Inguinal Hernia Repair in Orange County

Board-certified surgeon Dr. Abtin Khosravi, MD, FACS offers laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repair — returning most patients to normal activity within days, not weeks.

• FACS
• da Vinci Certified
• SRC Surgeon of Excellence
• Medical Director, Robotic Surgery

Johns Hopkins Medical School
Robotic Surgery Fellowship, Hackensack University
Medical Director of Robotic Surgery, St. Joseph’s Hospital

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures — but outcomes vary significantly based on surgeon training and technique. Dr. Khosravi brings a uniquely rigorous background to every procedure he performs.

✓  Board-Certified General Surgeon (FACS) — Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, held to the highest standards of surgical training and ethics.

✓  Robotic Surgery Fellowship at Hackensack University — Completed the only council-approved advanced robotic surgery fellowship in the U.S., specifically designed for general surgery conditions including hernia repair.

✓  SRC-Accredited Surgeon of Excellence — Independently recognized by the Surgical Review Corporation for exceptional standards in patient care and safety in robotic surgery.

✓  Medical Director of Robotic Surgery — Currently serves as medical director at Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, overseeing all robotic surgical programs.

✓  Johns Hopkins Training — Medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; surgical internship and residency at Johns Hopkins and Sinai Hospital, Baltimore.

✓  Published and Presented — Peer-reviewed journal publications and oral presentations at national surgical meetings including the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons.

01  All Three Approaches Available — Open, laparoscopic, and robotic (da Vinci). Dr. Khosravi selects the approach best suited to your anatomy, medical history, and recovery goals. Not every surgeon can offer all three.

02  Dedicated Robotic Fellowship — Dr. Khosravi completed the nation’s only council-approved robotic surgery fellowship, a distinction fewer than a handful of hernia surgeons in Southern California can claim.

03  Same-Day Outpatient Surgery — Most inguinal hernia repairs are performed on an outpatient basis. You arrive, have surgery, and return home the same day.

04  Top-Rated Hospital Setting — All surgeries are performed at Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange — consistently rated among the top hospitals in Southern California for surgical quality and nursing care.

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, usually a portion of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the muscles of the lower abdominal wall near the groin. The result is often a visible or palpable bulge that may become more prominent when you stand, cough, or strain.

Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own. Without surgical repair, they typically worsen over time and carry a risk of strangulation, a serious, potentially life-threatening complication where the blood supply to entrapped tissue is cut off. Early repair is almost always the safer and less complex option.

Common Symptoms

•  Visible bulge in the groin or scrotum
•  Aching or burning sensation in the groin
•  Discomfort when bending, coughing, or lifting
•  Dragging or heaviness in the groin
•  Pain that worsens as the day progresses

Seek Immediate Care If

•  The hernia cannot be pushed back in
•  Sudden, severe pain in the groin
•  Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas
• Redness or warmth at the bulge site

Dr. Khosravi evaluates each patient individually. The best approach depends on hernia size, prior surgeries, body type, and your activity goals. A thorough consultation determines which technique is right for you.

Laparoscopic Repair  (Most Common)
Three small quarter-inch incisions allow Dr. Khosravi to access and repair the hernia from behind the abdominal wall using a tiny camera. A surgical mesh is precisely positioned and secured with small staples.

• Less post-operative pain than open repair
• Return to light activity within days
• Performed under general or regional anesthesia
• Same-day outpatient procedure
• Local anesthetic option available
• No general anesthesia required for some patients

Robotic Repair (da Vinci)  —  Advanced Option
The da Vinci Surgical System provides 3D high-definition visualization and articulating instruments with a greater range of motion than the human hand — enabling exceptional precision for complex or recurrent hernias.

•  Superior depth perception and magnification
•  Ideal for complex or bilateral hernias
•  Dr. Khosravi is SRC-certified in robotic surgery

Open Repair
A 3–4 inch incision in the groin allows direct access to the hernia defect. Still the preferred approach for some patients with prior abdominal surgery or specific anatomical factors.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Recovery from laparoscopic or robotic inguinal hernia repair is significantly faster than open surgery. Here’s what most patients experience:

DAY OF SURGERY  Outpatient Procedure — Home the Same Day

Surgery typically takes 30–60 minutes. You’ll spend 1–2 hours in recovery while anesthesia wears off. Once you’re awake and able to walk, you go home. A responsible adult must drive you.

DAYS 1–3  Soreness and Rest

Expect mild to moderate discomfort, especially with movement. Most patients manage well with prescribed pain medication. Light walking is encouraged from day one — it aids healing and prevents clotting.

DAYS 4–7  Returning to Daily Life

Most patients resume showering, driving (if not on prescription pain medication), walking stairs, and light household tasks. Many return to desk-based work within the first week.

WEEKS 2–3  Follow-Up Appointment

Dr. Khosravi will see you within 2 weeks to assess healing. At this point, most patients are back to normal daily routines and light exercise.

WEEKS 4–6  Full Activity Clearance

Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and physically demanding work are typically cleared around 4–6 weeks, depending on individual healing and Dr. Khosravi’s assessment.

What is a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair?
It is a minimally invasive surgery using small incisions, a camera, and mesh to repair a groin hernia.

How is a laparoscopic hernia repair different from open surgery?
Laparoscopic repair uses smaller incisions, typically causes less pain, and allows faster recovery.

Am I a candidate for laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery?
Candidacy depends on your medical history, prior surgeries, and overall health, determined after evaluation.

What causes an inguinal hernia?
Weakness in the abdominal wall combined with strain, aging, heavy lifting, or congenital factors.

What symptoms indicate an inguinal hernia?
A visible bulge, groin pain, discomfort when lifting, coughing, or prolonged standing.

Is laparoscopic hernia repair painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort that improves within a few days.

How long does the surgery take?
The procedure typically takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on complexity.

Is laparoscopic hernia repair outpatient?
Yes, most patients return home the same day.

How long is recovery after laparoscopic hernia repair?
Many patients return to normal activities within a few days to one week.

When can I return to work after surgery?
Light work is often possible within several days; heavy lifting may require more time.

What is robotic inguinal hernia surgery?
Robotic surgery uses the da Vinci system for enhanced precision, vision, and control.

Is mesh used in laparoscopic hernia repair?
Yes, surgical mesh is commonly used to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce recurrence.

What happens if laparoscopic repair cannot be completed?
For safety reasons, the procedure may be converted to an open repair if needed.

What are the risks of laparoscopic hernia repair?
Risks are uncommon but may include bleeding, infection, or hernia recurrence.

When should I call the surgeon after surgery?
Call immediately for fever, severe pain, swelling, redness, vomiting, or difficulty urinating.

POST-SURGERY SAFETY

After surgery, most patients recover smoothly. Contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following:

! Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
! Increasing abdominal swelling
! Bleeding from incision sites
! Pus or discharge from incisions
! Worsening redness around incisions
! Pain not controlled by medication
! Persistent nausea or vomiting
! Inability to urinate
! Persistent cough or shortness of breath
! Unable to eat or drink liquids

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Khosravi. Most patients are seen within days, and same-day surgery scheduling is available.

Call: (714) 541-4996 or Contact Us

1010 W. La Veta Ave., Suite 775  ·  Orange, CA 92868  ·  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm