Tell us about your hernia and how it came about.

I worked as a Patient Transporter at Parkwest Medical Center for many years, and whenever a nurse or someone had a heavy patient that they needed help with or to lift, I always tried to help. I think what happened was, over those years, I had developed this hernia and didn’t even realize it at first. It wasn’t until I finally retired that, all of a sudden, I noticed it was just hanging out there. And, one day it raised and started to move or open up bigger. When I touched my stomach, it was like somebody had literally stabbed me. I thought, ‘I got to do something about this. I’ve got to make a phone call here and get this taken care of.’

What made you choose Dr. Gibson?

I’ve known Dr. Gibson for probably 15 years. I was very familiar with the Premier Surgical group. I saw how he dealt with his patients. Overall, he really cared for his patients. So, when this came up, there was no doubt in my mind who I was going to call to take care of this for me.

How was your experience with Premier Surgical Surgery Center?

It was a dream. Dr. Gibson told me that instead of doing the procedure at the hospital, they were going to do it at the Premier surgery center. Having worked at the hospital for so long, I knew some of the nurses and staff at the surgery center. Things could not have gone better. That group is so organized. When a patient comes in, you’ve got one nurse checking vials, you’ve got another nurse starting an IV, you have another nurse checking data, things about my background, medicine I might have been, and things like that. They were on top of it the whole way.

What was your recovery like?

Before Dr. Gibson did the procedure, he came over to me and explained everything. He told me that we were going to have to just give it a couple of weeks. Then, I would do a follow-up with him. I followed his advice during that two-week period. I didn’t lift anything heavy. I tried to be careful with moving and things like that, and it just went like clockwork for the healing process. It was just unbelievable. After that two-week period, when I went in to see him for the check-up, I had no pain at all. No issues whatsoever. I like to play golf, and I asked, ‘Can I go out and play golf?’ He said, ‘Yep. You’re doing fine.’

What would you tell people about your care with Dr. Gibson and Premier Surgical Center?

The doctors I’m familiar with there really listen to what the patients are telling them. They make you feel very confident and comfortable knowing that from beginning to end, going in for the procedure and then coming out, everything will be fine. I highly recommend them.

Michael Dunning’s experience with Premier Surgical Center in Knoxville, TN and Dr. William C. Gibson highlights the dedication and expertise our team brings to patient care. Our goal is to ensure that every patient feels confident and well-cared for throughout their treatment journey. If you or a loved one are facing a similar situation, we’re here to help.

For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation with a Premier Surgical surgeon, request a consultation online. 

The post Patient Shares Premier Surgery Center Hernia Surgery Experience first appeared on Premier Surgical.

National Hernia Awareness Month: Symptoms and Treatments You Need to Know

June is National Hernia Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a common yet often misunderstood condition. At Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN, we can help shine a light on important information about hernias, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Being informed can help you recognize the signs early and seek appropriate care.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Although hernias can appear in different parts of the body, they most commonly occur in the abdominal region. The primary types of hernias include:

• Inguinal Hernia: Found in the groin area, this type is more prevalent in men.
• Femoral Hernia: Located just below the groin, more commonly affecting women.
• Umbilical Hernia: Occurs around the belly button, often seen in infants but can also affect adults.
• Hiatal Hernia: Happens when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
• Incisional Hernia: Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision.

Common Symptoms of Hernias

The symptoms of a hernia can vary based on its type and location. However, some common signs to be aware of include:

• A noticeable bulge: This is often the most obvious symptom and may become more prominent when standing, coughing, or straining.
• Pain or discomfort: Especially noticeable when lifting, bending, or engaging in physical activities.
• A heavy or dragging sensation: Typically in the groin area.
• Weakness or pressure: Felt in the affected area.
• Burning or aching: At the site of the bulge.

In some cases, a hernia can lead to serious complications, such as strangulation, where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off. This situation requires immediate medical attention and can present with symptoms like severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid increase in the size of the bulge.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of a hernia, including:

• Genetic predisposition: A family history of hernias can increase risk.
• Chronic coughing: Often due to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Heavy lifting: Frequently lifting heavy objects without proper technique.
• Obesity: Excess weight adds pressure on abdominal muscles.
• Pregnancy: Increased weight and pressure on the abdominal wall.
• Previous surgeries: Scar tissue and weakened muscles from past surgeries.

