At Brown Surgical Associates’ Comprehensive Hernia Center, hernia care is about more than just the surgery itself. According to Dr. Marcoandrea Giorgi, one of the Center’s expert surgeons, successful hernia repair depends on preparing the whole patient—not just repairing the hernia.
Why Hernias Happen
Hernias can occur for many reasons: previous emergency surgeries, excess weight, or other health conditions. While surgical repair is often necessary, Dr. Giorgi emphasizes that a good outcome requires more than technical skill.
“It’s not just about doing robotic or open surgery to fix the hernia,” he explains. “We need to make sure the foundation is there for the patient so the repair can last over time.”
In the video below, Dr. Giorgi details the steps patients can take before hernia repair, or any surgery, that will greatly increase their chances for a smooth recovery and a successful outcome.
Reducing Risk Before Surgery
The Comprehensive Hernia Center takes a 360-degree approach to patient care, focusing on key lifestyle and health factors that can make or break recovery:
-
Smoking cessation – Smoking has a direct, negative impact on healing. Dr. Giorgi compares it to clogging a sprinkler system: “If you smoke, you’re literally putting gravel in the sprinkler system—it won’t work.” Quitting smoking before surgery helps improve blood flow and wound healing.
-
Weight and nutrition management – Excess weight adds pressure on hernia repairs, increasing the risk of complications. At the same time, some patients may be malnourished from prior emergency surgeries or other illnesses, making them too weak to heal. Addressing both sides of the nutrition spectrum is vital.
-
Mobility and strength – Patients who struggle with walking or self-care may face slower recoveries. Building mobility and strength before surgery helps ensure the body can handle and sustain the repair.
Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Care
At the Comprehensive Hernia Center, patients don’t just receive surgery—they receive care that looks at the whole picture. From lifestyle coaching and nutritional support to medical optimization, the goal is always the same: to minimize complications and ensure long-lasting results.
“We’re not just technical surgeons,” Dr. Giorgi says. “Our mission is to improve outcomes and provide a repair that patients can sustain for the rest of their lives.”
👉 If you or a loved one is considering hernia surgery, learn more about the Comprehensive Hernia Center at Brown Surgical Associates and how our team can help prepare you for the best possible outcome.
