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Hernia Repair
Hernia Repair in New Jersey
Clear answers. A repair plan built around you.
A new bulge, ongoing discomfort or a hernia that has returned can leave you unsure about what to do next. At Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics of NJ (ASBNJ), our approach starts with understanding your symptoms, your health and the type of hernia you have—not simply choosing an operation.
Our hernia services include evaluation of groin and abdominal-wall hernias, hiatal hernias, recurrent hernias and concerns after a previous repair. We also consider how weight, prior bariatric surgery and other medical conditions may affect your care. A consultation is an opportunity to understand your options; it does not automatically mean you need surgery.
A hernia is more than the bulge
A hernia happens when fat, bowel or another organ pushes through an opening or weak area in the tissue that normally contains it. With a groin or abdominal-wall hernia, the bulge is what you may notice, while the underlying opening is what treatment addresses. Some hernias are inside the body and do not cause a visible lump.
The best plan depends on the hernia’s location and size, whether it causes symptoms, the strength of the surrounding tissue, your overall health and any previous repairs. Some hernias can be monitored. Others should be repaired, and a hernia that traps or threatens the blood supply to bowel needs urgent treatment.
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency care now for sudden or severe abdominal or groin pain, a newly stuck or very tender hernia bulge, or pain with repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or inability to pass gas or stool. Red, purple or dark skin over a painful bulge is also concerning. You do not need to have every warning sign. Do not force a painful or stuck bulge back in.
Call 911 for severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting or symptoms that make it unsafe to travel. Do not assume chest pain is only reflux or a hiatal hernia. Do not wait for a website reply or routine appointment when symptoms may be an emergency.
After gastric bypass, significant new, persistent or recurring abdominal pain needs prompt assessment—even years after surgery and even without a visible bulge. Severe or worsening pain should be assessed in the emergency department. Tell the team that you have had gastric bypass.
The Hernias We Treat
Different hernias need different decisions.
Inguinal and femoral hernias
An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin and may affect one or both sides. It can cause a lump, pressure, aching or burning, particularly with standing or activity. A femoral hernia occurs lower in the groin near the upper thigh. Femoral hernias have a greater risk of trapped bowel and usually need timely repair.
Umbilical, epigastric, ventral and incisional hernias
An umbilical hernia is at the belly button. An epigastric hernia is above it. Ventral hernia is a broad term for a hernia through the front abdominal wall, and an incisional hernia develops at the site of an earlier surgical incision. Treatment ranges from repairing a small opening to rebuilding a larger, weakened abdominal wall.
Hiatal and paraesophageal hernias
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves through the diaphragm—the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. It may contribute to reflux, regurgitation or swallowing problems. A paraesophageal hernia is a type in which part of the stomach moves beside the esophagus. Treatment depends on the anatomy, symptoms and risks; not every hiatal hernia requires an operation.
Sports hernia / athletic pubalgia
Despite its name, a sports hernia usually means an injury to muscles or tendons in the lower abdomen or groin, rather than bowel pushing through a hole. Groin pain during sports needs a careful diagnosis. Rehabilitation is often part of treatment, and surgery is reserved for selected patients.
Internal hernia after gastric bypass
An internal hernia can occur when bowel slips through an opening inside the abdomen after gastric bypass. It may cause intermittent or persistent pain and can lead to bowel obstruction or loss of blood supply. This is different from a hernia you can see or feel under the skin.
Recurrent hernias and mesh-related concerns
A hernia that returns, ongoing pain after repair or a possible mesh infection deserves a fresh assessment. We review the previous operation, current anatomy and symptoms before recommending another treatment. Repeat surgery or mesh removal is not automatically the best answer.
Understanding Your Repair Options
The operation follows the hernia—not the other way around.
Modern hernia repair is an individualized plan
Open, laparoscopic and robotic operations are different ways of reaching and repairing a hernia. Open surgery uses an incision over or near the problem. Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and small instruments through several incisions. In robotic surgery, the surgeon controls the instruments; the robot does not operate on its own.