Hernia Treatment Options

There are various ways to treat hernias depending on the type and severity. Common approaches include:

Watchful Waiting

For small, asymptomatic hernias, a watch-and-wait approach may be recommended, especially if the hernia is not causing discomfort or complications.

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage hernia symptoms and prevent them from worsening. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and managing chronic cough or constipation.

Surgical Repair

Surgery is often the definitive treatment for hernias, particularly if they cause pain or pose a risk of complications. The two main surgical techniques are:

• Open Hernia Repair: A traditional approach where the surgeon makes an incision near the hernia site and repairs the weakened area with sutures, mesh, or both.
• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: A minimally invasive procedure involving several small incisions and the use of a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to guide the repair. At Premier Surgical, our surgeons specialize in laparoscopic hernia repair as this method typically results in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain.

National Hernia Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to learn about the symptoms and treatments of hernias. If you notice any signs of a hernia, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN can help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a physician at one of our East Tennessee offices and take the first step toward effective treatment and relief. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

The post National Hernia Awareness Month: Symptoms and Treatments You Need to Know first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Hernia Removal at Premier Surgical Associates

Hernias can be a painful and uncomfortable condition that can interfere with your daily life. At Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN, our surgeons understand the impact that a hernia can have on your quality of life. That’s why we offer safe and effective hernia surgical repair procedures to help you regain your quality of life.

Symptoms and Treatment of Hernias

Hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue. Common symptoms include bulging or swelling in the affected area, pain or discomfort, and a feeling of pressure or heaviness.

If left untreated, hernias can cause complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation, which can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Expert Hernia Treatment at Premier Surgical Associates

Our board-certified surgeons have years of experience in diagnosing and repairing large and small hernias. We offer a variety of treatment options depending on the type and severity of your hernia, including open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, and robotic-assisted hernia repair.

Outpatient Simple Hernia Removal at Premier Surgical Surgery Center

At Premier Surgical Surgery Center in Knoxville, we offer outpatient simple hernia removal procedures. This minimally invasive procedure is performed under local anesthesia and allows patients to return home the same day. Our state-of-the-art facility and experienced surgical team ensure that you receive the highest quality care.

Regain Your Quality of Life with Premier Surgical Associates

At Premier Surgical Associates, our goal is to help you regain your quality of life. Our expert surgeons and state-of-the-art facility ensure that you receive the highest quality care. Contact us today to request an appointment and find out how we can help you get back to the life you love.

Don’t let hernias interfere with your quality of life. Contact Premier Surgical Associates today to schedule a consultation and find out how our expert surgeons can help you regain your quality of life with safe and effective hernia removal procedures. If you require outpatient simple hernia removal, our Premier Surgical Surgery Center has state-of-the-art facilities and experienced surgical teams to ensure the highest quality care. For more information about the Premier Surgical Surgery Center, please visit https://www.premiersurgicalsurgerycenter.com/about/

The post Hernia Removal at Premier Surgical Associates first appeared on Premier Surgical.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 5 million Americans suffer from a hernia.

What is a hernia?
A hernia is a condition that occurs when a part of your internal organ or tissue bulges or protrudes through a weak area of a muscle. Although hernias can happen in any part of the body, the most common site is the abdominal area.

There are different kinds of hernia. This includes:

• Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia is the bulging of the abdominal contents through a weak spot in the lower abdominal area. More prevalent in men, this type can occur in either one of the two passages of the abdominal wall (one on each groin), although it usually develops on the right side.

When left untreated, the contents that bulge can get stuck outside the abdominal wall and gets strangulated. When this happens, the blood flow to the hernia is cut off. This can lead to the death of the strangulated part.

• Femoral hernia
A femoral hernia can happen when the bulge occurs in the upper part of the thigh near the groin.

Unlike the inguinal hernia, this type is more commonly seen in women than in men. It usually affects those who are obese or pregnant.

• Incisional or ventral hernia
This type pertains to the protrusion or bulging of the sac/pouch from the inner lining of the abdomen through a weak spot in the abdominal area. This usually occurs at the site of an old surgical incision.

