Hernia Repair in Houston, Texas
A hernia won’t heal on its own, but repairing it can be straightforward with the right surgeon. Dr. Worley is a board-certified, expert surgeon in Houston, TX, who offers robotic, laparoscopic, and open hernia repair tailored to each patient.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia forms when tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weak spot, a defect, in the muscle wall, usually in the belly or groin. Common signs include:
- A bulge that grows when you stand or strain and shrinks when you lie down
- Aching, burning or pressure, especially after lifting
- A heavy or dragging feeling in the groin
Seek emergency care if a hernia turns firm, red or purple, can’t be pushed back in, or comes with vomiting or severe pain.
Common Types of Hernia
- Umbilical — at or near the belly button
- Ventral — through the front of the abdomen
- Incisional — through the front of the abdomen, often at or near an old surgical scar
- Recurrent — a hernia that returns after a previous repair
- Inguinal — in the groin, and the most common type
- Femoral — just below the groin crease, more common in women
How Hernias Are Repaired
The right approach depends on the hernia’s type, size and location, plus your health and goals.
- Robotic repair — small incisions, precise control, and magnified 3D imaging; often less pain and a faster return to activity
- Laparoscopic repair — a similar minimally invasive option using a camera and small instruments
- Open repair — one incision over the hernia; still ideal for some very small or even very complex hernias
Most repairs use mesh, a medical-grade patch that lowers the chance the hernia comes back, however some hernias can be repaired with stitches alone.
Recovery at a Glance
Most patients go home the same day. After a minimally invasive repair, many return to desk work within about a week, normal activity in 2–4 weeks, and heavy lifting after around 6 weeks with their surgeon’s approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hernia go away without surgery? No. Exercise and braces can’t close the opening, and most hernias slowly enlarge.
Is hernia surgery painful? Most patients describe moderate soreness rather than severe pain, especially after minimally invasive repair.
Can a hernia come back? It can, but the risk is low with a well-performed repair. Smoking, diabetes, excess weight, and lifting too soon raise it.
Is hernia repair covered by insurance? Hernia repair is usually considered medically necessary and covered by most plans.
Talk to Dr. Worley About Your Hernia
If you’ve noticed a bulge in your abdomen or groin, with or without pain, an evaluation is the first step. Call us at 281-737-8460 or request an appointment online.
