Comprehensive Hernia Center

A hernia is a hole or defect (such as in the abdominal wall) with something passing through it that does not belong there. There are several types of hernias, and they all can cause discomfort and pain. At Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Surgery Institute, we can provide fast relief for this common condition.

Our Comprehensive Hernia Center is part of our Surgery Institute. In this center,
we’ve brought together a team of surgeons with different areas of expertise to
provide a high level of hernia care. And because we tailor treatments to your needs and direct you to the right support services, including weight loss and tobacco cessation, we help reduce your risk of a hernia returning.

Hernia surgery at AHN: Why choose us?

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures you get the care you need now, quickly. Sometimes more than one surgeon will play a role in your treatment — and same-day appointments speed your way to relief. Because we care about your long-term success, we also make sure you have access to the education and resources you need to stay healthy and hernia-free.

People also choose us for hernia surgery because we offer:

• Hernia expertise: At our center, general surgeons work alongside specialists, such as plastic surgeons, colorectal surgeons, and bariatric surgeons. This setup guarantees that surgeons who specialize in your specific type of hernia care for you. This approach helps provide our patients with a high level of expertise and effective results.
• Latest treatments: Our surgeons are skilled in open and laparoscopic (tiny incisions) hernia surgery as well as advanced robotic techniques. Sometimes, physical therapy resolves symptoms without surgery. We will explain your options and guide you to the most effective treatment (and surgeon) for your condition. 
• Support services: Reducing your risk factors before and after surgery are important. We direct patients to supportive services to help with weight loss, smoking cessation, improvement in diabetes, and other health issues.
• Convenience: A dedicated member of our team seamlessly coordinates every aspect of your hernia care. Our surgeons also provide comprehensive hernia care at several locations across western Pennsylvania, so you can be evaluated and treated near home. 
• Patient-centered culture: At our center, you are an active member of your treatment team. We involve you in every part of the care process. That means you’ll help decide what type of procedure is right for you based on what’s most important to you: a hernia not coming back or a short recovery. We explain the pros and cons of different procedures and don’t move forward until you’re confident in your treatment plan.

Types of hernia we treat

Our surgeons use the latest treatment techniques to care for common and rare types of hernias, including:

• Umbilical hernias (show up by the navel)
• Ventral hernias (appear anywhere on the abdominal wall)
• Sports hernias (muscle tears in the groin or abdominal area)
• Inguinal hernias (happen in the groin area)
• Complex hernias (hernias complicated by other factors, such as obesity or a previous hernia repair)

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about hernia services.

For follow-up questions related to your hernia care, contact the Comprehensive’s Hernia Center’s Clinical Coordinator, Jennifer Somers at (412) 578-4215 or at jennifer.somers@ahn.org.