General Surgery

 

Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair

A hernia is a defect in the strengthening layer (fascia)of the abdominal wall.  The defect can be from weakness (attenuation) of the abdominal fascia or previous surgery (incisional hernia).  Repair of the hernia often involves mesh that integrates into your tissue to prevent hernia recurrence in addition to the fascia being repaired.

 

A very common site for an abdominal wall hernia is the umbilicus (belly-button). Larger abdominal wall defects may be present after a tumor is resected from the abdominal wall.  In that case, mesh may be required as well as tissue from another area of the body for definitive abdominal wall reconstruction.

Inguinal Hernia Repair

An inguinal or groin hernia commonly occurs in men because of weakness (attenuation) of the lower abdominal wall.  Often the hernia can develop along the same path of descent of the testicle during embryological development (an indirect hernia).

 

Hernias never go away and only enlarge with time.  Hernias can affect your quality of life and can be dangerous because of the risk of intestinal obstruction or strangulation.  Check with your doctor to see if you are at risk.

Breast Cancer Treatment (Lumpectomy/Mastectomy)

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women and the occurrence of breast cancer in younger women is rising.  Treatment of breast cancer includes a multidisciplinary team including a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, and possibly a reconstructive surgeon.

 

Presently, the primary treatment of breast cancer remains surgical excision with adjunctive treatments available when necessary (radiation, hormonal and chemotherapeutic agents).

Abdominal wall reconstruction after tumor resection from abdominal wall

 

Luke Gutwein, MD

 

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
General Surgeon

St. Augustine's Medical Services

 

American Board of Surgery Certified

 

Professor of Anatomy

St. George's University

Grenada, West Indies

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