Hernia procedures are improving
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Doctors at Backus Hospital are using new materials to repair hernias, which allow for better healing and mobility. Approximately 600,000 hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States.
A hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall, in which the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small bubble or balloon-like sac. When a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue pushes into the sac, severe pain and other potentially serious complications can result.
Both men and women can develop hernias. Some hernias are present at birth, while others develop over time. They can be caused by trauma or as the result of a previous operation. Hernias most commonly occur in the groin, around the belly button or near the site of a previous surgical operation.
David Coletti, MD, a general and vascular surgeon on the Backus Medical Staff and Medical Director of Trauma Services, said for larger hernia repairs a synthetic material was used in the past. Now a combination of biological components and synthetic materials are used to repair hernias.
"This allows for better abdominal wall muscle mobilization," he said. "Instead of acting as a bridge to patch the hole, we are now attempting to completely mobilize the abdominal wall muscles for a markedly better repair."
Dr. Coletti said this has reduced the infection rate and complications from the previous Gore-Tex graft.
The biological materials can come from cadavers or animal materials. Right now there are clinical trials comparing the two. All materials have been evaluated and approved by the FDA.
"Each product is a little different in stretch and ‘play,' so there is a learning curve with using them," Dr. Coletti said. He has not yet used the products with animal materials, but may start to soon, depending on the results of the clinical trials.
"We just want to let people know there is another way to do hernia repairs. As a patient they need to understand all the options that are available," Dr. Coletti said.