After surviving emergency surgery for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, James thought his toughest battle was over. But during his recovery, a massive abdominal hernia began to form — stretching his stomach to the point where it looked like a basketball was protruding from his abdomen.
“It looked like I was nine months pregnant,” James said. “The skin was so thin that anything could have punctured it.”
Every day activities became a struggle. He couldn’t fish, golf, or work. Strangers would stare, and depression set in.
When other doctors told him his condition was too severe for repair — and that he might not survive — James refused to give up. That’s when his doctor referred him to Dr. Marcoandrea Giorgi, a complex hernia specialist at Brown Surgical Associates Comprehensive Hernia Center.
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A Specialist Who Offers Hope
From the first appointment, Dr. Giorgi’s careful, compassionate approach gave James something he hadn’t felt in years — hope.
“He told me he had studied all my scans and believed I was a candidate,” James said.
According to Dr. Giorgi, successful complex hernia repair isn’t just about surgery. It’s about teamwork and preparation.
“A hernia is a disease process,” Dr. Giorgi explained. “It’s not just a hole or a patch. It’s about rebuilding function and strength so the patient can truly heal.”
Before surgery, James worked closely with Dr. Giorgi’s team for several months — losing weight, quitting smoking, and improving his nutrition. These steps were essential for a successful abdominal wall reconstruction.
Precision and Teamwork: A Robotic Surgical Success
When James was ready, Dr. Giorgi performed a complex robotic abdominal wall reconstruction — a highly specialized procedure designed to rebuild the abdominal muscles and repair the hernia with precision.
“The CT scan is like a roadmap,” said Dr. Giorgi. “Looking at these images, a team of surgeons collaborate, ensuring we come up with the right plan for each patient.”
The surgery was a success. For the first time in years, James’ abdomen was strong, stable, and pain-free.
Back to an Active, Confident Life
Today, James is thriving. He’s back to work, back on the golf course, and back to enjoying life.
“I can tuck my shirt in now and not care who’s looking,” he said. “He gave me my life back.”
Dr. Giorgi calls stories like James’ the true purpose of surgery.
“It’s not just about fixing a problem,” he said. “It’s about helping people return to a full, happy life.”
About Dr. Marcoandrea Giorgi
Dr. Marcoandrea Giorgi is a board-certified surgeon and expert in complex abdominal wall reconstruction and robotic hernia repair at Brown Surgical Associates, based in Rhode Island. His patient-centered approach combines advanced surgical innovation with long-term recovery planning, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients facing even the most challenging hernia cases.
👉 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.