Minimally invasive surgery can offer advantages for suitable patients, but it is not automatically the best choice. Some large, recurrent or complicated hernias are better treated with open surgery or abdominal-wall reconstruction. The recommendation should reflect your anatomy, the risks of each option and your surgeon’s experience.
Understanding mesh—and why selection matters
Mesh is an implant that reinforces a hernia repair. It can reduce the chance of recurrence in many groin and abdominal-wall repairs, but the decision is not the same for every hernia. Mesh has potential benefits and risks, and some patients are suitable for a repair without it.
Materials include permanent synthetic mesh and products that are partly or fully absorbed over time, including certain biologic materials. The choice also involves where the mesh will sit and how it will be secured. “Newest,” “natural” or “most expensive” does not automatically mean best for your situation.
For many abdominal-wall repairs, the aim is to bring the tissue edges together when feasible and reinforce the closure—not simply cover an open gap. Selected groin hernias may be repaired with an established tissue-based technique. Mesh decisions for hiatal hernias are separate: current evidence does not support a universal rule for or against its routine use.
When a hernia has returned
Recurrence can reflect several factors, including tissue quality, the original repair, infection and health conditions that affect healing. A recurrence does not by itself prove that the previous surgeon did something wrong or that you caused the problem.
Before planning another operation, we may review prior reports and scans, obtain new imaging and discuss ways to reduce avoidable risks. The goal is a plan that addresses your symptoms and the reasons the repair may have failed. No repair can promise a zero chance of recurrence.
Preparing, Recovering and Choosing Care
A successful plan includes the time before and after surgery.
Fast-Track Recovery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a coordinated approach to preparation, pain control and recovery. Our patient pathway emphasizes nutrition, appropriate activity, blood sugar management, smoking cessation and a clear plan for getting home safely. Pain treatment may combine local or regional anesthesia with other medicines to limit opioid use when possible.
Early walking is encouraged when safe. Eating and drinking are restarted according to the operation and your recovery. Hiatal hernia surgery may require a staged liquid-to-soft-food diet; that is different from the advice after a straightforward groin repair. Recovery goals support healing—they are not a promise that everyone will recover on the same schedule.
When weight and hernia care overlap
Higher body weight can increase wound problems and recurrence risk in some abdominal-wall repairs, but weight is only one part of the decision. Nutrition, diabetes, smoking, symptoms and the complexity of the hernia also matter. Your care should be based on a realistic, individual assessment—not blame.
ASBNJ’s combined bariatric and hernia services allow weight management and repair planning to be considered together. The sequence may involve medical weight management, bariatric surgery, hernia repair or selected combined procedures. The safest timing depends on the whole picture. A plan to improve health before elective surgery should not override symptoms that need urgent care.
What to look for in a hernia center
Ask about experience with your type of hernia, relevant fellowship training and board certification, available repair techniques, how complications are managed and the follow-up plan. You should receive a balanced explanation of surgical and nonsurgical options, including mesh where relevant.
Our surgeons participate in advanced surgical training through the Robert Wood Johnson/Rutgers fellowship listed by the Fellowship Council as Program #1535. The program is accredited in Advanced GI MIS, Bariatrics and Foregut surgery and includes complex hernia cases in its training. Training and academic involvement support our approach; they do not guarantee an individual result.
5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
doctors are very supportive
The office staff is great and there is never a long wait. The doctors are very supportive in this new change in your life. Everyone I tell about my upcoming surgery, says that this practice is the best. It’s very comforting to hear others confirm that I made the right choice.
Erik R.What to expect as our patient
Your visit begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history and goals. Bring prior scans and operative reports when available. We explain whether more testing is needed, whether observation is reasonable and what a repair would involve. Preparation, activity guidance and follow-up are then tailored to your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Hernias
What exactly is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when fat, bowel or another organ pushes through an opening or weak area in the tissue that normally holds it in place. The lump is the tissue pushing through; the opening is the underlying problem. Hiatal and internal hernias are inside the body and may not produce a visible bulge.
What causes a hernia? Did I cause it by lifting something?
