Hernia Surgery in East Valley, AZ

Serving Mesa, Queen Creek, Chandler & Beyond

A hernia is the protrusion of an abdominal organ, such as the small intestine, through the abdominal wall. Hernias don’t usually go away on their own and may grow if left untreated. These are very common and can affect patients of any age. The protruding tissue may cause pain and discomfort, but sometimes it can be painless. If blood flow is restricted to your intestine, a hernia may cause life-threatening complications.

If you have pain or tenderness in your abdomen or you have been diagnosed with a hernia, surgery is likely the best treatment option. This is one of the most common procedures performed in the U.S., and the doctors at Surgical Professionals would be happy to meet with you to discuss the best surgical options for your condition.

To schedule hernia surgery in Arizona, please contact Surgical Professionals today. We operate at most major hospitals in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek.

Types of Hernias

Hernias are categorized by their location in the body.

  • Inguinal hernias are located in the groin or upper thigh.
  • Ventral hernias occur through the layers of the abdominal wall.
  • Umbilical hernias develop in the navel region.
  • Incisional hernias are any type of hernia that recurs when tissue breaks through a previous incision site. This may happen following previous surgical repair.
  • Hiatal hernias are defects in the diaphragm. These are usually treated by a thoracic surgeon, and this surgery is not currently being offered at Surgical Professionals.

What Causes Hernias?

A combination of excessive pressure and a weak abdominal wall can cause hernias. Activities that may cause pressure within the abdomen include:

  • Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting — those involved with employment involving heavy lifting may develop a hernia suddenly
  • Straining during bowel movements or urination
  • Pregnancy
  • Excessive weight gain or obesity — if you have a large hernia and are obese, weight loss before surgery may reduce the risks of complications
  • Persistent coughing or sneezing

Symptoms of Hernias

The location of a hernia affects its symptoms.

  • Inguinal hernias may cause a bulge in the groin, which burns or aches. Pain, discomfort, pressure, weakness, or a dragging sensation may occur. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all other than a bulge.
  • Ventral hernias may be visible and feel tender to the touch, with increased pain when coughing, lifting, or straining during bowel movements.
  • Umbilical hernias create a soft bulge and may be uncomfortable. This is at the belly button area.

Even if a hernia is asymptomatic, once discovered by a doctor, it may need to be treated. Hernias do not go away on their own and often will enlarge over time. However, large or enlarging hernias must be surgically repaired. In very rare cases, very large hernias or extremely complex hernias that have failed multiple prior repairs are sometimes best left alone. Your surgeon can make the determination of which option is best for you.

Types of Hernia Surgeries

There are three primary types of hernia surgery.

  • Open surgery is the traditional method. Although becoming less common, in some cases, it may be the best option for your situation. Open procedures require a longer incision and a longer recovery time of about six weeks.
  • Laparoscopy involves making several small incisions and inserting a tiny camera and surgical instruments to perform the procedure. Although less invasive, the surgery itself may be a bit longer. The advantage is that you recover faster, and there is a lower rate of infection or other complications.
  • Robotic-assisted surgery (DaVinci System) is minimally invasive and provides the effective control of open surgery with the less invasive approach of laparoscopy. The surgeon operates the master controls from a console while viewing the operating area in real-time. The robotic arms perform the intricate procedure on the patient while under the surgeon’s control. The recovery time is similar to laparoscopy.  A common misperception is that the robot will perform the operation. The DaVinci robot cannot do anything on its own. Every movement and action is controlled by the surgeon. We are pleased to offer this technique to our eligible patients.

Using Mesh for Hernia Repair

We receive many questions about using mesh in our hernia repairs. As with everything in medicine and surgery, we seek to ensure the benefits are maximized and the risks are minimized. There are many different types of mesh and they all have their pros and cons. The benefits of mesh are that it can help bridge gaps created by the hernia and reinforce the tissue to create a stronger, longer-lasting repair.

Risks of mesh include but are not limited to:

  • Pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Infection
  • Adherence to non-intended structures, such as the intestine, which could cause blockages or leaks, and chronic pain

If you choose not to use mesh, recurrences may occur more frequently and sooner. Discuss with your surgeon any questions you may have about a mesh repair for your hernia.

Potential Hernia Repair Complications

As with all surgeries, there are risks involved with a hernia repair. Fortunately, these are very rare. These include but are not limited to:

  • Bleeding, pain, or infection — in rare cases, you may have chronic pain
  • Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
  • Postsurgical infection
  • Recurrence of your hernia — this is more likely if you are a smoker, use certain medications, such as steroids, are obese, lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activities, or have conditions resulting in coughing or sneezing; it is more likely right after your surgery but can occur anytime
  • Injury to abdominal structures such as your intestines, resulting in a leak or blockage
  • Mesh-related complications — in the rare event your mesh becomes infected, it may need to be removed in another operation
  • Other complications such as blood clots in your legs or lungs, respiratory failure, heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and even death

Schedule Hernia Surgery in the Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek & Surrounding Areas

Unlike other surgeries, hernias can be quite different between patients with the same type of surgery. A detailed examination and evaluation will be done beforehand to determine the best surgical options for your unique situation.

