My City Wellness Spring 2021

ADVERTORIAL

BY KATHERINE NEGELE

H ernias account for more than 1 million surgeries in the U.S. each year.Although they occur in adults and children alike, men over 40 are most susceptible—men have about a 25% lifetime risk of developing one, whereas women have less than a 5% risk. A hernia forms when tissue or an organ, often the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding tissue or muscle, typically the abdominal wall.Weak spots may be present at birth or develop over time due to risk factors, like smoking, persistent coughing, obesity, straining during bowel movements and overexertion. Hernias aren’t always dangerous,but they can cause pain or even progress to an emergency situation if left untreated.When ignored too long,a hernia could become stuck in the abdominal wall, cutting off the intestine’s blood supply.Telltale signs of a hernia are pain or tenderness in the groin,a small bulge that can be pushed back in and is more visible when straining or coughing,and problems eating or having bowel movements. However,up to a third of patients experience no pain at all.Even then, reviewing treatment options shouldn’t be postponed. It’s a common misconception that nothing has to be done if a hernia isn’t causing pain.As Dr. Kristoffer Wong,DO, FACOS, explains, “That can lead to problems because usually hernias get bigger over time and the next thing you know, what would’ve been a simple hernia repair with a quicker recovery ends up being a large hernia repair, with more downtime,more time off from work and more recovery.The key is to get you back to 100% as soon as possible.” Not all hernias require surgery,but they also won’t go away on their own. Speaking with an expert will let you know your options.At Hurley’s Hernia

Center—the region’s ONLYHernia Center of Excellence—our board certified physicians work with each patient to determine the best treatment method for them.For some, that’s surgery,while for others, the watchful waiting approachmay work.However, since 70–80%of such patients end up requiring surgery within 10 years,Hurley’s hernia specialists provide patient education to help you weigh your options. This personalized approach extends to the type of surgery patients can elect.As a Hernia Center of Excellence,Hurley’s surgeons are able to tackle even the trickiest hernia repairs. But that doesn’t mean they don’t see plenty of standard, run-of-the-mill hernias.Hurley’s advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive robotic or laparoscopic procedures, are safe and fully effective. Leo Mercer, MD, FACS, notes, “The Hurley Hernia Center of Excellence offers a comprehensive approach to hernias and that means choosing the right repair for the patient so they can get back to work and play.” Patients find comfort in knowing that at Hurley’s Hernia Center of Excellence, surgeons skillfully performhernia repairs all the time— hundreds each year, in fact.While general surgeons elsewhere can operate on hernias, they simply don’t see as many—or as complex—hernias as specialists at aHernia Center of Excellence.At Hurley’s Hernia Center of Excellence,you can rest assured that nomatter how routine or complex your procedure is,your surgeon has performed hundreds just like it,with excellent outcomes and rapid recoveries. When it comes to hernias, trust the experts at the region’s ONLY Hernia Center of Excellence: Hurley’s Hernia Center. Call (810) 262-6555 to schedule an appointment today. x