Dr. Jeffrey Praises Results from One Hernia Repair Technique

Dr. Jay R. Jeffrey, a surgeon at White River Medical Center, is using a technique for hernia repair which has the lowest recurrence rate of any other repair with a similar number of uses. It is the Ethicon Prolene Hernia System®. He said the system has been used in over 11,000 hernias nationwide.

The procedure requires typical surgical skills, Dr. Jeffrey said. He gained additional expertise pertaining to this technique at a seminar held in December at The W in New Orleans. Dr. Jeffrey has used the PHS for approximately four years.

The use of the Prolene mesh system, Dr. Jeffrey said, protects against future hernias in an area of the body where there could be a femoral hernia or lateral inguinal recurrent hernia. It is a permanent repair. Another beneficial addition used with this repair is a temporary pain prevention catheter placed at surgery which may markedly decrease the discomfort associated with inguinal hernia repairs.

A hernia is a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall, which allows fatty tissue or an organ, such as intestines, to protrude through the weak area. They occur most often in the groin, abdomen, around the navel, or near previous sites of abdominal surgery. Repair of a hernia always requires surgery. Dr. Jeffrey said strategies for preventing hernias include eating a healthy diet, not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and using proper lifting techniques.

As a surgeon certified by the American Board of Surgery since 1997 and a member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, Dr. Jeffrey practices at Batesville Surgery Specialties Clinic, 501 Virginia Drive, Batesville, AR 72501, telephone (870) 698-1846 or 1-800-371-8681. He also sees patients regularly at the WRMC Specialty Clinic at Hardy, 1998 Hwy. 62/412, Suite M, Hardy, AR 72542, telephone (870) 856-5677.