There is rarely just one explanation. Tissue weakness, inherited factors, aging, a previous incision and repeated pressure on the abdomen can contribute. Lifting may make an existing hernia noticeable, but it does not mean you caused the problem. Different hernias have different risk factors, so the assessment should focus on your particular condition.
What symptoms can a hernia cause?
Groin and abdominal-wall hernias may cause a lump, aching, pressure, burning or discomfort with activity. Some cause few symptoms. A hiatal hernia may be associated with reflux or swallowing symptoms instead. Severe pain, vomiting or a newly stuck bulge is not something to monitor at home—seek urgent assessment.
Can a hernia go away on its own?
Adult abdominal-wall and groin hernias generally do not heal on their own. The bulge may shrink when you lie down, but that does not mean the opening has closed. Surgery repairs the defect; observation may still be appropriate for selected patients. Childhood umbilical hernias are different and often close naturally.
How is a hernia diagnosed? Will I need a scan?
A medical history and examination are often enough to diagnose a groin or abdominal-wall hernia. Ultrasound, CT or occasionally MRI may help when the diagnosis is uncertain or the repair is complex. Hiatal hernias may require different testing. Your clinician chooses tests that will clarify the diagnosis or change the treatment plan.
Can groin pain be something other than a hernia?
Yes. Muscle or tendon injuries, hip problems, enlarged lymph nodes and testicular conditions can cause similar symptoms. A “sports hernia” is usually a soft-tissue injury, not a typical hernia. Persistent pain deserves an examination rather than assuming that every groin problem needs hernia surgery.
Deciding When to Treat a Hernia
Does every hernia need surgery right away?
No. The decision depends on the type of hernia, symptoms, risk of complications and your overall health. Observation may be reasonable for selected patients. Pain, growth or interference with daily activities may make planned surgery more appropriate. A newly trapped hernia or suspected loss of blood supply needs urgent treatment.
What is watchful waiting, and who can consider it?
Watchful waiting means monitoring a diagnosed hernia with a clinician and knowing when to seek help. It may be appropriate for some men with an inguinal hernia causing little or no discomfort, or selected people with a minimally symptomatic abdominal-wall hernia. It is not a general recommendation for femoral hernias or every groin lump.
Are groin hernias different in women?
They can be. Women with a groin hernia are more likely than men to have a femoral hernia, which has a higher risk of becoming trapped. For that reason, advice to simply wait with a groin hernia should not be automatically applied to women. Pregnancy and other individual circumstances require separate assessment.
When should I go to the emergency department?
Go now for sudden severe or worsening abdominal or groin pain, a newly stuck painful bulge, or pain with repeated vomiting, abdominal swelling or inability to pass gas or stool. Skin color changes over the bulge are concerning. You do not need all these symptoms. Do not force the bulge back in or wait for an online reply.
What do incarcerated and strangulated mean?
An incarcerated or irreducible hernia has contents that are trapped and do not return to their usual position. A strangulated hernia has lost its blood supply and is an emergency. Not every trapped hernia is strangulated, but a newly stuck or painful hernia needs urgent evaluation because you cannot safely tell the difference at home.
Can I exercise or use a hernia belt while waiting?
Ask your clinician what activity is appropriate; avoid activities that trigger pain or marked strain until you have guidance. A support garment may help selected patients feel more comfortable, but it does not repair the opening or prevent an emergency. A belt should never be used to press on a painful or trapped hernia or postpone assessment.
Surgical Approaches and Safety
What is the difference between open, laparoscopic and robotic repair?
Open repair uses an incision near the hernia. Laparoscopic repair uses a camera and instruments through several small incisions. Robotic repair is also minimally invasive, with instruments controlled by the surgeon at a console. Each approach can be appropriate. The important question is which method best fits your anatomy, health and repair needs.
Is robotic hernia surgery always better?
No. Robotic surgery is a tool, not a guarantee of a better result. It can help surgeons perform certain repairs through small incisions, but it is not automatically less painful, safer or more durable than other methods. Ask why your surgeon recommends it for your hernia and whether another approach offers similar benefits.
