the hernia. Seated at a nearby console, the surgeon precisely controls the robotic arms, placing specialized instruments through these incisions. The robotic system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into steady, highly controlled motions to repair the hernia with enhanced visibility and accuracy. The surgeon will then reposition the organ, reinforce the weak area and close the small incisions.