The Columbia Hernia Center brings together a group of world-class physicians focused on delivering the highest-quality hernia care possible.
What sets us apart
Fellowship-Trained Experts
All of our surgeons are fellowship trained in advanced hernia repair and recognized as thought leaders in hernia surgery.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Our surgeons are highly skilled in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which our research has shown can improve outcomes and quality of life compared with traditional methods.
Excellence Without Compromise
We are committed to outstanding clinical care, groundbreaking research, advanced surgical techniques, and uncompromising outcomes for patients across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond.
Located in New Jersey? To be seen at our NJ outpatient offices, call our main line at (212) 305-2038 to schedule an appointment.
Who We Treat
The Columbia Hernia Center offers care for those dealing with a new or recurrent hernia, no matter the complexity. To learn about some of the conditions we frequently treat and treatments we offer, read the below Health Guides. These guides include information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Conditions We Treat
- Inguinal (Groin) Hernias
- Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia
- Ventral Hernias
- Spigelian Hernias
- Incisional Hernias
- Recurrent Hernias
- Hernia Incarceration/Strangulation
- Rectus Diastasis
- Lumbar, Obturator, and Flank Hernias
- Sports Hernia (Athletic Pubalgia)
- Chronic Groin or Abdominal Wall Pain after Hernia Repair
- Paraesophageal Hernias
- Diaphragmatic Hernias
Treatments We Offer
- Open Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
- Robotic Hernia Repair
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
- Component Separation
- Totally Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair
- Non-Mesh Hernia Repair (Suture only repair)
- Mesh Excision
- Nerve Injections for Chronic Pain
- Nerve Resection
- Sports Hernia treatment
- Hernia Repair under Minimal Anesthesia
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repair
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
- Other General Surgery Procedures (i.e. gallbladder removal, lipoma or cyst removals)
These guides include information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for some of the conditions we treat most frequently.
Learn about common tests and procedures by reading our educational health guides.
Overcoming Hernia after C-Section and Regaining Life as a New Mom
Highlights of Our Care
Comprehensive Hernia Care
At the Columbia Hernia Center, we are wholly dedicated to the care of hernia patients. As such, we ensure that our patients get the most expert care around. Whereas other surgeons may perform hernia repair as a small portion of our practice, you’ll see each of our practitioners as absolute experts in the field of hernia surgery. Because of this we can offer advanced hernia repair techniques not offered anywhere else with outcomes that are superior to any nearby center. At the Columbia Hernia Center, we also collaborate with physicians specializing in rehab medicine, physical therapy, sports medicine, interventional radiology, clinical nutrition, and orthopedic surgery. Because these specialties are all a part of the Hernia Center, you are always seen by physicians who are all familiar with the hernia repair and recovery process. When we fix hernias, we strive to do it with the most advanced and minimally invasive techniques available, to get you back to living your life to the fullest. When you are worried about getting your hernia fixed, do it right, the first time.
Pioneering Treatments
Abdominal wall and groin hernia repair techniques have undergone major advances in recent years, leading to smoother recovery, a reduction in recurrence rates, and a decrease in pain. One such technique was pioneered by the Hernia Center’s director, Dr. Yuri Novitsky: The transversus abdominis release. This allows for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall in order to fix massive hernias which were once thought unfixable. This technique has even been extended to be performed robotically, which allows for patients undergoing major abdominal wall reconstruction to even leave the hospital after a day or so.
Groundbreaking Research
Our center focuses on providing the most up-to-date care possible, and research is always ongoing throughout our center to improve outcomes for our patients. With the assistance of world class statisticians and investigators, the Hernia Center can analyze data for hernia repairs to determine the best approach to hernia care. This work is presented at major conferences including The Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), The American College of Surgeons (ACS), The Americas Hernia Society (AHS), and The European Hernia Society (EHS).
Availability and Convenience
Hernias can be painful, may compromise lifestyle, and in some cases can be dangerous if left untreated. Our center is always available to patients for consultation, surgical treatment, follow-up, or just for questions. We can typically provide appointments within a week and one of our surgeons is always on call for emergency situations. We have offices throughout Manhattan, at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Columbia’s Midtown offices. For those patients from New Jersey, we also have an office in Teaneck.
Mesh Removal & Chronic Pain Expertise
For patients who have had complications from previous hernia surgeries or issues with chronic pain, we can help. Sometimes, after a hernia repair, mesh removal may be indicated--especially in cases of infection or contamination. In other cases where chronic pain is present, we have a dedicated pathway of professionals to help you on your way to recovery. We work extensively with physiatrists and pain specialists to come up with a plan for pain, whether it is medications, injections, mesh removal or even removing the nerves affected.
Natural Tissue & Mesh-Free Repair
This one-of-a-kind program promotes alternative and natural treatments for hernia disease in patients that qualify. Our expert surgeons can repair inguinal, umbilical, ventral and other hernias using your bodies natural tissue without the use of mesh. We utilize barbed sutures for bringing together weak tissue, Botox for muscle relaxation, and other techniques in order to fix these hernias without the use of mesh. If you are interested in hearing more about the program and if you qualify, please make a consultation with one of our center’s surgeons today!
Our “Deep Cuts” articles explore common questions and concerns related to specific surgical conditions and treatments. In this “Everything Hernia” series, hernia surgeon Dr. Philip George goes deep on what every patient dealing with a hernia should know before, during, and after treatment.
Our Team
The Columbia Hernia Center comprises world-class, fellowship-trained hernia surgeons who have dedicated their professional careers to the performance and advancement of hernia surgery.
I Need a…Hernia Surgeon
Our Locations
Manhattan
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center The Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue (at West 165th Street), 5th Floor
NewYork, NY 10032
Columbia Doctors Midtown
51 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10019
Westchester
NewYork-Presbyterian The One
111 Westchester Ave
White Plains, NY 10604
New Jersey
Columbia Surgery Outpatient Offices at Glenpoint
300 Frank W Burr Blvd.
Suite 130
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Dr. AI: Who Is a Candidate for Non-Mesh Groin Hernia Repair?
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