Abdominal Core Health Program

Surgeons at NYU Langone’s Abdominal Core Health Program are recognized leaders in the field of hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction using the most advanced robotic surgical techniques. Our team specializes in repairing all types of hernia, including complex hernias and those that have recurred after a prior surgery.

The abdominal wall is made up of the muscles and other connective tissue that wrap around your body like a wide band. It extends from the bottom of your breastbone, or sternum, to your pelvis. These vital muscles and tissue protect the organs in your abdomen, holding them in place, and are essential to your overall stability, balance, and ability to lead an active life.

Hernia Repair

The most common abdominal wall condition is a hernia, which occurs when fat, tissue, or part of an organ protrudes through a weakened area or hole in the muscles or connective tissue of the abdominal wall. Our team treats all types of hernias, including the following:

• umbilical hernias, which occur near the navel
• incisional hernias, which happen when part of an organ or tissue protrudes through an incision or scar from previous abdominal surgery
• inguinal and femoral hernias, which occur in the groin area

NYU Langone surgeons care for people with hiatal and paraesophageal hernias—which occur when a portion of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity—at our Center for Esophageal Health.

Specialization in Complex Hernias and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

A hernia is considered complex if it is larger than 8 centimeters, or slightly more than 3 inches; has recurred after surgery; or results in a large portion of the abdominal contents bulging through the hernia, a condition called loss of abdominal domain. Without proper repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, complex hernias can develop complications or recur.

Our team is among the most experienced in the repair of complex hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction using advanced robotic surgical techniques. Our highly skilled surgeons have advanced training in both minimally invasive and open approaches, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

In addition to repairing simple and complex hernias, we also treat the following abdominal wall conditions:

• diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy
• athletic pubalgia—sometimes incorrectly called athletic hernia—a weakening or tearing of muscles in the abdominal wall that results in groin pain
• benign or malignant tumors of the abdominal wall and muscles

Our Focus on Abdominal Core Health

We take a holistic approach to your treatment, with a personalized plan that focuses not only on your surgical care, but also on helping you regain and maximize strength in the muscles of your core. Our care begins with your initial visit and addresses every facet of your treatment—surgery and recovery, pain management and wound care—as well as physical therapy provided by our Rusk Rehabilitation physical therapists. When appropriate, we consult and collaborate with experts in other medical and surgical specialties at NYU Langone, including bariatric and plastic surgery.

Research and Clinical Trials

Experts at the Abdominal Core Health Program are active in clinical trials that test new technologies for abdominal surgery and in research on ways to improve its outcomes. In addition, our program participates in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative national database, which tracks the outcomes of abdominal surgery at medical institutions around the country.