An inguinal or groin hernia is a common problem that is a result of a laxity or weakness in the groin area resulting in fat or intestines from the inner abdominal cavity protruding through muscle layers which can cause a visible bulge and/or pain. It likely has a genetic component and also is correlated to pressure and certain lifting movements.

Non-surgical treatments include observation, and hernia belts. Unfortunately at this time, there is no non-surgical cure for a hernia.

The surgical treatment of the inguinal hernia has a fascinating and long and storied history. Exceptional surgeons and anatomists from the past 200 years have tried various methods to treat hernias. Unfortunately success rates have been limited due to the difficult nature of the groin anatomy. Multiple techniques have been tried and with varying degrees of success. The surgical community has more or less settled on the following basics:

• Mesh repairs appear to have lower recurrence rates (e.g. Lichenstein). 

• Laparoscopic and robotic repairs allow for posterior repairs which are especially helpful with femoral hernias.

• Of the tissue-based (non-mesh) repairs, Shouldice and Desarda repairs appear to be the most durable and reproducible.

Dr. Cober offers all of the above and is skilled in a full range of advanced techniques. He works with patients' situations and personal wishes to provide the best surgical care possible. 

Most of the surgical literature favors mesh repairs in terms of hernia recurrence and chronic pain. Having said that, there is definitely a rare entity termed Mesh Implant Illness (MII) related to immunologic reactions to mesh. It should be emphasized that MII is exceedingly rare.
Here is a link to a paper describing Mesh Implant Illness. 

The literature and most experts also agree that probably the most important element of hernia surgery success is having a skilled and experienced hernia surgeon who can help tailor the approach to each patient. 

There are truly many options for inguinal hernia repair surgery. Few surgeons today are trained in the advanced tissue repair techniques we specialize in. Here are just a few that Dr. Cober offers.

1. Desarda: this is a lower tension tissue-based mesh free procedure that uses a flap of external oblique aponeurosis to repair the hernia.

2. Shouldice: this is a tissue-based mesh free procedure practiced most commonly at the Shouldice Clinic in Canada and involves a 4 layer suture repair of the inguinal floor.

3. Lichtenstein: this is an anterior tension-free mesh based repair.

4. Minimally Invasive (TEP vs rTAPP): this is a posterior repair based on mesh using small incisions. These are laparoscopic or robotic procedures for inguinal hernia repair. 

And there are many modifications and variations even within these approaches including the Kang repair, rTEP, and the Andrews Repair.

As a patient advocate, Dr. Cober takes time to understand each individual's goals, concerns, and lifestyle before recommending the best surgical approach. Schedule an appointment today. 

• YES we do take insurance (all plans)

• YES we do take Medicare (including Part B)

• YES we do take Workers' Compensation

• YES we do offer competitive self-pay rates

• YES we do offer online scheduling

• YES, in addition to standard copay-based appointments, we do offer concierge services for an additional fee (after-hours availability and longer appointments)

Phone (call/text): (561) 556-2286
Email: info@coberhernia.com
Fax: (561) 693-2210
Secure messaging: spruce.care/coberhernia

Office Locations

• Jupiter
  658 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 212
  Jupiter, FL 33458
  In the Cytonics office

  • Driving directions: Head east on Indiantown Rd and turn right at Jupiter Jewelry (beside Pure Self Defense) and proceed to the offices just behind ("G. SCUDERI, M.D.").

• Palm Beach Gardens
  4362 Northlake Blvd, Suite 209
  Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
  In the Capital Orthopedics office

  • Driving directions: Head east on Northlake Blvd and turn right at the sign for 4360-4362 (just past The Original Pancake House). 4362 is the second building (in the back). Suite 209 is on the second floor and has the sign "Capital Orthopedics + Spine."

• Fort Pierce
  2215 Nebraska Ave, Suite 1-A
  Fort Pierce, FL 34950

  • Driving directions: Park at the large parking lot at the Medical Arts Building just east of the Lawnwood emergency department. As soon as entering the building, turn right to suite 1-A (Dr. Joseph's office).

Surgery Centers

• Palm Beach Gardens Regional Surgery Center

• The Laser and Surgery Center in Palm Beach Gardens

• Lake Worth Surgical Center

• Treasure Coast Center for Surgery in Stuart

• The Surgical Center of the Treasure Coast in Port St. Lucie

• Live Oak Endoscopy Center in Vero Beach

Hospitals

• Lawnwood Regional Medical Center (a regional level II trauma center with high-acuity adult and pediatric services)

• St. Lucie Medical Center

• Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center

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