Hernia Surgery in Port Charlotte, FL
What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. Dr. Tufts repairs two main types:
- Inguinal hernia: in the groin.
- Umbilical hernia: at or near the belly button.
- Ventral hernia: in the front of the abdominal wall, including near an old incision.
Hiatal and paraesophageal hernias, which involve the diaphragm, are covered on the reflux & hiatal hernia page.
Signs you may need hernia surgery
Common signs include a bulge that gets bigger when you stand, cough or lift, and an ache or pressure in that area. Some hernias cause few symptoms at first, but they don't heal on their own.
How hernias are repaired
Many hernias can be repaired with minimally invasive surgery through small incisions. Dr. Tufts will examine you and talk through whether surgery makes sense for you and which approach fits best.
Recurrent inguinal and recurrent ventral hernias are primarily repaired with the Da Vinci robot. Other hernias are repaired with an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach, whichever is best for the patient.
Where surgery is performed
Dr. Tufts operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits are at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.
We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Will an inguinal hernia go away on its own?
No. A hernia does not heal by itself. Some hernias stay small for a long time, but they do not close without repair.
Do I need surgery right away?
Not always. If a hernia is small and causes few symptoms, your surgeon may discuss watchful waiting. Surgery is usually recommended when a hernia is painful, growing or limiting your activities. A hernia that becomes firm, very painful or cannot be pushed back in is an emergency.
How is an inguinal hernia repaired?
Most repairs are done either laparoscopically (through a few small incisions with a camera) or through one small open incision in the groin, usually with surgical mesh to reinforce the weak area. Your surgeon will explain which approach fits your hernia and health.
Will I go home the same day?
Most planned inguinal hernia repairs are outpatient procedures, so most patients go home the same day.
When can I get back to normal activities?
Walking is encouraged right away. Your surgeon will tell you when you can drive, return to work and lift heavier objects, which depends on the type of repair and your job.
What causes an umbilical hernia in adults?
An umbilical hernia forms at a weak spot at or near the belly button. Anything that increases pressure inside the abdomen, such as pregnancy, excess weight, heavy lifting, straining or a long-lasting cough, can contribute.
Is an umbilical hernia dangerous?
Many cause only a bulge and mild discomfort, but tissue can become trapped. Go to the emergency room if the bulge becomes firm, very painful or discolored, or cannot be pushed back in, especially with nausea or vomiting.
Is mesh always used?
Not always. Very small hernias may be closed with stitches alone, while larger ones are usually reinforced with mesh. Your surgeon will recommend the repair that fits the size of your hernia.
How long is recovery?
Most planned umbilical hernia repairs are outpatient. You can walk right away, and your surgeon will tell you how long to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tufts
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.