Why might I need open surgery instead of small incisions?
A large defect, extensive scar tissue, prior repairs, infection or the need for abdominal-wall reconstruction may make open surgery the better option. Occasionally a surgeon changes from a minimally invasive approach during an operation to improve safety. A larger incision does not mean you are receiving outdated care; it may be the right way to achieve your repair.
Will I be asleep during the operation?
Laparoscopic, robotic and most complex repairs require general anesthesia, which means you are asleep. Some open groin repairs can be done with local anesthesia and sedation. The choice depends on the procedure and your health. Your surgeon and anesthesia team will explain the plan and discuss previous anesthesia problems, allergies and relevant medical conditions.
Will I go home the same day?
Many uncomplicated groin and smaller abdominal-wall repairs are outpatient procedures. Larger reconstructions, emergency operations and some hiatal hernia repairs may require a hospital stay. Discharge depends on recovery milestones, including safe movement, manageable pain and appropriate drinking or eating. Arrange transportation and any help the team recommends rather than assuming you can drive yourself home.
What are the risks of hernia surgery?
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, continued pain, recurrence and injury to nearby structures. Anesthesia complications and blood clots are also possible. Hiatal repairs have additional considerations, such as swallowing difficulty or bloating. The likelihood and importance of each risk depend on your operation and health; your surgeon should explain your individual risk rather than promise a risk-free procedure.
Mesh: Benefits, Trade-offs and Choices
Why is mesh used for many hernia repairs?
Mesh reinforces a repair and can lower recurrence risk for many groin and abdominal-wall hernias. Think of it as support for weakened tissue—not a guarantee that the hernia can never return. The need for mesh depends on the type and size of the defect, tissue quality, previous repairs and the balance of benefits and risks.
Can my hernia be repaired without mesh?
Sometimes. Selected small abdominal-wall defects can be closed with sutures, and selected inguinal hernias may be suitable for an established tissue repair such as Shouldice. Suitability depends on anatomy and surgeon expertise. A mesh-free repair is not automatically safer or more durable. Ask whether it is reasonable for you and whether the required expertise is available.
Does all hernia mesh stay in the body permanently?
No. Some mesh is designed to remain permanently, some is partially absorbable and some is gradually absorbed. Materials differ in how they provide support over time. An absorbable product does not automatically mean fewer complications or a lower recurrence risk. Your surgeon can explain which material is proposed and why it suits your repair.
Is there one safest or best type of mesh?
No single product is best for every hernia. The decision includes the material, size, position, method of fixation and condition of the surrounding tissue. A product described as biologic, lightweight or new is not automatically the right choice. The goal is to match the repair to your needs and explain the trade-offs before surgery.
What complications can mesh cause?
Possible problems include infection, pain and scarring; less commonly, mesh may affect nearby organs or contribute to obstruction or other complications. Hernias can also recur despite mesh. These possibilities should be discussed alongside the benefit of reinforcement. Pain after a repair does not automatically prove the mesh is the cause.
Should I keep a record of my mesh, and can I have an MRI?
Keep the implant name, manufacturer and identification details if mesh is used. Share these with clinicians if you develop symptoms or need imaging. An MRI decision should be based on the specific implant and any fixation devices, not a blanket assumption about all mesh. The imaging team can confirm the applicable safety instructions.
Recurrent Hernias and Problems After a Repair
Why did my hernia come back?
A recurrence can have several contributors, including tissue quality, infection, aspects of the original repair and health factors that affect healing. Sometimes there is no single clear cause. Recurrence does not automatically mean that your surgeon made an error or that you did something wrong. Reviewing the earlier operation helps guide the next decision.
Can a hernia that has returned be repaired again?
Often, yes. Repeat repair may involve a different approach, reinforcement or reconstruction. The decision starts with confirming the recurrence, assessing your symptoms and reviewing the earlier repair. Some patients benefit from preparation before another operation; others may be better served by observation. No surgeon can guarantee that a recurrent hernia will never return again.
Does chronic pain after surgery mean the mesh should be removed?
