Hernia Repair: Mary's Story
November 27, 2019For people who have intestinal issues, relief can’t come fast enough. If you, like Mary Madu of Silver Spring, need more serious treatment than what over-the-counter medications can provide, turn to Holy Cross Health’s advancing Digestive Health Program.
“We are one of the leading providers in Montgomery County for the diagnosis and treatment of simple to complex digestive conditions,” explains Bryan Steinberg, MD, medical director, Thoracic Oncology, and chair, Robotics Committee, Holy Cross Health.
For community members with digestive issues related to obesity, colorectal, heartburn, hernia and others, Holy Cross Health offers comprehensive care and multi- specialty expertise to provide innovative treatment options for successful results.
Last year, Mary turned to the multidisciplinary hernia team at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital to surgically repair her large, complex hernia. It was located on the front of her stomach, next to her belly button, the size of a grapefruit—and still growing.
Happy to be tinkering in my garden again. Dr. Conrad and Dr. Sailon assured me that my hernia pain would be better, and it is. I am grateful I had such a good team. - Mary Madu
A hernia is a gap or tear in the lining of the abdominal wall, allowing organs to squeeze through and rest just beneath the skin, causing pain, possible further injury and complications.
“There are many different types of hernias, including hiatal, which is usually associated with heartburn, and inguinal. Specialists at Holy Cross Health treat them all, including large, complex ones like Mary’s,” explains George Conrad, MD, General Surgery, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital.
Mary’s hernia was a long-standing issue that was affecting her quality of life. “I have allergies, and each time I would cough I would be in so much pain,” the 56-year-old says. “I am a strong person, but the agony brought me to my knees.”
Mary had experienced multiple previous abdominal surgeries, including an unsuccessful hernia repair at another hospital. Because of the layer of difficulty due to scar tissue and the large size of the hernia, Dr. Conrad operated with Alexander Sailon, MD, Plastic Surgery, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital.
“Most hernia repairs do not require a second surgeon with reconstructive expertise, but for those that do, the results are impressive,” says Dr. Sailon. “Our different surgical training complements each other’s skill set for this type of multifaceted surgery.”
Mary found relief by turning to Holy Cross Health and so can you. “With advanced physiological testing, expertise in digestive disorders, and experienced surgeons from throughout the region, Holy Cross Health is changing patients’ lives for the better,” says Dr. Steinberg.