Every June, healthcare providers across the country recognize Hernia Awareness Month, which is an opportunity to educate patients about one of the most common surgical conditions in the United States. With more than one million hernia repairs performed in the U.S. each year, hernias affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Yet many patients remain unaware of the warning signs. And for those that do recognize that they have a hernia, they may not realize that the quality of their surgery can vary significantly depending on where they choose to be treated.
Portneuf Medical Center (PMC) has a robust hernia program led by general surgeons Jorge De Amorim Filho, MD and Drew McRoberts, MD. These surgeons specialize in hernia repair, including complex cases that have historically been done at larger hospitals. They have both earned prestigious accreditations in recognition of their mastery of hernia repair and surgical excellence, including their use of robotic-assisted surgery.
Recognizing the signs of a hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The most common types include inguinal (groin) hernias, umbilical (bellybutton) hernias and incisional hernias that develop at the site of a previous surgery. Symptoms can include a visible bulge or lump under the skin, a dull ache or pressure in the affected area —especially when bending over, coughing or lifting – and in some cases, sharp pain or a feeling of heaviness. Some hernias cause no discomfort at all and are discovered during a routine exam.
Importance of getting your care at a high-volume center
A high-volume center refers to a surgical program that performs a large number of procedures each year. Research consistently shows that patients who undergo hernia surgery at high-volume centers experience fewer complications, lower recurrence rates and better overall outcomes compared to those treated at lower-volume facilities. At Portneuf, our surgeons who specialize in hernia repair have extensive technical experience, having completed more than 1,000 hernia surgeries each. High-volumes centers like PMC offer a broader range of techniques, including minimally-invasive and robotic-assisted approaches, allowing the surgical plan to be tailored to each patient’s anatomy and needs.
“When considering a hernia surgery, one of the most important decisions a patient can make is choosing a high-volume center,” said Dr. Jorge. “Centers that perform a large number of hernia repairs typically have more specialized expertise and experience managing both routine and complex cases. This experience translates to better outcomes, lower complication rates and faster recovery for patients.”
Center of Excellence designations
A Hernia Center of Excellence (COE) is a designation awarded to programs, like Portneuf’s, that meet rigorous, independently verified standards for surgical quality, patient outcomes and clinical processes. PMC’s designation comes from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), which is an independent organization. Earning a COE requires demonstrating consistently low complication and recurrence rates, adherence to evidence-based protocols, detailed patient follow-up and a multidisciplinary team approach to complex cases. For patients, choosing a COE means entrusting their care to a program that has been held to a higher standard by an external organization focuses solely on outcomes.
In addition to recognition as a Hernia Center of Excellence, PMC has also earned COE designations for minimally-invasive surgery and robotic surgery.
“A Center of Excellence in Hernia and Robotic surgery combines specialized expertise, high surgical volume and a multidisciplinary team focused exclusively on abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair,” said Dr. McRoberts. “For patients, this means access to the latest techniques, greater surgical experience and a commitment to achieving the best possible patient outcomes.”
Drs. Jorge and McRoberts have also earned recognition for their individual performances as hernia surgeons. The SRC identifies surgeons who have proven their expertise, dedication to patient safety, use of advanced technology and commitment to delivering exceptional care. Each surgeon has undergone a thorough evaluation process to meet standards for high surgical volume, specialized training and good patient outcomes. Our hernia surgeons’ individual SRC accreditations:
- Jorge De Amorim Filho, MD – Surgeon of Excellence in Hernia, Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Master Surgeon in Hernia Surgery
- Drew McRoberts, MD – Surgeon of Excellence in Hernia, Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Master Surgeon in Hernia Surgery
Take the next step this Hernia Awareness Month If you have been living with symptoms, putting off a conversation with your doctor or simply wondering whether the occasional ache needs medical attention, let June be your month to act. Hernias rarely resolve on their own, and delaying evaluation can allow a manageable condition to become a more complicated one. Our hernia team is here to answer your questions and help you identify the best course of care for you. Call Portneuf Surgical Specialists today 208-239-2620.