Board-certified general surgeon

Laparoscopic & minimally invasive procedures

Located near St. Vincent’s in Birmingham

Hernia Surgery in Birmingham, AL

What is a hernia, and why does it need repair?

Most repairs done as outpatient, same-day procedures
Small incisions with laparoscopic hernia surgery
Treats inguinal, umbilical, hiatal, and other hernias
Mesh-reinforced for a stronger, longer-lasting repair

A hernia happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall, causing a bulge, pain, or pressure. Hernias don’t heal on their own. Without treatment, most grow larger and more painful over time. In some cases, tissue can become trapped, which is a medical emergency.

The good news: hernia surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. At BMI Surgery, our surgeon, Dr. Long, specializes in precise, durable hernia repair designed to relieve your symptoms and lower the chance of the hernia coming back.

Not sure if that bulge is a hernia?

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your first step is a FREE hernia consultation. You’ll meet one-on-one with Dr. Long, get a clear diagnosis, and leave with a personalized plan, whether that’s inguinal hernia removal, umbilical repair, or hiatal hernia surgery. Fill out the form and our team will reach out to schedule your visit.

The Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Whenever possible, Dr. Long uses laparoscopic hernia surgery, a minimally invasive technique performed through a few small incisions with a tiny camera. Compared with traditional open surgery, patients often experience:

Smaller incisions and less visible scarring
Less pain after surgery and less need for pain medication
Faster recovery, with many patients returning to desk work within days
Same-day discharge for most routine repairs
Lower infection risk thanks to smaller wounds
A durable hernia repair, often reinforced with surgical mesh to reduce recurrence

Not every hernia is right for a laparoscopic approach. At your consultation, Dr. Long will recommend the technique that gives you the safest, longest-lasting result, whether that involves open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, or laparoscopic surgery.

What Is Hernia Repair? Your Procedure Broken Down Step-By-Step

Anesthesia and Setup

You’ll be placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure. A few small incisions are made in the abdomen to give the surgeon access to the hernia.

Inserting the Laparoscope

A thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through one of the incisions. The camera sends a magnified view to a monitor, guiding the surgeon throughout the repair.

Returning the Tissue

Dr. Long gently moves the bulging tissue or organ back to where it belongs and removes or closes the hernia sac.

Reinforcing the Weak Spot

A piece of surgical mesh is placed over the weakened area of the muscle wall. Over time, your tissue grows into the mesh, creating a strong, durable repair.

Final Checks and Closure

Dr. Long confirms the repair is secure, then closes the small incisions with sutures or surgical glue.

Hernia Surgeries We Perform

Groin hernias are the most common. Inguinal hernias show up as a bulge in the groin, especially in men, and inguinal hernia removal and repair pushes the tissue back into place and reinforces the weak spot. Femoral hernias sit lower, near the top of the thigh. They’re more common in women and easy to mistake for inguinal hernias, so an accurate diagnosis matters.

Other hernias form along the abdominal wall. Umbilical hernias appear at or near the belly button, often after pregnancy or from added pressure on the abdomen. Epigastric hernias appear between the belly button and breastbone, and even small ones can hurt and grow. Incisional hernias form at the scar from a previous surgery, so we tailor each repair to its size and location.

A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm. When medication isn’t enough, hiatal hernia surgery returns the stomach to its proper place and tightens the opening to ease symptoms. Whatever type you have, a free consultation is the first step toward the right repair.

Could It Be a Hernia?

Check any symptoms you’ve noticed below, then schedule a free consultation to find out for sure.

Hernia symptoms you've noticed

A lump in my groin, upper inner thigh, or near my belly button
The bulge shrinks or disappears when I lie down
Pain at the bulge when I lift something heavy
Pressure or aching when I exercise, cough, or strain
Swelling in the scrotum
Ongoing heartburn, reflux, or trouble swallowing

Schedule a Free Consultation

*Seek emergency care right away for sudden, severe abdominal pain, or a bulge that turns firm, tender, or discolored, especially with nausea or vomiting.

Jay C. Long, M.D., FACS

Meet the Surgeon Behind Your Hernia Repair

Over 25 years of experience in general and minimally invasive surgery. Fellowship Trained in Minimally Invasive & Bariatric Surgery. Certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Discover BMI Surgery For Hernia Repair

A free hernia consultation is the easiest way to get real answers about the pain you’ve been living with. The best part? It isn’t just a quick screening. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon with over two decades of experience in minimally invasive surgery. You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis, a simple answer on which hernia removal procedure best fits, and upfront information on your costs and insurance. Let’s start the conversation today.