A bulge in your groin that grows when you cough, lift, or stand for a long time is easy to ignore, until it starts to get in the way. That bulge is often an inguinal hernia, which happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower belly wall. Hernia repair surgery is how it gets fixed, and it is often done as same-day surgery.
Dr. Deborah Martin is a board-certified general surgeon who has cared for patients in the Atlanta area for more than 30 years. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is one of the operations she performs most often. She also treats recurrent hernias, which are hernias that come back after an earlier repair.
If a groin bulge or pain has you weighing your options, you can request an appointment at our Alpharetta office. Dr. Martin will examine you, answer your questions, and explain whether surgery makes sense now or later.
Most people with an inguinal hernia will need surgery at some point. Some men with a small hernia that causes few or no symptoms can safely wait and watch instead. This approach is called watchful waiting.
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA found that watchful waiting is an acceptable choice for men whose hernias cause little or no pain. Waiting still has limits. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports that about 70 percent of men who delay surgery get new or worse symptoms. They need surgery within 5 years.
Repair is usually the better choice if your hernia hurts, gets bigger, or limits your work or exercise. The research behind watchful waiting comes from studies of men, so Dr. Martin may recommend repair sooner for women. Whether your hernia is new or has come back after a past repair, you can expect the same careful evaluation.
At your consult, be ready to talk about:
There are three common ways to repair an inguinal hernia. NIDDK explains that the best choice depends on the size of your hernia, your age, your health, and your medical history.
Dr. Martin has experience with both open and laparoscopic surgery, and she will explain which approach fits your hernia and your goals. Minimally invasive repair may mean a shorter recovery, but a larger or recurrent hernia can call for open repair.
Knowing the steps ahead of time makes the day feel more manageable.
You will meet with Dr. Martin for your consultation at our Alpharetta office, where she can answer questions about each step before you schedule.
Most people feel mild pain after hernia surgery, and it fades within about 2 weeks. NIDDK also notes that many people go back to work and daily activities within 3 to 5 days. Your own timeline depends on the type of repair and the kind of work you do.
Follow your written instructions closely. They are written for your repair, your health, and your job.
Inguinal hernia repair is quite safe, and serious complications are rare, according to NIDDK. Still, every surgery carries some risk, and Dr. Martin reviews yours with you before the day of your procedure.
Possible complications include:
Call our office at (770) 844-2144 if you notice bleeding, drainage, or redness at your incision. Also call for fever or chills, nausea or vomiting, pain or swelling that gets worse, or trouble breathing or urinating. Pain that stays severe even with pain medicine needs a call too.
Dr. Martin accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Humana, Medicaid, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. You can see the full list on our insurance information page.
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on several factors. These include your plan's deductible and coverage, the type of repair, the surgical facility, and anesthesia. Our team can help you understand what to expect before you schedule.
Some plans require a referral from your primary care provider before you see a surgeon. To check what your plan needs, call (770) 844-2144.
The medical information on this page follows NIDDK's inguinal hernia guidance, which cites international groin hernia guidelines from the HerniaSurge Group. Dr. Martin reviews every treatment plan with each patient, so your care is based on your hernia and your health.
Patients share what their care was like on our testimonials page.
Deborah A. Martin, M.D., F.A.C.S holds continuous certification in general surgery from the American Board of Surgery. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). She completed her general surgery residency at the LSU Department of Surgery, Charity Hospital of New Orleans, and has practiced for more than 30 years.
Dr. Martin served as First Vice President of the Medical Association of Georgia, which gave her It's Jack A. Raines, M.D. Humanitarian Award in 2014. She also helped found The Yonkofa Project, which builds clinics in rural Ghana. Patients often mention how much time she takes to answer their questions.
A laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair typically takes a couple of hours, including time to prepare for surgery. Dr. Martin will give you a better estimate after she examines you and chooses the approach. You can read more about hernia repair surgery on our main hernia page.
Most laparoscopic hernia repairs are outpatient procedures, so you can go home the same day. Plan for someone to drive you home. If your health or the repair calls for a longer stay, Dr. Martin will tell you before surgery.
Yes. NIDDK describes inguinal hernia repair as quite safe, and serious problems such as damage to blood vessels or organs are rare. Dr. Martin reviews the possible risks with you so you know what to watch for during recovery.
No. Most people with an inguinal hernia will need surgery to repair it, according to NIDDK. Surgery is the only treatment that permanently fixes a hernia, though some men with minimal symptoms can safely watch and wait under a surgeon's care.
Follow the instructions Dr. Martin gives you. They may include stopping certain medicines or not eating for a set time before the operation. Line up a ride home, and ask someone to help with daily tasks while you recover.
Scheduling is easy, and online scheduling is available. You can request an appointment any time or call (770) 844-2144. Our team will help you find a time that works. We look forward to seeing you