Overview
A hernia can affect your comfort, confidence, and quality of life – but it doesn’t have to. At M Health Fairview, our experienced and highly recognized general surgeons provide patient-centered hernia care, from evaluation and monitoring to advanced surgical repair. Whether your hernia is new, longstanding, or complex, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel confident in your care. We provide seamless, comprehensive care tailored to your needs – an approach grounded in listening, empathy, and best-in-class medical care.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when tissue or an organ pushes through a weakness in muscle or connective tissue. Hernias can develop for many reasons, including:
- Natural weakness present at birth
- Tissue that doesn’t heal fully after surgery (incisional hernia)
- Aging or changes in connective tissue
- Pregnancy or significant weight changes
- Increased pressure on the abdomen over time
Because hernias vary by type and location, symptoms and treatment options differ from person to person.
Types of Hernias We Treat
Our surgeons care for the full spectrum of hernias, including:
- Inguinal (groin)
- Umbilical (belly button)
- Ventral and incisional (abdominal wall)
- Hiatal and paraesophageal (near the diaphragm)
Some hernias cause a visible bulge or discomfort, while others may lead to heartburn, reflux, coughing, difficulty eating, or trouble sleeping. Not every hernia requires immediate surgery, it’s always a good idea to be evaluated by a specialist.
You may want to schedule a consultation if you:
- Notice a new or enlarging bulge
- Experience pain or discomfort
- Have symptoms affecting daily life
- Have persistent or worsening digestive or reflux symptoms
Seeing a surgeon doesn’t mean you’re committing to surgery – it means you’re getting clear information and a plan tailored to you. If you need surgical care, you’re in good hands. Many of our surgeons are regular recognized as “Top Doctors” by both Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Minnesota Monthly, meaning you’ll receive leading-edge compassionate care from some the best surgeons available.
Our approach
Treatment Options
Depending on your hernia and symptoms, treatment may include:
- Monitoring and lifestyle guidance
- Minimally invasive repair, including laparoscopic or robotic surgery
- Open surgery, when appropriate
- Mesh or non-mesh repair, depending on what’s safest and most effective for you
Most hernia repairs at M Health Fairview are performed using minimally invasive or robotic techniques, which typically mean smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Recovery varies by hernia type and repair, but most patients:
- Go home the same day or after a short hospital stay
- Begin walking shortly after surgery
- Return to desk work or light activity within a few weeks
Your care team will provide clear guidance on activity restrictions, pain management, and healing.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
Hernia care is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. If additional support – such as weight management, smoking cessation, or specialty care – is needed, we will build a team around your needs to provide seamless care and support the best possible outcome for you. Our goal is to help you return to life with less pain and more confidence.
Schedule a Hernia Consultation
You can be referred by your primary care provider or self-refer to see a general surgery specialist at M Health Fairview.
A consultation helps you understand:
- The type of hernia you may have
- Whether treatment or monitoring makes sense
- What options are available to you
Schedule an appointment with a hernia specialist today.
Advanced Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Have you ever been told your hernia is unfixable?
M Health Fairview is one of the few health systems in the Twin Cities offering specialized abdominal wall reconstruction for large, complex hernias. Our surgeons take a comprehensive approach, often coordinating supportive care – such as weight management or smoking cessation – to make repair possible and reduce the risk of recurrence.
If you’ve been living with a complex hernia or were told nothing can be done, a consultation may help uncover new options.