Patients may notice a bulge at the site of the hernia that can change in size with position or activity. This may or may not be associated with discomfort or pain.

In many cases, a hernia can be diagnosed through a physical examination alone. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis or further characterize the hernia when needed, but they are not always required.

There are several types of hernias and various strategies to repair them. Various repair options include the use of sutures, mesh, laparoscopic or open approaches. Robotic approaches are generally reserved for large hernias requiring complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Each of these approaches tend to have advantages and disadvantages and the exact choice of hernia repair will depend greatly on:

1. The type and size of the hernia
2. The medical status and age of the patient
3. The goals and priorities of the patient

We are a group of doctors who share the core values of Integrity, Compassion, and Expertise in our fields.  Due to resource limitations in the public system, many elective surgeries are not able to be offered in a timely fashion, and patients often wait extended periods of time before receiving the treatment they need. We came together to create new care options and an alternative avenue where patient experience, timely access to care, and uncompromising quality are prioritized. We aim to offer a level of care and service that we would want for ourselves or our loved ones.

We are physician owned, giving us a moral and professional duty to put our patients interests ahead of any other. We are proud to be your champion and work with you to create a care plan that is right for your goals, interests, and personal situation.

Inguinal Hernia Repair costs $8500 and typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete. This common procedure addresses hernias in the groin area and uses mesh reinforcement for optimal long-term results. Most patients return home the same day and can resume desk work within one week.

Umbilical Hernia Repair is priced at approximately $8500 for most cases and requires 20-35 minutes of surgery time. These hernias occur at the belly button and often develop gradually over time. Small hernias under 1cm may be repaired with sutures alone, while larger ones benefit from mesh reinforcement.

Incisional Hernia Repair ranges from $8500 to $10,000 due to the complexity of these cases. These hernias develop through previous surgical sites and may require 60-90 minutes of operating time. Some patients may need to stay overnight depending on the extent of repair required.

Recovery begins immediately after surgery with most patients going home the same day. During the first week, you'll experience some discomfort managed effectively with prescribed pain medication for 3-5 days. Light walking is encouraged from day one, and you should avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds initially.

The second and third weeks bring gradual activity increases as your body heals. Some bruising and swelling are normal, particularly for men who may notice swelling extending toward the scrotum. Most patients can return to desk jobs during this period, though physical labor requires additional recovery time.

By four to six weeks post-surgery, most restrictions are lifted and patients can return to full activities including exercise, sports, and heavy lifting. Your surgeon will confirm this timeline during your follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing has occurred.

Private hernia surgery offers several advantages that many patients find valuable for their specific circumstances. The most significant benefit is timely access to care, allowing patients to schedule surgery based on their personal and professional commitments rather than waiting for availability in the public system.

The surgical experience at Vital Surgical Specialists emphasizes personalized care with fellowship-trained surgeons who specialize in hernia repairs. Dr. Adam Schofield and the surgical team perform hundreds of hernia procedures annually, providing extensive experience with both routine and complex cases.

Same-day discharge is possible for 95% of patients, allowing for recovery in familiar home surroundings. But if you are travelling from out-of-town, we can help with arranging accommodations.

For a free consultation, start by calling (587) 391-7864 to schedule your initial consultation, which can typically be arranged within 1-2 weeks and surgery completed within 4-6 weeks. During your first appointment, your surgeon will examine your hernia, discuss your symptoms and lifestyle factors, and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach for your situation.

No referral is required to book directly with Vital Surgical Specialists.

Surgery scheduling may happen during your consultation visit, with most procedures booked within 4-6 weeks or sooner. Pre-operative instructions and any necessary bloodwork will be arranged at this time. Payment plans are available for patients who prefer to spread the cost over several months

Hernias are progressive conditions that typically worsen over time. As hernias enlarge, they become more difficult to repair and may require more complex surgical techniques. Larger hernias also tend to have longer recovery periods and slightly higher complication rates.

The most serious concern with untreated hernias is the risk of incarceration, where the hernia becomes stuck and “strangled” where blood flow becomes compromised to the intraabdominal fat or intestines that are herniating through.  While this complication affects only 1-3% of patients annually, it requires emergency surgery and carries significantly higher risks than planned hernia repair.

Many patients also experience increasing discomfort as their hernia progresses, limiting their ability to exercise, work effectively, or enjoy recreational activities. Early repair when hernias are smaller often results in faster healing and better long-term outcomes.

Patients from across Canada are welcome at Vital Surgical Specialists. The private pay structure allows patients from any province to access care. Most patients can safely travel home the day after their hernia surgery, making the process convenient even for those traveling significant distances.

Consultations can be arranged via telephone or video conference for patients who prefer not to travel twice. This allows surgical planning and pre-operative preparation to happen remotely, with patients arriving just for their surgery date.

Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion of your hernia symptoms, how long you've had the condition, and how it affects your daily activities. Your surgeon will review your medical history, current medications, and any previous abdominal surgeries that might influence your surgical approach.

The physical examination confirms the hernia diagnosis and helps determine the best surgical technique for your specific case. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery expectations, and any concerns you might have about surgery.

If you decide to proceed, surgery may be scheduled during this same appointment. Pre-operative instructions, including any necessary laboratory work or medical clearances, will be arranged. The entire consultation typically takes 30-45 minutes.