Surgical Professionals performs an extensive range of general surgery, including hernia surgery. It is one of the most common surgeries we do. We begin with a thorough consultation to make sure surgery is the right option for you. We also consider the unique variables of your situation. We look forward to working with you on your surgical journey.

Please contact us today to schedule a consultation for hernia surgery in Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek or surrounding regions.

Please note that the above information is provided for general purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Our surgical capabilities may also be subject to change. Contact us to discuss your medical condition, determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual case, and confirm that we can address your procedure.

What Our Patients Have to Say
JM

AMAZING! Dr. Ju is an awesome Dr he did an emergency surgery on me, he was so calm and professional. He made what could have been a horrible experience so easy. Thank you, Dr. Ju,
I have had 2 surgeries by Dr. Ju, gallbladder removal & a small fatty tissue tumor in my lower back. Both we’re successful with no complications. Dr. Ju is not only highly skilled as a surgeon, but he is also very personal & compassionate.

John Maas /
SL

March, 2020 Dr. Gray performed my thyroid cancer surgery. Everything went as he said it would. He is a very competent and gifted surgeon. I would highly recommend him as a surgeon.

Shirley LaRocca /
RK

Really trust this Dr. Ju. I am glad I had him to do emergency surgery on me and to put things back to normal.

Robyn Kleinman /
T

July 7 2016 Dr. Grey took the time to answer all my questions even after I had left the office . I was referred to him after a failed attempt with another surgeon and so far I’m 14 hours post surgery and doing good . Thank you Jennifer for your efforts and Dr. Grey

Tiff in Phoenix, AZ /
AB

What can I say Dr. Ju did my very first ever surgery, and wow he was amazing, I was scared out of my mind but he made me feel comfortable, I healed nicely and was no longer in pain. He is an amazing surgeon god definitely blessed his ability.

Agina Blaw /
LG

Dr Gray did an excellent job twice when my father had hernias. One was an emergency situation, and the other was not. Both times, Dr Gray showed expertise in diagnosing the problem, performing the surgery, setting our expectations and follow through after the procedure. I definitely would recommend him for your surgical procedures.

Self-verified patient of Dr. Devin L Gray  /
RM

Dr. Ju saved my life. I had surgery back in 2010 (almost 10 years ago). He is an amazing surgeon with a wonderful concern for his patients. His staff were also very professional and caring during a very difficult time in my life. Thank you, Doctor Ju.

Rose Martin /
LG

Had an inguinal hernia Dr Gray did a great job I strongly recommend his skills

Self-verified patient of Dr. Devin L Gray  /
WF

Dr Ju is amazing. It was my first surgery and I was scared. I came thru it no problems. Thank you!

Wendy Foody /
BB

My entire experience with Doctor Gray was of the utmost professionalism courtesy kindness by all of his staff included. Doctor Gray was dynamic in his experience and his knowledge. In my experience I thought I was taken care very well which gave me a great level of confidence in my experience through this surgery.

Brett Barker /
SS

This Doctor saved my life and I have nothing but admiration for him. Dr. Brian Ju was my surgeon for the removal of my gall bladder 2 weeks ago. He is the most phenomenal and adept surgeon I’ve ever experienced. He even coordinated with the anesthesiologists to ensure that the anesthesia had anti-nausea elements because of my history with nausea!

Sherri Smith /
KP

I am not from the valley but was here to visit my son and his family. Dr. Gray and his staff were amazing in getting me in and actually scheduling my surgery the day after I had my first visit. The office staff – especially Alex is absolutely the BEST. Everyone is extremely efficient and at the same time – very caring. I can not thank Dr. Gray and his staff more! Very grateful and I wish I could package what you have going on and take it home with me! THANK YOU!!!!

Kathi in Pueblo, Colorado /
RR

I was fortunate have Dr. Ju for two surgeries. He was an excellent surgeon for one, and his bed side manor was outstanding. I felt very confident with Dr. Ju and his staff. If I were to have any procedures or surgeries done in the future, I would schedule them with Dr. Ju and the excellent staff at Surgical Professionals Inc. Thank you again to a wonderful professional staff.

Robert Reindl /
LG

Excellent

Self-verified patient of Dr. Devin L Gray  /
JH

10 years ago, gall bladder, now hernia repair. I specifically went back to him because of his bedside manner and professionalism. I highly recommend him to anybody looking for a positive experience.

Jeff Hals /
KG

Excellent bedside manner and surgical skill. Would definitely recommend him!

Karen Garcia /