Modern surgery: record genesis of a monstrous hernia in Vienna!

Modern surgery: record genesis of a monstrous hernia in Vienna!

At the Donaustadt Clinic in Vienna, a patient with an exceptionally large incisional hernia was successfully treated with minimally invasive treatment. Peter, 66, struggled with a huge bulge in his stomach that left him looking nine months pregnant after an emergency procedure to remove his colon, gallbladder and appendix. “I was afraid that I would suffer a hernia,” said Peter, because such hernias, which occur in 15 to 30 percent of cases after abdominal surgery, can be accompanied by serious complications. The clinic has established itself as a pioneer in the surgical treatment of hernias, which is proven by the quality seal of the German Hernia Society from 2022, as the doctors emphasize.

Innovative treatment methods in hernia surgery

The surgeons at the Donaustadt Clinic used a novel combination of techniques on Peter to address the challenge of a “monstrous hernia” with a defect measuring 20 cm in diameter. In the first step, they injected Botox into the abdominal muscles to relax the tissue. This was followed by the use of the Da Vinci surgical robot, meaning only small incisions were necessary. “This significantly reduced the risk of wound infections and postoperative pain,” explained Dr. Benjamin Glaser. Peter was able to go home just three days after the procedure and now feels fit enough to pursue his hobbies.

A break in the abdominal wall, also called a hernia, usually occurs in weak areas of the abdominal muscles, often after surgery, where scars form. According to the German Hernia Society, entrapment of the intestines is a serious danger that occurs in around 1-3% of cases per year. This highlights the importance of professional examinations and targeted surgical techniques in order to effectively help patients. For Peter, the expertise of the specialized hernia surgeons at the Donaustadt Clinic was also crucial for his quick and painless healing process. For every hernia case, there are now tailor-made treatment approaches that benefit patients, as explained in the patient information.