Hernia Surgery

At the Hernia Center of Southern California, most hernia repairs are performed on an out-patient, same day basis, safely and effectively – regardless of whether or not your hernia is recurrent. We realize each of you is coming to us with unique needs and situations. This is why the surgical procedures at the Hernia Center of Southern California are specifically and individually tailored.

Tension Free Hernia Repair Video

Albin Tension Free Mesh Technique

The Tension Free Mesh Technique has been in practice since the early 1970s. We prefer to use the Albin Tension Free Mesh Technique. This is an advanced version of the original tension free mesh technique. It was modified by Dr. David Albin exclusively for the Hernia Center of Southern California, and has achieved remarkably successful results for the past ten years. It provides our patients with less pain and a quicker recovery. This technique utilizes specially designed “mesh,” which can be altered to fit the exact needs of every patient.

We use only FDA approved mesh in our repair. With the Albin Tension Free Mesh Technique an incision is made directly over the site of the existing hernia. Any protruding tissue is returned to its proper position through the tear in the abdominal wall. A specially designed mesh is then placed on the inside of the tear to prevent hernia recurrence. With a 99.8% success rate, this advanced technique is ideal for repairing inguinal hernias in addition to many other types. Incredibly flexible and thin, you are unable to feel the mesh, and it does not inhibit activity at all after surgery.

With the Albin Tension Free Mesh Technique, we are able to tailor surgery to the individual by selecting the appropriate mesh for the shape, size and location of the individual hernia. Each of you is a unique individual, and so is your hernia. We know there is no such thing as “one size fits all,” and your hernia will not be treated by any type of less effective approach.

The basis behind our “tension free” approach is not to create unnatural tension
– where tissues so obviously failed before – by cutting and sewing compromised muscles tissue into new places; rather to avoid tension entirely.

We have perfected our surgical techniques in such a way that we are even able to test and maximize the strength of the hernia repair before surgery is complete. Our proprietary methods not only enable you to return to everyday activity quicker, but with minimal pain or discomfort.

Laparoscopic Method

The Laparoscopic Method, in practice since the 1980s, uses a lighted tube and video camera. The video camera is inserted into a tiny incision, allowing the hernia surgeon to find and view the hernia during the entire operation. Another small incision gives the surgeon internal access to the hernia to perform the surgery. The hernia is repaired using techniques similar to that of the
Tension Free Mesh Technique. After the hernia is removed the tear in the abdominal wall is covered with a flexible mesh. All of our hernia mesh is FDA approved.

Laparoscopic surgery requires general anesthesia. The complication rate and the amount of time needed to return to work are the same with laparoscopic surgery as compared to the open technique.

Since the laparoscopic method is performed in the hospital it will naturally cost more than the Albin Tension Free Mesh Technique. Admittedly, I was once opposed to this technique, but recent advancements in laparoscopy have brought results up to a satisfaction / success rate equal to open surgery.

Da Vinci Robotic Method

The da Vinci System uses state-of-the art robotic and computer technologies. The system consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon’s console and a separate unit with one robotic camera arm and several interactive robotic arms that have high-performance, miniature instruments attached to them. Patients lie on a table under the robotic arms. Your doctor controls the da Vinci System with its robotic arms which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body.