• Umbilical hernia
When the bulging or protrusion of the abdominal contents/organs happens around the belly button, you have what we call the umbilical hernia. This is common in infants and occurs when the muscle through which the umbilical cord passes does not close completely after birth.

• Hiatal hernia
This type of hernia refers to the protrusion of the upper part of the stomach through an opening in your diaphragm. Since your diaphragm keeps your stomach acid from getting into your esophagus, having a hiatal hernia may cause heartburn.

What are the signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of a hernia vary, depending on the type you have. Some even don’t cause any symptoms and are only discovered during a medical exam. However, most types of hernias share some similar symptoms, such as:

• An obvious bulge under the skin in the groin or abdominal area
• A burning or aching sensation on the bulge
• Discomfort on the site of the protrusion especially when coughing, bending over, or lifting
• Groin weakness or pressure

How are hernias treated?
Surgery is usually recommended if the hernia is growing and/or causing pain.

If the hernia is a small one, this can be repaired using a mesh material to reinforce and support the weakened spot. It can be done either through an open or laparoscopic technique. Premier Surgical physicians often perform simple hernia repair at the Premier Surgery Center in Knoxville.

For a very large hernia or in cases of multiple failed hernia repairs, more advanced complex hernia repair techniques are required to treat the condition. Complex hernia surgeries are performed in a hospital setting.

Dr. Michael Antiporda, Dr. Kristopher Williams, and Dr. David Schutter are board certified general surgeons with Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, TN, who handle hernia repair ranging from simple to complex. They will access your hernia and recommend the most suitable treatment option for a lasting repair.

To request with a Premier Surgical hernia surgeon, fill out our HERNIA CENTER APPOINTMENT REQUEST.

The post Hernia: Signs, Symptoms, Different types of Hernias first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Unrepaired hernias can get bigger and become more susceptible to incarceration and strangulation. These can lead to more serious health issues such as tissue death or gangrene.

Very large hernias used to be considered irreparable, but with the TAR method, repair of these large hernias is now possible.

We talked with General Surgeon Dr. David Schutter of Premier Surgical Associates of North Knoxville to learn about this new hernia repair technique. Dr. Schutter has specialized training in treating foregut conditions using robotic and laparoscopic technologies.

What is TAR?
“TAR or Transversus Abdominis Muscle Release is kind of a newer technique in repairing very large hernias.

The abdominal wall is composed of different layers and one of those layers is the transverse abdominis, part of that is muscle and part of that is fascia. If you can release that layer from the overlying and underlying layers, you can kind of stretch the body’s own tissues to cover large hernia defects.

We don’t do it in all hernia patients. If it’s just a small hernia, we will utilize other forms of hernia repair. But for large hernias, we recommend this as we can get 10 cm of coverage simply by releasing that layer.”

How new is this technique?
“The open technique was introduced in 2009, but the robotic technique didn’t start until 4 or 5 years ago. I have done two robotic ones here in Knoxville.”

What’s the advantage of using the robotic technique for this procedure?
“Compared to the open technique, the robotic technique involves smaller incisions (six incisions in total compared to the very large incision involved in the open technique).

In-patient hospital stay for those who have open TAR is usually around 6-7 nights. With the robotic technique, it’s just 1 day.”

Who qualifies for TAR?
“People who have large hernias. We don’t normally consider the TAR technique not until a hernia is at a minimum of 6-8 cm in diameter. If the hernia is smaller than 6cm, we would repair the hernia with a different technique. Component separation or TAR is reserved for larger or recurrent hernias that have failed their techniques. The patient also needs to fit for the surgery from a cardiopulmonary standpoint. The TAR surgery can take as long as 2.5 to 3.5 hours.”

What can patients expect after the robotic TAR surgery?
“They can expect to be a little bit better after the surgery and can expect to return to normal functioning earlier.

My only limitation to patients is to not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs in two weeks and nothing heavier over 20 lbs in the next two weeks.

If they’re feeling good after the two consultations, then they can get back to their normal activities.”

To learn if you may be a candidate for robotic TAR surgery is right for you, consult with an experienced surgeon. To request an appointment with Dr. Schutter or any of our excellent Premier Surgical physicians, complete this appointment form: https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/.

