Abdominal Wall Unit

Unit specialising in hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction

The Abdominal Wall Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital is dedicated to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of hernias and complex abdominal wall defects. Under the direction of Dr Jorge Martín Gil, it carries out specific work in this field within a highly specialised hospital setting.

Its aim is to provide an expert assessment that confirms the diagnosis and enables the most appropriate surgical approach to be precisely determined in each case, based on sound clinical criteria and with a focus on patient safety.

Expert assessment of abdominal wall defects

The unit treats patients with inguinal, umbilical, crural or Spiegel hernias, as well as eventrations following abdominal surgery, defects associated with ostomies and more complex conditions, including loss of continence. Cases of rectus diastasis are also assessed where there is functional impairment.

Although some hernias begin with mild symptoms, they can progress to persistent pain, physical limitations or complications. A specialist assessment enables risks to be anticipated and treatment to be planned at the appropriate time.

Thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan

The assessment begins with a detailed clinical examination and an analysis of the patient’s personal and surgical history. Where necessary, this is supplemented by imaging tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT), which enable the size of the defect, its location and the characteristics of the tissues to be determined with precision.

The decision to proceed with surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account symptoms, the risk of the condition progressing and the patient’s general state of health. The aim is to provide a clear recommendation, based on expert judgement.

Advanced surgical techniques

Treatment can be carried out using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the type of defect and its complexity.

Minimally invasive techniques allow surgery to be performed through small incisions using a camera and high-precision surgical instruments. These approaches include various laparoscopic techniques — such as TEP, TAPP, eTEP or REPA — which allow hernias to be repaired from within the abdominal wall, reducing the invasiveness of the procedure and promoting a faster recovery where indicated.

In complex cases, anatomical reconstruction of the abdominal wall may be necessary. This is achieved using biocompatible meshes and specific reinforcement techniques, always selected on a case-by-case basis.

The correct choice of technique and detailed pre-operative planning are essential for reducing complications and optimising recovery.

Specialist care in abdominal wall surgery

The unit provides access to a team specialising specifically in hernia surgery and abdominal reconstruction, with extensive experience in managing complex and recurrent cases.

Each case is managed in a structured manner, from the initial assessment through to post-operative follow-up, with personalised planning and continuity of care. Where the clinical situation requires it, we work in coordination with other specialities to ensure a comprehensive approach within a hospital setting equipped to handle highly complex conditions.