If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, you’re not alone—millions of Americans develop hernias each year. The good news? Modern minimally invasive hernia repair offers a faster, less painful recovery than traditional open surgery. At Anaheim Community Hospital, our skilled surgeons specialize in advanced outpatient hernia procedures, allowing you to return home the same day with minimal downtime.
In this blog post, we’ll cover:
✔ What a hernia is and common symptoms
✔ Why minimally invasive surgery is often the best option
✔ What to expect before, during, and after your procedure
✔ Why choose Anaheim Community Hospital for your hernia repair
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Common types include:
- Inguinal hernia (groin area, most common in men)
- Femoral hernia (lower groin, more common in women)
- Umbilical hernia (belly button area)
- Hiatal hernia (upper stomach, can cause acid reflux)
Signs You May Need Hernia Surgery
Some hernias cause no symptoms, but others may lead to:
- A noticeable bulge (especially when coughing or straining)
- Pain or discomfort, especially when lifting or bending
- Aching or burning sensation near the bulge
- Nausea/vomiting (if the hernia becomes strangulated—seek emergency care)
If your hernia is painful or growing, surgery may be recommended to prevent complications.
Why Choose Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair?
At Anaheim Community Hospital, we prefer laparoscopic hernia repair whenever possible because it offers:
- Smaller incisions (less scarring)
- Reduced pain and faster healing
- Lower risk of infection>
- Shorter recovery time (many patients return to light activity within a week)
Unlike traditional open surgery (which requires a large incision), minimally invasive techniques use tiny cuts and a small camera to guide the surgeon in placing a mesh patch to reinforce the weakened area.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After Surgery
Before Surgery
- You’ll have a pre-op consultation to review your medical history.
- You may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
During Surgery
- The procedure typically takes under an hour.
- You’ll be under general anesthesia (fully asleep) or local anesthesia with sedation.
- The surgeon makes small incisions, inserts a tiny camera, and repairs the hernia using specialized tools.
After Surgery (Recovery Tips)
- Rest for the first 24–48 hours, but light walking is encouraged.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks.
- Most patients can return to desk work within a few days.
- Follow-up with your surgeon to ensure proper healing.
Why Trust Anaheim Community Hospital for Your Hernia Surgery?
- Expert Surgeons – Our board-certified general surgeons have years of experience in hernia repair.
- Advanced Techniques – We use the latest laparoscopic and robotic techniques for precision.
- Same-Day Discharge – Recover in the comfort of your home.
- Compassionate Care – From check-in to recovery, we prioritize your comfort and safety.
Don’t Ignore a Hernia—Get Expert Care Today
If you suspect a hernia or have been advised to consider surgery, Anaheim Community Hospital is here to help. Our outpatient surgery center provides high-quality, personalized care so you can get back to your life faster.
Call (714) 243-9170 to schedule a consultation.
Learn more: Anaheim Community Hospital Outpatient Surgery
Have questions about hernia surgery? Call (714) 243-9170 to schedule a consultation.