I Need a…Hernia Surgeon

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Our "I need a" series is a helpful guide to finding the care you need when you don't know where to start. Today, we're learning how to find a hernia surgeon.

If you're considering having surgery to fix a hernia, choosing your surgeon is a big decision. So, before you start your search, let's answer some helpful questions.

What Does a Hernia Surgeon Do?

Most surgeons focus on certain areas of the body or treating specific diseases or conditions. Hernia, or more formally, Abdominal Wall surgeons are experts in repairing hernias, which are conditions that occur when there is a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall, and either fat or other organs can push through an opening in the muscle or tissue that contains it. The most common hernias are located in your groin (inguinal hernias) or belly button (umbilical hernias). Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgeons are also experts in treating chronic groin and abdominal pain, rectus diastasis, recurrent hernia repairs, reconstruction of the abdominal wall, as well as treating sports hernias or athletica pubalgia.

What Type of Surgeon Performs Hernia Surgery?

Knowing what types of surgeons may offer the services you need can help you refine your search and make it easier to focus on what you need. Surgeons that repair hernias typically include:

General surgeons, who focus on a variety of conditions affecting the abdominal area including gallbladder and appendiceal disease as well as performing more common hernia repairs.
Abdominal Wall surgeons are typically general surgeons with specialized fellowship training that focus their practice entirely around hernia treatment and abdominal wall repair.
Plastic surgeons may also perform hernia-related abdominal wall reconstruction surgery.

Helpful Search Terms

While searching for a doctor to perform your hernia repair, some terms you may encounter include:

Minimally invasive hernia surgery — this surgical strategy uses small incisions, which help reduce recovery time and limit scarring. These include:
- Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery — A thin, lighted scope called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen when the abdomen is blown up with gas to guide the procedure.
- Robotic hernia repair surgery — Similar to laparoscopic surgery where the belly is blown up and a camera is used to visualize the surgery, but instead of the surgeon using long instruments and standing next to the patient, the surgeon sits at a console and controls robotic arms that are placed in the patient. The benefit of this includes increased dexterity and fine motor movements which may benefit some patients, especially during more complex procedures.
Open hernia repair surgery — This approach utilizes an incision over the hernia itself. It can range from 1-2cm for a small belly button hernia to the length of the abdomen for a major reconstructive surgery. Open repair may be necessary for larger hernias in cases where a minimally invasive approach isn’t recommended.

What Credentials Should I Look For?

It can be hard to find a surgeon by looking at credentials alone, but it's a helpful place to start. Knowing that a surgeon has completed additional training or has been certified by a professional board is a good sign that they have the expertise you are looking for.

Residency — All general surgeons will have completed a surgical residency, meaning that after medical school, they trained for years under the supervision of seasoned physicians for 5-7 years.
Fellowship — Fellowship is additional, focused training after residency.
- Many general surgeons do not go on to complete fellowships, but abdominal wall surgeons complete an additional 1-2 fellowship in hernia repair and abdominal wall surgery.
Board Certification — This process demonstrates that a surgeon has met rigorous standards set by their peers through a governing organization, or board. These boards are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association.
- General surgeons become board-certified through the American Board of Surgery (absurgery.org). There is not a specific board for abdominal wall surgeons, however that may change over the next several years as Abdominal Wall Surgery is becoming its own distinct field of surgery.
Professional Societies and Organizations — Membership groups like the American Hernia Society indicate that a hernia surgeon is active in their specialty's clinical and research communities.

The American Hernia Society offers a helpful Find a Hernia Surgeon tool that lets you search for surgeons specializing in hernia repair in your area.

🚩 Fellowships are a great way to know that a surgeon has taken the time to learn to perform a specific type of surgery by experienced experts.

A Word About Top Doctor Awards

When searching for a doctor of any kind, you'll probably come across advertisements for sites boasting Top Doctor lists, or you may find these awards mentioned in a surgeon's profile. While many of these awards are legitimate and are based on peer-nominated candidates and vetted feedback, not all lists are created equal. Some are essentially lists intended to promote only the doctors who have paid for the privilege. If you use a Top Doctor list in your search, make sure that's only part of your criteria.

What Else is Important to Look For?

Hernia Center Designation

If you're looking for hernia repair, you might want to focus on designated hernia centers. Research has shown that more experienced surgeons tend to provide the best results. Hernia centers often have the latest technology and offer the latest surgical options, including minimally invasive and robotic techniques.

Clinical Trials

Hernias can be challenging to treat, but new approaches are being explored to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence. Clinical trials offer the latest experimental treatments driven by cutting-edge research, such as new surgical strategies and devices. If you're interested in participating in clinical trials, make sure to include academic medical centers in your search, as clinical research is an important part of what they do.

🚩 Clinical trials can provide access to treatment options that aren't available to the general public yet. Try to find a group that participates in clinical trials and see if you are eligible.

