Hernia Treatment and Repair Options

What Is a Hernia?

The word hernia is Latin for “a rupture.” A hernia is a gap that occurs in the muscular wall of the abdomen that protects your internal organs, causing them to protrude and creating discomfort. Symptoms vary between gender and typically do not heal on their own. There are different types of hernias, with the most common developing in the belly or groin areas.

Do All Hernias Need to Be Repaired?

Once a hernia develops, it does not heal on its own. Some hernias can be safely observed for a period of time — especially if they are small and not causing discomfort — but most will gradually grow and cause more noticeable symptoms over time.

Repairing the hernia before it causes problems usually means:

  • An easier, safer operation
  • Lower risk of emergency surgery
  • Faster recovery and less pain

Why Is It Important to Get a Hernia Fixed?

In rare cases, a hernia can trap part of the intestine or fat (called incarceration). If this cuts off blood flow (known as strangulation), it becomes a medical emergency and needs surgery right away.

When to Get Help Immediately

Call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you notice:

  • Sudden severe pain at the hernia site
  • Redness or discoloration over the bulge
  • Nausea, vomiting, or inability to keep food down
  • Inability to push the hernia back in

Repairing the hernia before these complications occur usually avoids bowel resection and results in better outcomes.

What Are the Treatment Options for a Hernia?

Treatment options for hernias can vary depending on the type of hernia and the patient's gender.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Avoiding heavy lifting or activities that strain your abdominal wall
  • Using supportive garments temporarily if recommended
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce hernia pressure

These may be reasonable options if you have no symptoms, but they do not “cure” the hernia — they simply delay repair.

Surgical Treatment Options

At Brown University Health, hernia surgery is performed by MIS (minimally invasive surgery) fellowship-trained abdominal wall specialists at a designated Abdominal Wall Fellowship Program, one of only a handful in the nation.

Our team offers the full spectrum of repair options:

  • Open repairs for certain complex or recurrent hernias
  • Minimally invasive repairs (laparoscopic or robotic), including retro-rectus (Rives-Stoppa) and transversus abdominis release (TAR) techniques

What Are the Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Surgery Repair?

Benefits of a minimally invasive surgical repair include:

  • Smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery
  • Lower wound infection and complication rates
  • Precise dissection and mesh placement using advanced 3D visualization
  • Same-day or next-day discharge for most patients
  • Quicker return to normal activity and work

What Can I Expect with Hernia Surgery?

You and your surgeon will review the type of surgery that is right for your condition.

Before Hernia Surgery

Before hernia surgery, you can expect:

  • A comprehensive evaluation and discussion of your hernia type
  • A review of your overall health and any risk factors
  • Education about anesthesia, pain control, and recovery plan
During Hernia Surgery

During hernia surgery:

  • Depending on the size and complexity of the hernia, surgery may take one to three hours
  • Most minimally invasive procedures are outpatient or require an overnight stay
After Hernia Surgery

After hernia surgery:

  • Expect mild-to-moderate pain for the first week — managed with modern pain protocols
  • Gradual return to normal activities (walking is encouraged immediately)
  • Avoid lifting anything (item, pet, human) that is more than 15 pounds for several weeks
  • Follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure long-term success

Why Choose Brown University Health for Hernia Repair?

We offer expert, personalized hernia care backed by advanced techniques and a commitment to long-term outcomes.

  • Academic expertise: Your case is handled by fellowship-trained abdominal wall surgeons who also train the next generation of MIS (minimally invasive surgery) surgeons.
  • Advanced techniques: Robotic and laparoscopic approaches that combine precision with durability.
  • Personalized care: Each repair is tailored to your hernia, your body, and your goals.
  • Comprehensive follow-up: We track outcomes to continuously improve results.

Learn more about hernias

General and Gastrointestinal Surgery