Hernia Repair & Abdominal Wall Surgery
Abdominal Wall Repair
Hernia & Abdominal Wall Repair and Surgery in Buffalo, NY

Hernia & Abdominal Wall Surgery

Treating Residents of Buffalo, Tonawanda, Amherst & Williamsville, NY Since 1980

What is a Hernia? A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through an opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.

Although hernias are most common in the abdomen, they can also occur in the thigh, belly button, and groin areas. Most hernias aren’t immediately life-threatening, but they will not go away on their own. Sometimes surgery will be required in order to prevent potentially dangerous complications.

If you have a hernia and would like to learn about treatment options, contact the team at Amherst Surgical Associates, PC. 

Common Types of Hernias

The following are the most common types of hernias:

Inguinal Hernia (Inner Groin) 
Occurs when the intestine or the bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin. These are the most common types of hernias and occur more in men than women because of a natural weakness in the related area. 

Umbilical Hernia (Navel)
Occurs when a part of the small intestine passes through the abdominal wall near the navel. Umbilical hernias are common in newborns, obese women or those who have had many children. When a child has an umbilical hernia, it often goes away on its own as the abdominal walls become stronger.

Incisional Hernia (From an Incision)
Occurs when the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the site of a previous abdominal surgery. Incisional hernias are most common in elderly or overweight people who are inactive after their abdominal surgery. The intestines may push through the incision scar or the surrounding, weakened tissue.

Femoral Hernia (Outer Groin)
Occurs when the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the upper thigh. Femoral hernias are most common in women who are pregnant or obese due to the wider shape of the female pelvis. They sometimes appear as a painful lump in the upper part of the thigh or groin which can be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down. 

Hiatal Hernia (Upper Stomach) 
Occurs when the upper stomach squeezes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. This type of hernia is most common in those who are over 50 years old. Hiatal hernias almost always cause GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) which would cause a burning sensation as the stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus.

Causes of Hernias

Ultimately, a hernia occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through a weakened muscle, tissue, or membrane that would normally contain it. Hernias affect men and women of all ages. Anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen can cause a hernia. All of the following factors can all weaken muscles and make hernias more likely, including:
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Persistent coughing or sneezing
  • Obesity
  • Poor nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Pregnancy
  • Surgery

Treatment Options 

Whether or not you require treatment depends on the size of the hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options for a hernia include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.


Surgeries may be required if a hernia is growing larger or causing pain. A hernia can be repaired by sewing the hole in the abdominal wall during a surgical procedure. Hernias can be repaired with either open or laparoscopic surgery. 


During laparoscopic surgery, a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment are used to repair the hernia using only a few small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is less damaging to the surrounding tissue. O pen surgery requires a longer recovery process that can take up to six weeks. Laparoscopic surgery has a much shorter recovery time, but with open surgery, the risk of hernia recurrence is lower. Not all hernias are suitable for these surgeries, it is best to consult with a professional. 


If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Amherst Surgical Associates, PC today. We specialize in laparoscopic surgery and proudly serve patients throughout Tonawanda, Amherst, Buffalo, and Williamsville, NY.

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