The post TAR for Large Hernia Repair first appeared on Premier Surgical.

What’s a hernia?
A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through its surrounding muscle or tissue. One could develop it as a result of muscle weakness, heavy lifting, persistent coughing or sneezing, obesity, and diarrhea or constipation.

How do you know you have a hernia?
The following signs and symptoms may indicate that you have a hernia:

• A bulge in the groin or scrotum
• Feeling of heaviness in the groin or abdominal area
• A feeling of discomfort in the groin area which worsens during heavy lifting
• Pain when standing for too long
• Pain or feeling of discomfort when peeing or during a bowel movement

Hernia Repair at Premier Surgical of Knoxville and Cleveland
Hernia repair can vary, depending on the type of hernia you have. For simple hernias, the hole is usually repaired laparoscopically, using mesh material. It’s an outpatient surgery, on which patients can go home after the procedure.

For complex hernias, that is, hernias that failed to close after several attempts to close it can be ‘treated’ using advanced hernia repair techniques. As complex hernias are often associated with higher complication and recurrence rates and hence, care for it requires unique expertise and experience.

Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville and Cleveland has surgeons who are well-experienced in treating both simple and complex hernias. General surgeons Dr. Shannon Beierle, Dr. Jason Dunn, Dr. Eston Wenger and Dr. Joshua Worthington serve hernia patients in the Cleveland, Tennessee area.

In Knoxville, Premier Surgical offers simple hernia repair at a packaged price and performed at the Premier Surgery Center on Papermill Drive.

As with complex hernias, extensive planning and in-patient hospitalization are usually required. The cost depends on the severity of the hernia and the extent of the needed repair.

To request an appointment with one of our surgeons in Knoxville or Cleveland, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/.  Or, in Cleveland call (423) 472-5423. In Knoxville call (865) 306-5775.

References:
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hernia-basics
https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2017/03/22/13/58/signs-you-might-have-a-hernia

The post We Treat All Kinds of Hernias from Simple to Complex first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Hernia is a common medical condition. It occurs when an organ or body tissue pushes itself through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue. 

Hernias are very common in the abdominal area but they can also develop in other areas such as the belly button, groin, and upper thigh.

What causes a hernia?

Hernias, in general, occur as a result of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle or fascia. In some cases, the muscle weakness is present at birth but oftentimes, it occurs later in life. 

Anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdominal area can increase one’s chance of having hernias. This includes heavy lifting without stabilizing the abdominal muscles, persistent coughing or sneezing, and constant diarrhea and constipation.

Being obese and a smoker also increase one’s risk of developing hernias. These factors can weaken muscles, which make hernias more likely to occur. 

What are the symptoms of hernia?

The most common symptom of a hernia is a lump or bulge on the affected area. For example, if you have an inguinal hernia, you may notice a lump on either side of your pubic bone. You are more likely to feel this lump when you stand, bend down, or cough.

Other common symptoms of hernia include pain or discomfort, a feeling of pressure or heaviness, and an aching sensation on the affected site.

How are hernias treated?

Treatment options for hernia depends on its size and the severity of the symptoms. Initially, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help ease the symptoms. This includes losing weight (if obese or overweight) and avoiding large meals and lying down or bending over after eating. Although these things can help minimize the symptoms, these won’t make the hernia go away. 

Surgery is the only way to treat hernia. It is often recommended for large hernias that are constantly causing discomfort. 

At Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland, we offer offer different surgical options for hernia. We offer the laparoscopic repair, a minimally invasive procedure for pushing the organs or tissues back to their original position. If appropriate, we also do open hernia repair, the more conventional procedure in which the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen or groin.

Your Premier Surgical physician will discuss these treatment options with you and determine the best repair method for your case. IF you have a high insurance deductible or are not insured,  Premier Surgical offers convenient package for basic hernia prepare performed at our Surgery Center on Papermill Drive. Visit https://www.premiersurgerypackages.com/ or call (865) 306-5755 for more details. 

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/hernia

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hernia-basics

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142334.php

The post Hernia Month first appeared on Premier Surgical.

The Premier Surgical Packages are for patients who are about to undergo gallbladder or hernia repair surgery. These packages come in one, affordable packaged cash price.

How does it work?

