You had your hernia repaired, and now it’s back. It’s frustrating, and it raises real questions: Why did this happen? What are my options? Will it keep coming back? A recurrent hernia, while disheartening, is not uncommon and does not always mean something went wrong with your original surgery. What matters most now is getting the right care from a surgeon who specializes in exactly this situation.
Dr. Brian Jacob, MD, FACS, has devoted his career to hernia repair, including the complex cases that others shy away from. Named one of the best hernia surgeons in NYC by The New York Times Magazine for 14 consecutive years, Dr. Jacob brings world-class expertise to every patient he treats at NYC Hernia.
What Is a Recurrent Hernia?
What Does a Recurrent Hernia Feel or Look Like?
A recurrent hernia may present as a visible bulge in the abdomen, discomfort or pain in the area of the original repair, or both. Some patients notice it right away, while others discover it during a routine exam. If you suspect your hernia has returned, see a specialist promptly.
Your Treatment Options
Before your appointment, try to locate your original operative report. This document outlines the technique and materials used during your first repair, which is valuable information for your surgeon as they plan your care.
Dr. Jacob will likely order a CT scan to assess the size of the hernia, its contents, and whether any additional hernias are present. From there, several repair options may be considered:
- Open primary repair without mesh
- Open mesh repair, with mesh placed inside the abdomen, between the muscle and peritoneum, or as an onlay on the fascia
- Laparoscopic or robotic mesh repair, both of which are minimally invasive approaches that may involve defect closure, with mesh positioned intra-abdominally or between the peritoneum and muscle
Dr. Jacob will walk you through which approach makes the most sense for your anatomy, history, and goals.
Risks to Be Aware Of
As with any surgery, recurrent hernia repair carries potential risks. These may include recurrence, chronic pain, bowel obstruction, seroma, hematoma, infection, mesh erosion, enterotomy, and fistula. Dr. Jacob will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
How to Prepare for Surgery
If your BMI is greater than 35, working toward a lower weight before surgery can meaningfully reduce your risk of another recurrence. Quitting smoking is also essential, as it impairs healing and significantly increases surgical risk. Dr. Jacob and his team will support you in getting ready for the best possible outcome.
Why Choose NYC Hernia for Recurrent Hernia Surgery in New York, NY?
Recurrent hernias are not the place for a generalist. They require a surgeon who understands the nuances of prior repairs, how mesh behaves over time, and the anatomy of a hernia that has already been altered by surgery. Dr. Brian Jacob has built his entire practice around hernia care, performing thousands of procedures and developing an individualized approach for each patient.
Dr. Jacob is a Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the founder and CEO of the International Hernia Collaboration, an organization that provides hernia education to over 15,000 surgeons worldwide. He has been recognized as a Top Doctor in New York Magazine from 2012 through 2026 and has served on the boards of SAGES and the Americas Hernia Society. His publications include co-editing The SAGES Manual on Hernia Repair, the definitive textbook on the subject.
Ready to Address Your Recurrent Hernia?
A hernia that comes back deserves a surgeon who has seen it all and knows what to do next. Dr. Brian Jacob at NYC Hernia in New York, NY, is ready to evaluate your case and help you understand your options. Call 212-879-6677 or schedule a consultation online (opens in new tab).