Not necessarily. Pain may relate to nerves, scar tissue, recurrence or other conditions. The first step is an assessment—not an automatic second operation. Treatment can include medicines, selected injections, rehabilitation or specialist pain care. Surgery is considered only when the likely cause and the expected benefits justify its risks.
Will removing mesh definitely stop the pain?
No. Mesh removal can help selected patients but may not relieve pain and can occasionally worsen it. It also introduces risks such as tissue injury and another hernia. The recommendation should follow specialist evaluation and a clear discussion of alternatives, likely benefit and the possibility of persistent symptoms.
What should I do if I think my mesh or incision is infected?
Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, swelling, fever or worsening pain. These symptoms need evaluation, but they do not prove that the mesh itself is infected. Treatment depends on the findings and may include antibiotics, drainage or surgery. Severe illness, rapidly worsening pain or faintness warrants emergency assessment.
What records help with a second opinion or complex hernia consultation?
Bring prior operative reports, implant information, scan reports and the actual imaging when available. Include a current medication list and a brief description of your symptoms and earlier treatments. These records help the surgeon understand what was repaired and how. Missing documents should not stop you from asking for an evaluation, especially when symptoms are concerning.
Hiatal Hernias and Reflux
Is a hiatal hernia the same as GERD?
No. A hiatal hernia is a change in anatomy: part of the stomach moves through the diaphragm. GERD is the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus that causes troublesome symptoms or injury. They often occur together, but either can exist without the other. Treatment should address the condition actually causing your symptoms.
Does every hiatal hernia need surgery?
No. Some small sliding hiatal hernias need no operation, and reflux symptoms may respond to lifestyle changes or medication. Larger paraesophageal hernias and hernias associated with significant symptoms, obstruction or other complications need a different discussion. The choice between monitoring and repair depends on your findings, overall health and preferences.
What tests may be needed before hiatal hernia surgery?
Your evaluation may include upper endoscopy, a contrast swallow study, reflux testing or a test of how the esophagus moves food. Not everyone needs every test. The purpose is to understand the anatomy, identify the cause of symptoms and choose a treatment that fits both your reflux and swallowing function.
What happens during hiatal hernia repair?
The surgeon usually returns the stomach to the abdomen and repairs the enlarged opening in the diaphragm. An anti-reflux procedure may be added, commonly a fundoplication, which uses the upper stomach to support the reflux barrier. The exact operation depends on the type of hernia, swallowing function, prior surgery and other health factors.
Is mesh always used in hiatal hernia repair?
No. Mesh decisions at the diaphragm are different from those for many groin or abdominal-wall hernias. Current surgical guidance does not recommend routine mesh for everyone or rule it out for everyone. Your surgeon should explain the expected benefit and potential risks for your anatomy and whether a suture repair is appropriate.
Will I need a special diet after hiatal hernia repair?
Usually there is a temporary, staged eating plan, often progressing from liquids to soft foods. Eat slowly, take small bites and follow the instructions for your operation. Temporary swallowing difficulty or bloating can occur, but inability to swallow liquids, repeated vomiting, dehydration or severe chest or abdominal pain needs prompt assessment. Do not use a generic groin-hernia diet as your guide.
Weight, Bariatric Surgery and Internal Hernias
How does body weight affect hernia repair?
For some abdominal-wall hernias, higher body weight increases the risk of wound problems and recurrence. It is only one factor; nutrition, blood sugar, smoking, the defect and prior surgery also matter. The goal is to improve safety where practical while taking your symptoms and quality of life seriously—not to assign blame or use one number as the whole decision.
Is it reasonable to lose weight before hernia surgery?
It can be reasonable before an elective repair when the expected benefits outweigh the risks of waiting. A useful plan includes support, realistic goals and reassessment. Tell your team if pain increases or daily function worsens while preparing. New emergency symptoms should be evaluated immediately, regardless of whether a weight goal has been reached.
Can bariatric surgery and hernia repair be done together?
