Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall, groin, or belly button. Most people with a hernia notice a bulge or mass at the site of the hernia. You may also experience tenderness, abdominal pain, or discomfort with activity.
- Ventral and incisional hernia. A hernia that forms in the abdomen from a weak point in the abdominal wall or at the site of a previous surgery.
- Umbilical hernia. A type of ventral hernia that is present at birth and forms near your belly button.
- Inguinal hernia. The most common type of hernia — especially for men — this hernia forms in the groin.
Not all hernias need surgery, but when they do, University of Iowa Health Care surgeons are here to help. Our surgeons have specialized expertise in the repair of both simple and complex hernias and work together across specialties to provide personalized care that meets your needs. Our goal is not only to fix your hernia, but to restore strength and function, helping you recover more quickly and achieve long‑lasting relief.
Our approach to hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction
Your care starts with a patient‑centered, multidisciplinary approach built around your specific needs. You’re cared for by a team experienced in expert hernia repair and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Our surgeons focus on choosing the safest and most effective treatment for you — and supporting you through recovery.
Whenever possible, we use advanced minimally invasive options, including laparoscopic and robotic‑assisted surgery. These techniques often allow for smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery, while still providing strong, long‑lasting repairs. For more complex hernias, our surgeons are specially trained in abdominal wall reconstruction that focuses on restoring strength, stability, and function.
Your care team also works closely with specialists in plastic surgery, wound care, rehabilitation, and bariatric care to support seamless treatment before and after surgery. By collaborating across specialties, we provide coordinated care designed to help you recover well and return to daily life.
Treatment options for repair and reconstruction
Once a hernia develops, it will not go away on its own. Some people may find temporary relief by wearing an abdominal binder or truss. While these supports may help ease symptoms, they do not repair the hernia. Over time, hernias often enlarge, and symptoms may worsen.
During hernia surgery, the muscle or connective tissue (fascia) is repaired, and, in most cases, a surgical mesh is placed to reinforce the area. The use of mesh has been shown to lower the risk of the hernia coming back.
Hernia repair can be performed using minimally invasive techniques or through an open incision. Factors that can affect the complexity of surgery include:
- The location of the hernia
- The size of the hernia
- Changes in abdominal wall anatomy
- Previous hernia repairs or abdominal surgeries
Your care team will work with you to determine the best surgical option for your needs.
Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic‑assisted) hernia repair
Minimally invasive hernia repair is often an option for patients with smaller hernias or fewer prior abdominal surgeries. Using small incisions and a camera to guide the procedure, surgeons return the hernia contents to the abdominal cavity and close the opening with sutures reinforced by mesh.
Because this approach avoids large incisions, many patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.
Open incisional hernia repair
Open hernia repair may be recommended for larger hernias or for patients who have had multiple prior abdominal surgeries. This approach uses a single incision over the hernia site, allowing the surgeon to directly access the area.
The hernia contents are returned to the abdomen, and the defect is repaired with sutures and reinforced with mesh. This method provides the visibility and access needed for more complex repairs and reconstruction.
Abdominal wall reconstruction
Abdominal wall reconstruction is used to treat large, complex, or recurrent hernias. This approach goes beyond closing the hernia — it focuses on rebuilding the abdominal wall to restore strength, stability, and function.
Your surgeon may repair weakened or separated muscles and use specialized techniques to reduce the risk of the hernia coming back. These procedures are performed by surgeons with advanced training in complex hernia repair and may include component separation or transversus abdominis release (TAR), depending on your needs.
Soft tissue reconstruction
In some cases, large hernias or multiple prior surgeries can leave excess skin or significant scar tissue. When needed, plastic surgeons may be part of your care team during surgery.
They can remove excess skin and revise scars to support healing, improve comfort, and enhance overall recovery.
Preparing for surgery
Preparing for hernia surgery is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome. Your care team takes time to understand your overall health and tailor a plan that supports safe surgery and smooth recovery.
- Weight management support to reduce strain on the repair and lower the risk of complications
- Careful blood sugar management for patients with diabetes to support healing
- Support for quitting smoking before surgery, which can improve wound healing and recovery
- Advanced imaging, when needed, to help your surgeons plan the safest and most effective repair
- Opportunities to participate in clinical research, when appropriate, to help advance hernia care
These steps are designed to help reduce the risk of complications, improve healing, and support long‑term success. Your care team will discuss any recommended preparation with you and guide you through each step.
What to expect
Hernia surgery may be performed as an outpatient procedure or may require a hospital stay, depending on the size and complexity of the hernia. Smaller hernias, such as many groin or umbilical hernias, are often treated on an outpatient basis. Larger or more complex incisional hernias may require a short hospital stay after surgery.
Some discomfort after surgery is normal, but pain is typically well controlled with medication. Many patients can return to work and normal activities within about two weeks, although recovery time can vary based on the type of repair performed.
You will have lifting and activity restrictions during recovery to allow proper healing. The length of these restrictions depends on the extent of your surgery and your individual recovery. Your care team will give you clear guidance tailored to your situation.
Risks of surgery
All surgeries carry some risk, and hernia repair is no exception. The level of risk depends on several factors, including the size and location of your hernia, the type of surgery needed, and your overall health. Certain medical conditions — such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, or a history of previous hernia repairs — can also increase surgical risk.
The most common risks of hernia surgery include infection, bleeding, pain, or the hernia returning over time. Your care team will review these risks with you and explain how they apply to your individual situation. While complications are uncommon, it’s important that you feel informed, comfortable, and able to ask questions before proceeding with surgery.
Our Care Team
UI Health Care hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction specialists work together to deliver advanced, personalized care for patients with simple and complex hernias.