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| What is a
Hernia? |
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Hernia repair is one of the most
common major operations performed in the United States. Every
year, over one half million Americans undergo surgery for the
treatment of this problem.
A hernia, most commonly in the groin area, is a tear or weakness in the
abdominal wall allowing the intestines to protrude through.
While hernias are curable with surgical treatment, without
proper repair they will grow larger, with more discomfort and in
come cases the hernia can become strangulated - a life
threatening condition that requires immediate surgery. It is
much better to have your hernia repaired early, rather than wait
until complications develop. |
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What is Laparoscopic Surgery? |
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Traditional hernia
repair uses a 3 to 5 inch incision to patch or close the hernia
defect from the outside. This method produces tension resulting
in significant pain and a 5%-10% risk of failure over time.
Laparoscopic surgery repairs the defect from the inside using
minimal incisions and special video equipment to work behind the muscles.
Because there is no tension, the repair is more durable and less painful. |
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Why is Laparoscopic Surgery Better? |
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Less pain |
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Smaller incisions, no cutting of muscles, and no tension on the repair,
result in a minimal amount of post operative pain when compared
to open techniques. |
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Stronger Repair |
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Because
the hernia is fixed from the inside, like a patch between a tire
and an inner tube, the natural positive abdominal pressure
strengthens the repair instead of weakening it as in an open
repair. This means there is no healing period necessary before
lifting and that the recurrence rate is very low, less than 0.5%
in our experience. |
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Faster Recovery |
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With laparoscopic
surgery the repair is stronger, and the scars are smaller,
resulting in less pain and a rapid return to usual activities.
About half of our patients return to their usual function in two
or three days, and virtually all are back to work and play in
one or two weeks. |
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Smaller Scars |
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Laparoscopic hernia
repair is done through tine "keyhole" incisions, less than 1
inch long. The cosmetic results are excellent and there is less
pain and reduced chance of infection or other wound problems. |
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Why Choose The Hernia Institute? |
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Experience |
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Many studies have demonstrated that the most important factor
affecting outcome of a surgical procedure is the experience of the physician.
Dr. Goldstein has completed thousands of hernia repairs and he not only uses the most
modern proven techniques, but teaches other surgeons the procedure. |
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Friendly |
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Our doctors will take the extra time to insure you know what to expect before and after your hernia surgery, and our staff will work with you to schedule surgery at your convenience. We accept all insurance plans and we will make special arrangements for those without insurance. |
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| What are the Risks? |
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There are many risks associated with surgery, including,
but not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, and pain.
Patients with underlying medical conditions may even be at risk for heart attacks, strokes, or even death.
The doctor will explain these risks and what can be done to minimize them at your consultation before surgery. |
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| Are You a Physician Who Wants to Learn More? |
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You are invited to come watch Dr. Goldstein operate, and he will gladly come to precept your cases. You may contact him at the office, or arrangements can be made through your Bard or Covidien representative. |
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What Other Procedures are Done by The Hernia Institute? |
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While specializing in inguinal and ventral hernia repair,
Dr. Goldstein is an expert laparoscopic surgeon who performs colon resections, appendectomies, gall bladder surgery, hiatal hernia repair and anti-reflux surgery. |
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