Fall River, Mass. – If you think you may have a hernia because of a heavy feeling or pain in your abdomen when you bend, cough, or lift heavy objects, plan to attend a free talk about the latest advances in hernia repair with James Hermenegildo, MD, chief of surgery at Saint Anne’s Hospital, on Wednesday, April 17, at the Venus de Milo, Swansea.

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through an opening in the muscles of the abdomen or groin. Hernias may develop due to a number of risk factors. Some of these include frequent lifting or pushing of heavy objects, prior abdominal surgeries, injuries to the bowel, pregnancy, a personal or family history of hernias, or obesity.

Thanks to advances in surgical techniques and technologies, hernia repair is easier and quicker than ever before. The da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system enables surgeons to use just a few small incisions. With its 3-D, high-resolution camera and highly flexible arms, the da Vinci provides clarity and flexibility that ensure precision. With robotic-assisted surgery, procedures are performed more quickly. Patients can recover more quickly, enjoy a shorter hospital stay, and return to normal activities within a shorter period of time.

At the April 17 program, Dr. Hermenegildo will explain hernias and how robotic-assisted surgery has changed the way surgeons are able to repair them. You’ll be able to ask questions and request a personal consultation. You’ll also get an up-close look at the da Vinci robot.

Doors open for this program at 5:30 pm. Dr. Hermenegildo’s presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be available. There is no charge, but advance registration is requested by calling 508-689-3944. You may also register online at https://saintanneshospital.org/home.

Other robotic-assisted surgery at Saint Anne’s Hospital

In addition to da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery for hernia repair and other procedures, Saint Anne’s Hospital also offers:

• Globus ExcelsiusGPS^TM robotic-assisted surgery for spine surgery
• robotic-assisted Mako technology for partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, and  total hip replacement

About Saint Anne’s Hospital

Founded by the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation in 1906, Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a full-service, acute care Catholic hospital with 211 beds and satellite locations in Attleboro, Swansea, Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Stoughton, Massachusetts.

A member of Steward Health Care, Saint Anne’s provides nationally recognized patient- and family-centered inpatient care (including all private rooms) and outpatient clinical services to patients from surrounding Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities.

In addition to comprehensive diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency services, Saint Anne’s key services include Saint Anne’s Hospital Regional Cancer Center; the Joint Commission-certified Center for Orthopedic Excellence; ambulatory surgery centers in Attleboro and Dartmouth; the Center for Pain Management in Swansea and Dartmouth; and geriatric psychiatry services in Fall River and Stoughton.