Hernia Research at California Hernia Specialists
Hernia research is an important part of improving a patients initial experience
at the time of their surgery as well as their long term results.
We hope that by reading some of the information below, you can understand what projects we are involved with.
Participating in research is optional for all of our patients, but requires no extra tests or steps in your
evaluation and treatment.
Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC)
One of the largest hernia research studies currently being conducted is being sponsored by the Americas Hernia Society. This broad reaching organization has brought together 17 centers across the United States to study how patients do after hernia surgery. California Hernia Specialists is currently the only center in California involved with the study and is one of the only high volume private medical practices which is enrolled.
The study will first be examining only patients with incisional hernias, and will later continue with other types of hernias including umbilical and inguinal. Patient data is entered into a worldwide database by California Hernia Specialists after the surgery is completed. This data is then used to compile outcomes with other centers to determine the best approach for that specific type of hernia and patient.
Hernia Research-Patient Involvement
Patients often want to know what their involvement is with research being done at California Hernia Specialists. The first important point is that hernia research is voluntary. This means that if a patient wishes to not participate in any of the studies that are being done, they are not obligated to do so.
Patients who do wish to be involved in advancing hernia care, are required to provide an email address. This email address is entered into the AHSQC database after the surgery is completed. The AHSQC then sends an email to the patient with a form about how they felt before the hernia surgery. The same forms are sent to patients at specific intervals after the surgery to check on recovery, and the long term success (or failure) of the surgery itself.
Hernia Research-Long Term Benefit
No surgeon today has all the answers to which surgery is the best for every different patient. This goes for hernia surgeons, as well as cancer surgeons, brain surgeons, trauma surgeons, etc. The only way medicine in general will advance is to participate in the latest research. Today's patients benefit extensively from the active role that patients 10 and 20 years ago took in the long term goals of medicine.
Benefits From Participating in Research:
Both patients as well as California Hernia Specialists benefit extensively from ongoing active research in several important ways:
- Cutting edge technology and technique: By participating in research, Dr. Harris is constantly in touch with the most up to date data on hernia surgery. This of course translates into better care for all of our patients.
- Advancing medicine: Patients are able to contribute to the advancement of hernia surgery. Without individual patients' participation, no research studies would ever be completed. Patients are the most important aspect of the research team.
- It's Free! Although California Hernia Specialists provides financial resources for the research it performs, it is obviously free to patients. All that is required is time to complete an occasional survey from AHSQC.
- All data is confidential: All patient information is 100% confidential. No names, birth dates, or other identifying information will be published or released. Your contact information is all that is required for participation. Any studies that are published in the future will certainly not have any reference to individual participants.
Important points to consider when choosing a hernia surgeon:
- The newest, advanced lightweight mesh can reduce not only recurrence rates for hernias, but also reduces the chance of postoperative mesh pain to almost zero.
- Being treated at a specialized hernia center with an in-house accredited ASC provides the highest quality care before, during, and after your hernia surgery.
- Patients should be seen by a surgeon who can offer all forms of hernia surgery, including open lightweight mesh techniques, as well as advanced laparoscopic techniques. This ensures the surgeon can offer the best technique tailored for each patient.
- Costs for uninsured patients are approximately $1500 for the surgeon fees, and $2000 for the surgery center fees (including OR time, materials, and recovery) for a total of approximately $3500.
- Some laparoscopic patients experience less pain post-operatively and may be able to return to normal activities sooner (when compared to traditional hernia repair). Laparoscopic hernia surgery can result in better patient experiences for some patients.
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