Sometimes, but a combined operation is not automatically safest. The decision depends on the hernia, planned bariatric procedure, need for mesh and risks of infection or obstruction. Other patients do better with procedures in stages. ASBNJ’s combined service scope allows these options to be considered together; your surgeon must confirm the appropriate sequence.
Does previous bariatric surgery change hernia treatment?
It can. A surgeon needs to know which operation you had, when it was done and whether you have nutritional problems or previous complications. An abdominal-wall hernia, hiatal hernia and internal hernia after bypass are different problems. Bring your bariatric operative report when possible so the team can plan around your current anatomy.
What symptoms could mean an internal hernia after gastric bypass?
Significant new, recurring or persistent abdominal pain after gastric bypass needs prompt evaluation. The pain may come and go, and a visible lump or vomiting may be absent. Severe or worsening pain, repeated vomiting or feeling very unwell calls for emergency assessment. Tell clinicians about your bypass even if the surgery was many years ago.
Can a normal CT scan rule out an internal hernia?
Not completely. Internal hernias can be difficult to identify, especially when symptoms are intermittent. Persistent or recurring concerning symptoms after gastric bypass may require reassessment and specialist surgical review despite an earlier reassuring scan. Do not assume that worsening pain is harmless simply because previous imaging did not show a cause.
Preparing for Surgery and Managing Discomfort
How should I prepare for hernia surgery?
Preparation may include reviewing medications, improving nutrition, managing diabetes, stopping smoking and planning appropriate activity. Bring relevant scans and previous operative reports. Follow the fasting and skin-care instructions supplied for your operation, and arrange a ride home and support if needed. Your plan should be specific to your procedure rather than copied from another patient’s experience.
Should I stop my regular medicines before surgery?
Do not stop or change medicines on your own. Give the team a complete list, including blood thinners, diabetes treatments, weight-loss medicines, supplements and nonprescription products. Your surgeon, anesthesia team and prescribing clinicians will tell you what to continue or hold and when to restart it. Ask for written instructions when the plan is unclear.
Why do smoking and blood sugar matter?
Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes can interfere with healing and increase surgical risks. Your team may recommend changes before an elective repair to lower those risks. Ask for a practical support plan rather than trying to manage everything alone. Preparation should include a clear way to report new or worsening hernia symptoms while you are waiting.
What is ERAS or Fast-Track Recovery?
ERAS stands for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. It combines preparation, pain and nausea control, safe early movement and appropriate nutrition into a coordinated plan. It is not a race or a guarantee of a certain discharge date. The exact pathway should match the operation and your health, including any restrictions needed after hiatal hernia surgery.
Will I need opioid pain medicine?
Not always. Pain treatment may combine local anesthetic or nerve blocks with non-opioid medicines when appropriate. Some patients need a short course of an opioid. Your team will choose a safe plan based on your procedure and medical history. Do not add over-the-counter medicines without checking, especially if you have kidney disease, ulcers or take blood thinners.
How can I avoid constipation after surgery?
Ask your team for a bowel-care plan, particularly if you are taking an opioid. Walking, appropriate fluids and foods allowed by your postoperative diet may help; some people need a prescribed or recommended bowel medicine. Do not simply treat constipation at home when it occurs with severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or marked swelling—those symptoms need urgent assessment.
Recovery, Activity and Follow-up
When can I return to work?
After an uncomplicated repair, many patients return to desk work in about one to two weeks, and some feel ready sooner. Physical work may require longer or temporary restrictions. Complex reconstruction and hiatal surgery can have different recovery patterns. Your surgeon’s advice should account for your job duties, pain, fatigue and the repair performed—not just the size of the skin incisions.
When can I walk, exercise and lift again?
Walking is usually encouraged early, when safe. Advice on lifting and strenuous exercise depends on the operation: uncomplicated groin repairs and large abdominal-wall reconstructions should not share one blanket restriction. Increase activity according to your surgical instructions and symptoms. Ask specifically about lifting children, gym training and work tasks before assuming you are cleared for them.
When can I drive?
Drive only when your team says it is safe, you are no longer taking medicines that impair alertness and you can move comfortably enough to control the car and stop suddenly. Arrange a ride after anesthesia. A fixed number of days is not reliable for everyone; pain, the operation and medication effects all influence readiness.
