Hernia Repair

Hernia Repair

If you experience a bulge, pain, or pressure in your abdomen or groin, you might have a hernia. Left untreated, hernias can worsen over time, potentially leading to serious complications. Dr. Daniel Gay, a board-certified general surgeon in Boise, offers advanced hernia repair solutions focusing on patient safety, faster recovery, and long-term success. His expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures allows patients to receive high-quality care with less downtime and reduced risk of complications.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Most hernias develop in the abdomen and are triggered by anything that increases pressure in this area, such as heavy lifting, chronic coughing, straining during bowel movements, or obesity. Factors like poor nutrition, smoking, and aging can also weaken the abdominal wall, increasing the risk.

• A visible bulge in the abdomen or groin
• Pain or discomfort when lifting, coughing, or standing
• Burning or aching sensation at the site
• Constipation or difficulty passing stool
• Nausea and vomiting (in severe cases)
• Pressure or heaviness in the abdomen

Some hernias are asymptomatic and discovered only during routine exams. However, even painless hernias can lead to serious issues like bowel obstruction or strangulation if not adequately addressed.

Types of Hernias Dr. Gay Treats

Dr. Gay has extensive experience diagnosing and treating all significant types of hernias using state-of-the-art surgical techniques. Common types include:

Inguinal Hernia

It occurs when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through the inguinal canal in the groin, which is more common in men.

Femoral Hernia

Abdominal contents push through the femoral canal, which carries blood vessels into the upper thigh. These are more common in women and can present with groin discomfort or leg pain.

Umbilical Hernia

Fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes near the belly button. While often seen in infants, it can persist or develop in adults due to abdominal strain.

Incisional Hernia

It occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision when the abdominal wall doesn't fully heal, allowing tissues to push through.

Hiatal (Hiatus) Hernia

Part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. These are often linked to acid reflux and digestive symptoms.

Other Hernias

Less common but treatable hernias include epigastric, parastomal, and spigelian hernias.

Advanced Hernia Repair Options in Boise

The right treatment plan depends on the size, type, location, and severity of the hernia, as well as your general health. In some cases, small asymptomatic hernias can be monitored. However, surgery is the only definitive treatment and is highly recommended for larger or symptomatic hernias to prevent complications.

Dr. Gay Specializes In:

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repair
• Robotic-assisted hernia repair for precision and faster recovery
• Customized treatment plans with or without mesh, based on patient risk and needs

Why Dr. Gay Uses Fully Resorbable Mesh

Unlike traditional permanent mesh, Dr. Gay offers the option of a fully resorbable mesh designed to promote strong healing and tissue integration without the long-term complications associated with synthetic materials.

This innovative mesh features:

• 4HB scaffold (a biologically derived substance found in the brain, heart, and muscles)
• Hydrogel barrier to prevent tissue adhesion to surrounding organs
• 3x the required strength for hernia repair within 12 months, as shown in preclinical studies

This approach combines the structural benefits of synthetic mesh with the biocompatibility of natural tissue regeneration, reducing the chance of rejection or chronic pain.

Biological and Non-Biological Mesh Options

Depending on your specific condition, hernia type, and surgical needs, Dr. Daniel Gay may recommend either biological or non-biological mesh for your hernia repair.

• Biological Mesh: Made from processed human or animal tissues, biological mesh is designed to integrate naturally with the body's tissues and is often used in patients with higher infection risk or complex hernia cases.
• Non-Biological Mesh: These synthetic options, including fully resorbable meshes, provide strong, long-term reinforcement and are typically used for standard hernia repairs where maximum strength and durability are needed.

Dr. Gay carefully selects the type of mesh that will offer the safest, most effective results based on your individual case, ensuring you receive personalized, evidence-based care.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Pre-Surgery:

Dr. Gay will perform a complete evaluation, review imaging (if needed), and explain your options in detail. You’ll receive personalized guidance on preparing, including fasting, medication adjustments, or pre-op instructions.

During Surgery:

Using small incisions, Dr. Gay repositions the herniated tissue and reinforces the abdominal wall with sutures or mesh, depending on your unique case. Laparoscopic and robotic procedures minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and typically allow same-day discharge.

Recovery:

• Most patients return to regular activity within 3–6 weeks
• Pain, swelling, and fatigue are normal in the first few days
• You'll receive detailed post-op care instructions, including how to care for your incisions, what to eat, and when to follow up

Schedule Your Hernia Repair Consultation Today

If you're experiencing hernia symptoms or have been diagnosed and want expert care from a trusted Boise surgeon, schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Gay today. With hundreds of successful hernia repair surgeries, he combines precision surgical techniques with compassionate care to ensure the best possible outcomes.