South Bay Hernia Institute
Our Board-Certified expertly trained surgeons provide the most up to date treatment for a variety of hernias. These include inguinal hernias, ventral hernias, incisional hernias, and umbilical hernias. With over 25 years experience we have been providing exceptional care for our patients while paving the way for cutting edge surgical innovations. We have pioneered the use of minimally-invasive techniques and key-hole surgery. Many hernia repairs can be done through small incisions and patients go home the same day. As such, patients benefit with less pain after surgery, have very small scars, and recover faster. You can feel confident that our surgeons have the experience and compassion needed to provide the absolute best care. Experience the South Bay Surgeon Difference!
South Bay Surgeons provides care to our local community and surrounding neighborhoods. We have conveniently located offices.
The El Segundo office services the surrounding beach cities and communities starting from Santa Monica which includes El Segundo, Marina Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach to Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The Torrance office services Torrance, Lomita and the Palos Verdes Peninsula which includes Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estate, Rolling Hills, and Rancho Palos Verdes.
The San Pedro office services San Pedro, Harbor City, Wilmington and Long Beach.
Regardless of your location please feel free to come into any of our offices and Experience the South Bay Surgeon Difference!
Hernia Q & A
A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube pushes though a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to push into the sac. At times, a hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that require surgery.
Do you feel pain when you cough, strain, or lift heavy objects? Do you notice a bulge under your skin? If so you may have a hernia.
Hernias occur through an area of muscle or tissue weakness allowing for abdominal contents to push through. Hernias do not resolve on their own and usually enlarge if left untreated. Strenuous physical activity, straining, and core body stress can lead to worsening and enlarging of the hernia. The only cure is surgical repair by closing and patching the hernia.
Inguinal hernias are by far the most common type of hernia. This type of hernia occurs in the groin area just below the waist line. The cause is through a weakness or opening of the abdominal wall muscle. This weakness or hole causes the abdominal lining (peritoneum) to protrude through this area causing a bulge and usually pain. A portion of the intestine can get trapped and strangled through a hernia, which may require emergency surgery.
Umbilical hernias are a very common type of hernia. This type of hernia occurs through a hole or weakness at the belly button. The belly button is a known area of weakness caused by the umbilical cord as a fetus. A hernia can occur after extensive stretching or weakening of the surrounding abdominal wall muscle. Most commonly previously pregnant females and the obese are at a higher risk of developing this type of hernia.
Like all abdominal wall hernias, the weakness or hole causes the abdominal lining (peritoneum) to protrude through this area causing a bulge and usually pain. A portion of the intestine can get trapped and strangled through a hernia, which may require emergency surgery.
- Inguinal (groin)
- Femoral
- Umbilical (belly button)
- Incisional
- Ventral
- Hiatal
Surgical repair is the only effective way to treat a hernia. Thus, surgical correction is the recommended course of action for nearly all people suffering from a hernia.
Hernia surgery can be done in 2 ways, either in the traditional way with open surgery or with a newer laparoscopic/robotic technique. In the older method, the doctor creates a 3-4 inch incision directly over the hernia. The hernia content is placed back into the abdominal cavity and a mesh patch sutured around the weakened area. Open surgery takes around 60-90 minutes and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. In laparoscopic hernia surgery, 3-4 tiny incisions, generally less than .5 inches long, are created to repair the hernia. Using a tiny camera and slender surgical instruments the surgeon can gently reduce the hernia and place a mesh patch for stability. As with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery takes around 60-90 minutes and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia.
- Conventional (open)
- Laparoscopic (keyhole)
- Robotic
Patients usually return home 2-3 hours after laparoscopic hernia surgery, while open hernia surgery may require a hospital stay of at least 1 night. Patients who have laparoscopic hernia surgery usually resume full physical activity after 4 weeks, while open hernia surgery patients need at least 6 weeks for recovery.
We are a group of dynamic and expertly trained board certified surgeons who use state-of-the-art hernia repair techniques. Our surgeons have performed thousands of hernia repairs in the South Bay for the past 25 years. Each patient will be carefully evaluated and an individualized tailored surgical approach will be planned.
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