So I Found Some Surgeons I Feel Comfortable With… Now What?

It's time to start making appointments. Reach out to your top choices for what's called a surgical consultation, or consult. Skilled surgeons are in high demand, so keep in mind that sometimes it can take some time to get scheduled. When making the appointment, their care team will ask what you're looking for, so be ready to explain your needs. But don't worry: you don't need to know exactly what surgery to ask for; the surgeon will be able to explain your options when you meet them.

During My Consultation, What Should I Ask?

In a word: everything. This meeting is your chance to learn about your surgical options, but it's also your opportunity to learn about the surgeon: their approach, their demeanor, their experience, and their understanding of your condition. Bring notes if you're concerned about remembering complex medical terms. Here are some helpful questions to consider:

About the Surgeon
- How many hernia repair surgeries do you perform each year?
- Based on the procedure you would recommend for me, how many times have you performed that specific type of hernia repair surgery?
- Do you only perform hernia repair surgeries?
- Have you done a fellowship? Do you have any board certifications?
- Who is part of your care team? What specialists do you work with?
- What professional societies do you belong to?
- Are you involved in clinical trials that I might be able to participate in?
About Your Procedure
- What will my procedure involve?
- What are my risks? What complications have you seen?
- Will I need to stay in the hospital? If so, for how long?
- What will I feel after my surgery?
- How long after the surgery will I start to feel better?
- What movement or lifting restrictions will I have as I recover?
- How much scarring will there be?
- Is a minimally invasive or robotic approach an option for me?
- What support will I need during recovery and beyond?
- How much will this procedure help me?
- How will this surgery affect my life?

🚩 No question is silly or useless if it helps you feel more confident about the procedure. Be wary of any surgeon that won't take the time to answer your questions.

Do They Take My Insurance?

Money might not seem important when your health is at stake, but surgery can be very expensive. Avoiding another stressful element can help you focus on your health. So verify that they accept your insurance, even if their website states they do. Nothing is more frustrating than finding a surgeon who's a great fit, only to learn that your insurance won't cover the procedure. Some insurance plans also require a referral, so talk to your primary doctor about what you'll need.

Should I Get a Second Opinion?

Absolutely. Even if you think a surgeon is perfect for you, a second opinion can make you feel more confident about your decision. It can also help you become better educated about the procedure and your options. Second opinions can often be done with telehealth appointments, so they may not be as challenging to schedule.

🚩 Be wary of any surgeon that discourages you from getting a second opinion. An ethical surgeon will encourage you to get all the information you can and to consider every option.

Word of Mouth

Do you know anyone who has had the surgery performed by the surgeon you're considering? It can be helpful to get feedback from someone who has been through the procedure and recovery process. Keep in mind that everyone's health circumstances are unique, so their experience won't be the same as yours. But speaking with others can help you feel better informed about the real-world results and can give you some insight into how the surgeon and their team treat their patients.

Word of mouth can also be a great way to find a surgeon you might not have considered, especially if someone you know had a positive experience working with them. But make sure to then research the surgeon for yourself.

Online Patient Forums

Hernias can be frustrating to treat, and surgery may not provide the results you are hoping for. Online patient forums and support groups can be helpful places to learn about other people's experiences and share what you're going through with a supportive community.

🚩 Looking at online reviews or forums can also give you a sense of the experience other patients had while working with a specific surgeon. But it's important to remember that online reviews are often skewed towards patients unhappy with their results. Most patients who have an excellent experience don’t necessarily feel the need to share their experience.

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

The decision to have surgery is about you and your health, so you should consider what's important to you. If you've reduced your options to a few surgeons who have convinced you they will provide the best care possible, practical considerations may help you make the final decision. These include:

Do you want a doctor that can perform a surgery at a hospital closer to home? Or is it worth it to travel for your procedure?
Do you want to work with a surgeon that has a relationship with your specialists, to make it easier to coordinate your care?
Is finding an in-network surgeon a priority because of your health insurance?
How urgent is your health issue? If you had to wait to schedule your surgery for an opening on a surgeon's calendar, is it worth the wait?
Am I able to pay for a procedure out of pocket if my insurance doesn't cover it?

Once you have settled on a surgeon who can perform the procedure you need, where you want it, and when you want it, it's time to focus on getting ready for your procedure. That means following all instructions your surgical team gives you.

Hernia repair surgery can dramatically improve your quality of life by addressing your symptoms, restoring your mobility, and reducing your pain. Choosing the right surgeon can help you feel like your best self.

Finding a Hernia Surgeon at Columbia

If you would like to learn more about your surgical options, get a second opinion, or find out if working with the Hernia Surgery team at Columbia is right for you, we’d love to hear from you. Call (212) 305-5947 or fill out our appointment request form.