A hernia doesn’t fix itself. That bulge, nagging ache, or sharp pain you feel when you lift, cough, or bend signals that something needs attention. Left untreated, hernias can worsen over time and, in some cases, become a medical emergency. The good news is that today’s hernia repair techniques are more precise, less invasive, and offer faster recoveries than ever before.
Dr. Brian Jacob, MD, FACS, brings unmatched expertise to every procedure at NYC Hernia. As a Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and founder of the International Hernia Collaboration, Dr. Jacob has performed thousands of hernia repairs and is widely recognized as one of the foremost hernia specialists in the world.
What Is Hernia Surgery?
Hernia Operations Performed at NYC Hernia
No two hernias are alike. Dr. Jacob evaluates each patient individually and recommends the repair technique best suited to their anatomy, health history, and lifestyle. Below are the hernia operations available at NYC Hernia.
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Inguinal hernias are the most common type, occurring when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles. They can develop on one or both sides of the groin and are more prevalent in men. Dr. Jacob performs both laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repair, offering a minimally invasive approach with a strong track record of success and low recurrence rates.
Femoral Hernia Repair
Femoral hernias occur just below the groin crease, where the femoral canal passes through the upper thigh. Though less common than inguinal hernias, femoral hernias carry a higher risk of complications because they are more prone to becoming trapped, or incarcerated. Prompt surgical repair is strongly recommended. Dr. Jacob’s expertise with groin anatomy allows for precise, effective repair with minimal disruption to surrounding structures.
Ventral/Incisional Hernia Repair
Ventral hernias occur along the front of the abdominal wall, while incisional hernias develop at the site of a previous surgical incision where the tissue has weakened over time. Both can cause discomfort, a visible bulge, and difficulty with everyday activities. Dr. Jacob repairs ventral and incisional hernias using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, reinforcing the abdominal wall with mesh to reduce the risk of recurrence and support a smoother recovery.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
Umbilical hernias form when tissue pushes through a weakness near the belly button. They are common in infants but also occur in adults, particularly those who have been pregnant, carry excess weight, or have had prior abdominal surgery. While small umbilical hernias may cause little discomfort, larger ones can become painful or lead to complications. Surgical repair closes the defect and reinforces the area, typically through a small incision with a relatively brief recovery period.
Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Some hernias, particularly large or recurrent ones, require more than a standard repair. Complex abdominal wall reconstruction involves rebuilding the structural integrity of the entire abdominal wall, often using advanced techniques to restore function and reduce long-term complications.
Hiatal Hernia Repair
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. It can cause persistent heartburn, acid reflux, chest discomfort, and difficulty swallowing. Surgical repair involves returning the stomach to its correct position and reinforcing the diaphragmatic opening. Dr. Jacob performs this procedure laparoscopically, allowing for a faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
Parastomal Hernia Repair
Parastomal hernias develop around a stoma, an opening created in the abdominal wall during ostomy surgery. They are common and can cause discomfort, make ostomy management difficult, and create cosmetic concerns. Repair requires a careful approach to preserve stoma function while reinforcing the surrounding tissue. Dr. Jacob has extensive experience navigating the unique challenges of parastomal hernia repair.
Recurrent Hernia Repair
When a hernia returns after a previous repair, it requires a more complex surgical strategy. Recurrent hernias can be more difficult to treat due to scar tissue and weakened tissue from prior surgery. Dr. Jacob specializes in recurrent hernia repair, approaching each case with a thorough review of the patient’s surgical history and a customized plan designed to minimize the likelihood of another recurrence.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is a separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. While it is not technically a hernia, it is closely related and often occurs alongside one. It is common after pregnancy or significant weight changes and can cause core weakness, back pain, and a visible abdominal bulge. Surgical correction can restore the midline and significantly improve both function and appearance.
Flank Hernia
Flank hernias occur in the lateral abdominal wall, outside the boundaries of the rectus muscle. They can develop after a previous incision in the flank area, such as those made during kidney or urological surgery, or they may arise spontaneously due to nerve damage that weakens the abdominal wall muscles. Flank hernias can be challenging to repair because of their location and the lack of strong tissue nearby for reinforcement.
Spigelian Hernia
A Spigelian hernia forms along the Spigelian fascia, a band of tissue on the side of the rectus abdominis muscle. Unlike most hernias, Spigelian hernias push through layers of muscle rather than directly under the skin, which means they often don’t produce a visible bulge and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience intermittent lower abdominal pain or discomfort that worsens with activity. Because these hernias carry a higher risk of incarceration, surgical repair is generally recommended once diagnosed.
Obturator Hernia
An obturator hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through the obturator canal, a small opening in the pelvic bone. This is a rare type of hernia that most commonly affects older, thin women. Obturator hernias are notoriously difficult to detect because they rarely cause a visible bulge and their symptoms, including inner thigh pain, can mimic other conditions. They are frequently not identified until they cause a bowel obstruction, making timely diagnosis and surgical repair critical.
Why Choose NYC Hernia for Hernia Operations in New York, NY?
When it comes to hernia surgery, your surgeon’s skill and experience matter enormously. Dr. Brian Jacob has devoted most of his career to treating hernias and groin pain, performing thousands of procedures over the past decade with a consistent focus on optimized outcomes and rapid recovery. He is a Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and operates at both Mount Sinai Medical Center and Midtown Surgery Center in New York City.
For 14 consecutive years, Dr. Jacob has been named one of the best hernia surgeons in New York City by The New York Times Magazine, and he has been listed as a Top Doctor in New York Magazine every year from 2012 through 2026 by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. His internationally recognized standing in the hernia surgery community reflects not just technical skill, but a genuine dedication to advancing the field. As the founder and CEO of the International Hernia Collaboration, he oversees the surgical education of more than 15,000 hernia surgeons worldwide.
Schedule Your Hernia Consultation in New York, NY
Living with a hernia is uncomfortable, and waiting rarely makes things better. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for a while, now is the right time to get expert guidance from a surgeon who specializes exclusively in this area. Dr. Brian Jacob and the team at NYC Hernia are ready to help you understand your options and chart a clear path forward.
Contact NYC Hernia in New York, NY, at 212-879-6677 or schedule your consultation online (opens in new tab).