Step 1. Choose your procedure

As of now, the surgical packages are for gallbladder surgery and hernia repair only.

Step 2. Select a surgeon

Premier Surgical has a team of experienced surgeons who are committed to providing the best surgical care for patients with gallbladder disease and hernia. You can learn more about our surgeons here.

Step 3. Schedule an appointment

Once you have chosen your procedure and surgeon, it’s time to schedule an appointment.

What else do you need to know?

The surgery packages are created to prevent the “sticker shock” which some people experience after getting a surgery.

Premier Surgery packages includes everything you need for your surgery, such as:

• the appointments before and after the procedure
• facility
• anesthesia and surgeon
• supplies

The package pricing is only for self-pay gallbladder and hernia repair procedures performed at Premier Surgical Office Based Surgery Center in Papermill Drive, Knoxville. If you’re planning for multiple procedures during the same surgery, the price could be higher.

The post Premier Surgery Packages first appeared on Premier Surgical.

An abdominal wall hernia is a weakness or hole in the abdominal muscles through which organs or tissue may protrude. The signs and symptoms of hernia depend on the type of hernia. Some hernias don’t cause any symptoms, but are discovered during medical exams. Some common symptoms include:

• A bulge under the skin in the groin or other abdominal area
• A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
• Groin pain or discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
• Groin weakness or pressure

Hernia can affect men, women and children. A hernia may be the result of a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall at birth, or a weakness caused by age, injury or a previous surgical incision.

Hernia Repair at Premier Surgical

Premier Surgical physicians treat all types of hernias -from routine to very complex cases. Listen to Dr. Kristopher Williams discuss hernia repair and care in the video below.

The post Expert Hernia Repair and Care first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Different Types of Hernia

There are different types of hernia. The most common ones are:

1. Inguinal hernia
   Accounting for about 70 percent of all hernia cases, an inguinal hernia is the most common type. It occurs when the intestines protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
2. Hiatal hernia
   A hiatal hernia is usually seen in people over the age of 50. It occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, the large muscle that separates the chest and the abdomen.
3. Femoral hernia
   Mostly likely to occur in women, a femoral hernia appears just below the groin crease. This type of hernia occurs as a result of weakness in the lower groin area, allowing the intestinal sac to drop into the femoral canal.
4. Umbilical hernia
   This type of hernia develops near the navel or belly button. It usually occurs in infants or just after birth but may resolve at three or four years of age.
5. Incisional hernia
   As its name implies, an incisional hernia develops at the site of previous surgery. It may develop weeks, months, or even years after the surgery. This requires immediate attention as it can get extremely difficult to repair.

What causes a hernia?

Hernias often develop as a result of muscle weakness and strain. This can be due to a congenital defect (e.g. failure of the abdominal wall to close properly in the womb), damage from an injury or surgery, age-related changes, chronic coughing, or certain factors that cause the body to strain (e.g. pregnancy, constipation, heavy lifting, persistent coughing or sneezing).

What are the symptoms of hernia?

A lump or bulge in the area is the most common sign of a hernia. This lump may be felt when you stand up, cough, or bend down.

Other symptoms of a hernia include discomfort or pain on the affected site, pressure, weakness, or feeling of heaviness in the abdomen (in cases of inguinal hernia), and difficulty in swallowing (in cases of hiatal hernia).

Hernia Treatment at Premier Surgical Associates

Hernias can be treated. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it can be managed through lifestyle change, medications, and surgery. If your hernia is causing pain and affecting your daily life, surgery may be recommended, as it is the only treatment that can eliminate the hernia altogether.

The physicians of Premier Surgical in Knoxville treat all types of hernias -from routine to very complex cases, such as recurrent hernias. When surgery is the best option, we’re here for you.

Premier Surgical’s offers packaged surgery pricing for basic hernia repair procedures performed at the Premier Office Based Surgery Center in west Knoxville. Avoid surgery “sticker shock” with one, packaged price. You’ll know the cost of surgery before you have it, and you won’t have multiple medical bills to pay. You choose your procedure and your surgeon. Your package includes everything involved in your surgery. You know the total cost upfront, with no surprises or hidden fees! Request a consultation today!  

The post Hernia Awareness Month first appeared on Premier Surgical.