If you suspect you may have a hernia, your first plan of should be to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP). Hernias will not go away on their own, explains Wesley Hendricks, DO, MSc, FACOS. Your PCP can diagnose a hernia and, in most cases, will refer you to a general surgeon for a surgical evaluation.
That’s where Dr. Hendricks comes in. The board-certified, general, minimally invasive and robotic surgeon at AMA Health Providers is a hernia specialist. As such, he sees patients diagnosed with a hernia on a regular basis. A hernia is the bulging of abdominal content through weakening area of the abdominal wall.
There are many kinds of hernias, but the most common hernias occur in the groin (inguinal), an earlier surgical site (incisional), the navel (umbilical), and in the diaphragm (hiatal). Patients often report a bulge or pain in one of these areas which worsens with bending, coughing or lifting.
“Although hernias are common, men are eight to 10 times more likely than women to develop inguinal hernias. However, adults who are overweight and those who carry heavy loads are at higher risk,” says Dr. Hendricks.
Dr. Hendricks states, “Hernias can occur suddenly and can be extremely debilitating and painful. However, hernia surgery can address this in a safe manner before it may become life threatening.”
Whenever possible, Dr. Hendricks uses minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques for hernia repair. This surgery utilizes small incisions and laparoscopic and robotic instrumentation that go through small holes in the abdomen. Most of his patients do not even require narcotics after surgery. Minimally invasive surgery techniques provide patients with less scarring, reduced discomfort, faster recovery, and gets you back to doing the things you love faster.
To make an appointment with Dr. Hendricks, call 941.559.0262 today. Visit amahealthproviders.com or AMA Health Providers’ Facebook and Instagram pages @amahealthproviders.