What Kind of Doctor Performs Hernia Surgery? Your Complete Guide
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when facing hernia repair. Understanding what kind of doctor performs hernia surgery, their qualifications, and what to look for can help ensure the best possible outcome. At our Maryland hernia surgery center, our board-certified surgeons have performed thousands of successful hernia repairs over 30 years. Let’s explore the medical specialists who treat hernias and what makes them qualified.
General Surgeons: The Primary Hernia Specialists
Board-Certified General Surgeons General surgeons are the primary specialists who perform hernia surgery. These physicians complete extensive training including:
- Four years of medical school
- Five to seven years of general surgery residency
- Comprehensive training in abdominal wall surgery
- Board certification by the American Board of Surgery
General surgeons perform the vast majority of hernia repairs in the United States, including inguinal hernia surgery, umbilical hernia repair, and ventral hernia procedures.
According to the American College of Surgeons, hernia repair is one of the most common procedures general surgeons perform, with over 700,000 operations conducted annually in the United States.
Specialized Hernia Surgeons
Fellowship-Trained Hernia Specialists Some general surgeons pursue additional fellowship training specifically in hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction. These surgeons:
- Complete 1-2 additional years of specialized training
- Focus exclusively on complex hernia repairs
- Often treat recurrent or complicated hernias
- May be affiliated with academic medical centers
American Hernia Society Members Surgeons who are members of the American Hernia Society demonstrate commitment to staying current with the latest hernia repair techniques and research.
Other Specialists Who May Perform Hernia Surgery
Pediatric Surgeons For children with hernias (especially congenital hernias), pediatric surgeons are the appropriate specialists. They have additional training in treating infants and children.
Laparoscopic/Minimally Invasive Surgeons Some surgeons specialize in minimally invasive hernia repair techniques. These specialists have advanced training in laparoscopic hernia surgery, offering patients faster recovery with smaller incisions.
Gastrointestinal Surgeons For hiatal hernias (hernias of the upper digestive system), gastrointestinal or thoracic surgeons may be involved, as these hernias require specialized expertise.
Essential Qualifications to Look For
Board Certification Your surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Surgery. This certification ensures:
- Completion of accredited training programs
- Passing rigorous written and oral examinations
- Ongoing continuing medical education
- Adherence to ethical standards
Hospital Privileges Surgeons with privileges at accredited hospitals have been vetted by peer review committees and meet strict credentialing standards.
Experience and Volume Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that surgeon experience directly correlates with better outcomes. Surgeons who perform more hernia repairs have:
- Lower complication rates
- Reduced recurrence rates
- Faster operative times
- Better patient outcomes
The Importance of Surgical Experience
Why Experience Matters At our center, Dr. Alan Kravitz has performed over 20,000 hernia repairs over 30+ years of practice. This level of experience translates to:
- Superior surgical technique
- Better judgment in complex cases
- Ability to handle unexpected situations
- Refined skills that minimize complications
Our experienced surgical team has been recognized consistently as “Top Doctors” by Washingtonian Magazine since 1993, reflecting peer recognition of surgical excellence.
Questions to Ask Your Hernia Surgeon
About Training and Credentials:
- Are you board-certified in general surgery?
- Where did you complete your training?
- Do you have specialized training in hernia repair?
- Are you a member of the American Hernia Society?
About Experience:
- How many hernia repairs do you perform annually?
- What are your complication and recurrence rates?
- Do you perform both open and laparoscopic techniques?
- Have you treated my specific type of hernia before?
About the Procedure:
- Which technique do you recommend for my hernia and why?
- What type of mesh will you use?
- What is the expected hernia surgery recovery time?
- What are the risks and potential complications?
Anesthesiologists: The Other Critical Team Member
While surgeons perform the repair, board-certified anesthesiologists play a crucial role in hernia surgery:
- Administering and monitoring anesthesia
- Managing pain control
- Ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure
- Providing post-operative pain management
Our center uses only American-trained, board-certified anesthesiologists for all procedures, ensuring the highest safety standards.
The Surgical Team and Facility
Accredited Surgery Centers The facility where your surgery is performed matters as much as the surgeon. Look for:
- AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) certification
- Modern equipment and technology
- Experienced nursing and support staff
- Strict safety protocols
Our AAAHC-certified surgery center meets rigorous standards for patient safety and quality care.
Primary Care Physicians: Your Starting Point
Your primary care doctor or family physician typically:
- Diagnoses your hernia during physical examination
- Provides initial treatment recommendations
- Refers you to qualified surgeons
- Coordinates post-operative care
However, you don’t always need a referral to see a hernia specialist. Many patients contact our center directly for evaluation and treatment.
When to Seek Immediate Surgical Consultation
Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation by a hernia surgeon:
- Sudden, severe pain at the hernia site
- Hernia becomes hard, tender, or can’t be pushed back
- Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas
- Signs of bowel obstruction
- Fever with hernia pain
Don’t delay seeking care. Timely hernia treatment prevents serious complications and often allows for less invasive repair options.
The Affordable Hernia Surgery Approach
Expert Surgeons, Accessible Care Our center combines surgical excellence with affordable pricing. Our board-certified general surgeons offer:
- 30+ years of specialized hernia repair experience
- Thousands of successful procedures
- Both traditional and minimally invasive techniques
- Same-day consultation and surgery options
Transparent Pricing We believe quality hernia care should be accessible. Our flat-rate pricing of $2,600 includes all surgical fees, anesthesia, and facility charges – no hidden costs or surprise bills.
We also participate with most major insurance plans and Medicare, making expert care available regardless of your insurance situation.
Making Your Decision
Choosing the right surgeon involves considering:
- Board certification and credentials
- Years of experience and procedure volume
- Surgical outcomes and complication rates
- Communication style and bedside manner
- Facility accreditation and quality
- Cost transparency and insurance acceptance
According to the National Institute of Health, patients who feel confident in their surgeon’s expertise experience less anxiety and often have better outcomes.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Now that you know what kind of doctor performs hernia surgery and what qualifications to look for, take the next step. Contact our experienced surgical team at (800) 925-2580 to schedule your consultation.
Our board-certified general surgeons will evaluate your hernia, explain your treatment options, and answer all your questions. With convenient same-day service, affordable transparent pricing, and decades of experience, we’re here to provide the expert care you deserve.
Don’t let your hernia limit your life any longer. Reach out today and take the first step toward a successful repair and recovery.
