Hernia Surgery in Boulder, CO

Whether you need to be at your child’s graduation or back out on the trail, our team works to provide minimally invasive surgical options to get you back on your feet quickly.

What Is Hernia?

A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of any bodily organ through an area where it doesn’t belong. Hernias are most often found in the abdominal wall. They can, however, occur anywhere in the body. Hernia repair surgery is one of the most common surgical conditions treated by a general surgeon. Alpine Surgical has expertise in treatment of all types of hernias, including minimally invasive complex abdominal wall reconstructions.

Hernia: Common Types

Incisional Hernia

• INCISIONAL hernias occur at the site of any previous surgical incision.

Umbilical Hernia

• UMBILICAL hernias occur around the naval where the umbilical cord once passed through the abdominal wall.

Inguinal Hernia

• INGUINAL hernias occur in the groin where ovarian and testicular ligaments as well as other internal structures pass through the abdominal wall. These may be acquired (wear and tear) or congenital (remnants left over from birth).

Femoral Hernia

• FEMORAL hernias occur just below the groin. It may appear similar to an inguinal hernia. It occurs where blood vessels and nerves pass through the groin into the leg.

Epigastric Hernia

• EPIGASTRIC hernias (similar to an umbilical hernia) occur higher up on the abdomen between the navel and the chest.

Ventral Hernia

• VENTRAL hernias occur anywhere in the abdominal wall.

Hiatal Hernia

• HIATAL hernias occur inside the chest. They happen when the esophagus or stomach protrude through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. With these hernias, patients may not see or feel a bulge because the hernia is inside the abdominal or chest cavity. These hernias are commonly associated with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and intestinal blockages. See the Esophagus section for more details.

Hernia: Uncommon or Special Types

• SPIGELIAN hernias occur in the abdominal wall just outside the border of the rectus or “six-pack” muscles.
• PEDIATRIC hernias are caused by an abdominal wall defect that fails to close after birth. These are repaired by traditional means without mesh. Children generally recover quickly from their surgery.
• COMPLEX ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION is often required for large ventral or incisional hernias where stomas may be involved. This may be performed laparoscopically or via a traditional (open) technique. This may involve an abdominal component separation to bridge the hole.
• SPORTS HERNIA is a unique type of hernia. In most cases, a tear in the abdominal wall is not present. For simplicity’s sake, it represents an overuse type injury. When conservative measures fail to improve symptoms, surgery can sometimes be beneficial. They are approached similarly to the repair of a traditional groin hernia.

Advanced Repair for Inguinal, Umbilical, and Other Hernias

Hernia Repair Surgery

A hernia is generally repaired surgically. This can be done through minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) or via traditional (open) means. A laparoscope is a tiny video camera inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. Through this camera, the doctor can see inside and use small tools to repair the hernia. During your consultation, we will discuss the best treatment options for you.

Hernia surgery is performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the size and location. Traditional repairs are completed by creating an incision over the hernia. The muscle tissue surrounding the weak area is sutured together, thus repairing the defect.

In some cases, mesh will be used to reinforce the weak area in the abdominal wall. These days, there are a multitude of mesh options. Some are made of strong, flexible plastic (polypropylene), polyester, Gore-Tex, or cadaver tissue. 

Some are permanent, and others are temporary. The incision(s) are closed with either dissolvable sutures or skin staples.

After the procedure is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room for a few hours to wake up from the anesthesia. You will be allowed to have something to eat. You will also be asked to get up and walk to aid in the recovery process. Most patients with small hernia repairs will be discharged quickly. If you have a large or complex hernia repair, you may be admitted to the hospital to recover.

Getting Back to Normal

• Following your surgery, you may experience constipation while taking the pain medications. This is normal and should resolve itself. To aid in this process, we recommend that you use over-the-counter stool softeners and a fiber supplement. You may eat as tolerated.

• Bruising and swelling are especially common after inguinal hernia surgery. Although swelling and discoloration can be alarming, the body will return to normal within a few weeks.

• Post-surgery pain is common. Be sure to utilize the pain medication prescribed to you by your physician.

• You will be allowed to shower the day after your surgery. You should avoid soaking in a bath or hot tub until after your follow-up visit.

• Lifting and driving restrictions are specified on your postoperative instruction sheet.

• You can keep your regular daily activity and eat balanced, healthy meals.

• Please schedule your follow-up appointment approximately 10-14 days after your surgery.

Please call 303‑449‑3642 to schedule your appointment today. Alpine Surgical offers hernia surgery in Boulder, CO. Our award-winning surgeons are here to help.