Hernia repair has a low rate of complications during recovery. However, people with type 1 or 2 diabetes have a higher risk for adverse events, including bleeding, infection, and superficial wound dehiscence (where the wound splits or bursts open). November is American Diabetes Month, and Dr. Gregory Dumanian wants you to understand how diabetes can affect hernia surgery and how we can work together to lower complications. Patients require incisional hernia repair to decrease the chance of bowel obstructions, help hernia pain, and to limit the bulging of abdominal tissues. Dr. Dumanian can di ..read more

Gregory Dumanian, M.D., pioneered mesh abdominoplasty for patients with incisional hernias and severe rectus diastasis. This procedure involves reinforcing the abdominal wall with permanent mesh and removing excess skin at the same time. Here, Dr. Dumanian describes what makes mesh abdominoplasty preferable for many patients. Rectus Diastasis Treatment Mesh abdominoplasty isn’t used just for hernias. It can also be used to treat severe rectus diastasis. Rectus diastasis is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscle. Rectus diastasis is commonly caused by pregnancy. However, it can also occu ..read more

Hernias are common among both men and women. An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or tissues protrude through the abdominal wall. Most abdominal hernias are treated with surgery. If you have undergone abdominal hernia surgery, then this article is for you. Dr. Gregory Dumanian is a hernia specialist. Here, he uses his expertise to provide five tips for easier abdominal hernia recovery. 1.      Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions The easiest and best way to recover from any surgery is to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Physicians provide post-surgery instructions ..read more

Many severely obese patients turn to bariatric surgery when their diet and exercise efforts have failed to help them lose as much weight as they would hope. While procedures like gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and gastric band are effective ways to help suppress appetite and limit food intake, patients must still adopt a healthier lifestyle to see long-term benefits. Are Hernias Common After Bariatric Surgery? One potential downside that bariatric patients should look out for after their procedure is a hernia. The risk for hernia after bariatric surgery can be anywhere between 5-25%, depending ..read more

If a weakness develops in the musculature or connective tissue around your abdomen, then it may no longer be able to hold your vital organs or fatty tissue in place. Instead, these organs and tissue can push through the gap, causing a protrusion known as a hernia. When you suspect or discover that a hernia has formed, it is important to seek prompt treatment from a doctor. As a hernia specialist, Dr. Gregory Dumanian has treated many patients who initially ignored the signs of hernia. When pain is occasional rather than persistent, it is easier to ignore a hernia, but it may not stay that way ..read more

Hernias do not resolve on their own. Over time, the protrusion worsens and becomes more painful. Prompt surgical repair is recommended. Top surgeon Dr. Gregory Dumanian of Northwestern Plastic Surgery discusses what to do in preparation for hernia surgery. Stop Smoking If you smoke, quit. Smoking significantly increases the risk of hernia surgery complications. Stop smoking at least four to six weeks prior to the surgery. Take Time Off Work Arrange to take the appropriate time off work during recuperation. The surgeon will let you know how much time to request, although the time necessary may ..read more

A hernia is a potentially serious condition where a bodily organ pokes outside of the tissue or muscles meant to hold it in place. Since hernias can be fatal if ignored, it makes sense that many people want to know what they should be eating to either prevent hernias or take care of existing ones. Dr. Gregory Dumanian breaks down the important details on diet and hernia: Can Your Diet Cause a Hernia? Most often, hernias are the result of muscle strain triggered by factors including prior surgeries that entered through the abdominal wall, weaknesses of the abdominal wall from birth, stretching ..read more

If you suspect you have a hernia or have been diagnosed with one, prompt medical attention is critical. Leaving it untreated puts you at risk of serious and possibly even fatal consequences if the hernia becomes “strangulated.” Our highly sought-after hernia specialist, Dr. Gregory Dumanian, explains what that means in this post. Anatomy of a Strangulated Hernia A hernia occurs when a weakness or hole develops in the muscular wall holding the abdominal organs in place. Tissues and organs can herniate, or protrude, through the opening, creating a noticeable bulge. Hernias may develop due to a c ..read more

A hernia that reappears after intestinal surgery is known as an incisional hernia. According to Dr. Gregory Dumanian, incisional hernias are quite common — some studies show that hernias can occur up to 20 to 25 percent of the time after bowel or liver procedures. Hernias can even occur in some circumstances after a hernia repair. This is called a recurrent hernia. But thanks to Dr. Dumanian’s advanced knowledge and surgical techniques, he can repair most incisional hernias and even recurrent hernias with a high success rate. Read on to learn more about why hernias reappear after surgery and m ..read more

Are you experiencing abdominal pain? Do you have a noticeable bulge that may or may not be tender to the touch? The culprit could be a hernia. Your next step is to promptly visit a doctor for an official diagnosis. The most reliable way to diagnose a hernia is with a physical exam by a doctor like Dr. Gregory Dumanian, who is extensively experienced in hernia repair. If Dr. Dumanian suspects a hernia but cannot confirm it based on a physical examination alone, he may recommend an imaging test. One of the most common imaging tests is computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT scan. CT sca ..read more