What Is A Hernia? A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through surrounding muscle or connective tissue, called fascia. There are several common types of hernias, but an inguinal hernia is the most common. Inguinal hernias occur most commonly in men when the intestine or bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or groin area. The most common symptom of a hernia is swelling beneath the abdomen or groin area, which may become painful or more pronounced when you strain or lift heavy objects and may disappear when you lie down or relax. Other symptoms include a heavy feeling in the abdomen, which may be accompanied by constipation or blood in the stool and, in cases of hiatal hernias, symptoms may include heartburn and abdominal pain. The Latest Developments Depending on the type of hernia and the severity, your physician may recommend hernia repair surgery. The Institute for Hernia Surgery at McLaren Lapeer offers a minimally invasive approach to hernia repair using the da Vinci® Surgical System, a state-of-the-art robotic surgery system. This procedure provides the surgeon with significantly increased dexterity and control, using smaller surgical instruments and resulting in a smaller surgical incision of .5 inches on average. The 3D high-definition camera offers the surgeon a magnified view, while the surgical console translates the surgeon's hand movements with incredible precision. While each case is different, robotic-assisted surgery typically results in smaller surgical scars, less bleeding and faster recovery times, as compared to traditional hernia surgery. The team at The Institute for Hernia Surgery at McLaren Lapeer is focused on helping each patient achieve an optimal outcome, with less pain and less time off work. If you believe you have a hernia, talk to your primary care physician and ask for a referral to the team at The Institute for Hernia Surgery at McLaren Lapeer Region. For more information, call (855) 331-0300 or visit us online at www.mclaren.org/lapeerhernia.