Hernia & Abdominal Wall Surgery

Advanced Hernia Care Close to Home

Hernias are common, but each hernia is different. Some are small and can be watched safely. Others may cause pain, limit activity, enlarge over time, or require a more advanced repair plan.

At Hopedale Medical Complex, the Center for Hernia & Abdominal Wall Surgery offers individualized evaluation and treatment for common and complex hernias, including groin, umbilical, abdominal wall, incisional, recurrent, and hiatal hernias.

Dr. Isolina Rossi is a board-certified general surgeon with training at a high-volume hernia center. She brings experience in both routine minimally invasive hernia repair and complex abdominal wall surgery to patients close to home.

Conditions We Treat

Groin Hernias

Including inguinal and femoral hernias. These may cause a bulge, pressure, burning, or pain in the groin, especially with lifting, coughing, standing, or activity.

Umbilical Hernias

Hernias near the belly button. These may enlarge over time and can become more noticeable with straining, pregnancy, weight changes, or heavy lifting.

Ventral and Incisional Hernias

Hernias in the abdominal wall, including hernias that develop at the site of a prior surgery. These may range from small defects to larger abdominal wall problems.

Recurrent Hernias

Hernias that return after a prior repair. These are more complicated and often require specialist review of prior surgery, imaging, anatomy, and risk factors.

Complex Abdominal Wall Hernias

Larger, recurrent, or more complicated hernias may require advanced abdominal wall planning. This includes patients with multiple prior surgeries, prior mesh, prior infection, large defects, or weakened abdominal wall function.

Hiatal Hernias

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upward through the diaphragm. This may be associated with reflux, regurgitation, chest discomfort, swallowing difficulty, or upper abdominal symptoms.

When to Consider a Hernia Evaluation

You may benefit from evaluation if you have:

  • A bulge in the groin, belly button, or abdominal wall
  • Pain, pressure, or discomfort with lifting or activity
  • A hernia that is growing or becoming more symptomatic
  • A prior hernia repair with new pain or bulging
  • Abdominal wall weakness after surgery
  • Reflux or regurgitation symptoms with concern for hiatal hernia
  • A hernia that is limiting work, exercise, or daily life activities

Surgery is not always recommended and in this case we will find the solution for a better quality of life. You will review the problem with your surgeon including imaging/bloodwork to create a personalized treatment plan. If surgery is indicated, then minimally invasive techniques will be used for a quicker recovery.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Seek urgent medical attention if a hernia is associated with:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • A bulge that cannot be pushed back in
  • Redness, warmth, or skin color changes over the hernia
  • Fever or chills
  • Bloating or inability to pass gas or stool

These symptoms may suggest a more serious hernia complication and should be evaluated immediately.

Our Approach

1. Careful Diagnosis

Evaluation begins with a history and physical exam. Imaging may be recommended depending on the hernia type, prior surgeries, symptoms, and complexity.

2. Individualized Planning 

Not all hernias are repaired the same way. Treatment depends on the hernia location, size, symptoms, anatomy, prior repairs, health history, and patient goals.

3. Repair Options

When surgery is recommended, options may include open or minimally invasive repair. Mesh may be used when appropriate to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce the risk of recurrence.

4. Complex Abdominal Wall Surgery

For larger, recurrent, or more complex hernias, surgical planning may involve abdominal wall reconstruction techniques, preoperative optimization, and a longer recovery plan.

5. Recovery Guidance

Patients receive clear expectations for pain control, activity, lifting restrictions, return to work, and follow-up care.

Why Choose HMC?

  • Board-certified general surgery care 
  • training at a high-volume hernia center
  • Evaluation of both common and complex hernias
  • Individualized repair planning
  • Local access, close to home
  • A review of prior imaging, operative reports, and repair history when available
  • Clear education before and after surgery

What to Bring to Your Visit (if available)

  • Prior CT, ultrasound, or upper GI imaging reports
  • OPerative reports from previous hernia repairs
  • Information about prior mesh placement
  • A list of prior abdominal surgeries
  • Current medication list
  • Notes from prior surgical evaluations

This information helps our care team create the safest and most complete plan of action. 

Schedule an Evaluation

If you have a hernia, a possible hernia, a prior hernia repair, or symptoms concerning for a hiatal hernia, HMC General Surgery can help you understand your options. 

Request An Appointment

To speak with staff directly, please call (309) 449-4338.

Additional Information

Medical Degree
Rush University Medical College
Chicago, IL

General Surgery Intership & Residency
Carolina Medical Center/Atrium Health
Charlotte, NC

Website: isolinarossimd.com

 

Isolina R. Rossi, MD is a board certified general surgeon, along with primary care physician at Hopedale Medical Complex. She believes in providing cutting edge care with high quality outcomes. Learn more >>