Is bruising, swelling or a lump after repair normal?
Some bruising, swelling and tenderness can occur. A fluid collection, called a seroma, may feel like a lump and does not always mean the hernia has returned. A new or growing lump, worsening pain or uncertainty should be checked. Redness, drainage, fever or rapidly increasing swelling needs prompt contact with the surgical team.
Which symptoms after surgery need urgent help?
Seek emergency care for severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, or repeated vomiting with marked abdominal swelling. Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, inability to urinate or trouble keeping liquids down. Do not wait for a routine follow-up when symptoms are getting worse.
How long do I need follow-up?
Follow-up depends on the operation, your symptoms and any complications. Keep the appointments your team recommends and ask who to contact between visits. Even after early healing, report a new bulge, persistent pain or returning swallowing or reflux symptoms. A repair is assessed by function and comfort over time, not only how the incision looks after a few weeks.
Sports Hernias, Choosing ASBNJ and Practical Questions
Is a sports hernia a true hernia?
Usually not. “Sports hernia,” or athletic pubalgia, commonly describes injury to muscles or tendons around the lower abdomen and groin. There may be no visible bulge. Because several problems can cause sports-related groin pain, a careful assessment is important before deciding that surgery is needed.
Does a sports hernia always require surgery?
No. Activity modification and a targeted rehabilitation program are often tried first. Surgery may be considered when an appropriate nonsurgical plan does not resolve symptoms and the diagnosis supports an operation. Return to sport should depend on recovery, strength and function—not a guaranteed date. Your treatment plan should fit the actual injury.
What should I ask when choosing a hernia surgeon?
Ask about experience with your specific hernia, relevant training and certification, nonsurgical choices, alternatives to the proposed repair and how complications are handled. Ask why mesh is or is not recommended, what recovery will involve and what follow-up is available. You should leave understanding both the expected benefits and the important limitations.
Why consider ASBNJ for a complex or recurrent hernia?
ASBNJ’s care model brings hernia, minimally invasive, foregut and bariatric expertise into one assessment. That is particularly relevant when prior surgery, weight management or reflux affects the repair plan. The team also participates in a Fellowship Council–accredited advanced GI MIS, bariatric and foregut training program. Your consultation should still include a candid discussion of risks, alternatives and realistic goals.
Is hernia repair covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan, the medical reason for the procedure, network participation and any authorization requirements. Before scheduled care, ask for confirmation of benefits and an estimate that considers surgeon, facility and anesthesia charges. A benefit check or authorization is not a guarantee of payment. Contact ASBNJ and your insurer to understand what applies to your case.
How do I arrange a consultation, and what should I bring?
Contact ASBNJ to request an appointment. Ask the team to confirm the appropriate surgeon and currently available office. Bring your medication list, insurance information, prior imaging and operative reports when available, along with your main questions. A consultation does not commit you to surgery. For emergency symptoms, use emergency care rather than waiting for an appointment.
Hernia Care Across New Jersey
Whether this is your first hernia, a recurrence or a request for another opinion, contact ASBNJ to arrange a consultation. Our team can confirm the appropriate clinician, available office and records to bring. A consultation helps you understand your options; it does not commit you to surgery.
Testimonials
Patient information is educational and does not replace an examination or your own surgical instructions. This page concerns adult hernia care. Children need age-specific advice. For possible emergencies, use emergency services rather than an online appointment request.
Dr. Ragui Sadek is a premier surgeon who established a state-of-the-art bariatric surgery program in the state. Dr. Sadek has fellowship training in both laparoscopic/bariatric surgery and surgical trauma/critical care, allowing him to safely perform complex surgeries on patients who have been turned down by other practices.
Dr. Sadek is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Having performed more than three thousand advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Sadek has established a strong patient satisfaction rate and a solid reputation among the surgical community. As a board-certified surgeon, he holds affiliations with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of American Gastro Endoscopic Surgeons. More about Dr. Sadek
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