New Hernia Surgery Service Launched at Poriya Medical Center

The Poriya Medical Center in northern Israel has launched an expanded and advanced abdominal wall surgery service, specializing in complex hernia treatments. This new service brings cutting-edge techniques previously only available at major medical centers to residents of the region.

Leading the service is Dr. Alaa Qirwani, who recently returned to Israel after completing a prestigious fellowship in Milan, Italy, focusing on complex abdominal wall surgery. Dr. Qirwani, who previously trained and worked at Poriya, now heads the hospital's abdominal wall surgery unit. The service aims to provide personalized treatment plans for patients with complex hernias, including recurrent hernias, large hernias with abdominal muscle separation, and extensive abdominal wall reconstruction.

Innovative techniques are being employed, such as pre-operative Botox injections and insufflation of the abdominal cavity to relax muscles, facilitating more precise anatomical reconstruction. Poriya is also the first hospital in northern Israel to utilize the advanced Fasciotens device. Treatment approaches are tailored to each patient, with options including robotic, laparoscopic, or open surgery.

A dedicated abdominal wall surgery clinic has also been established for patient consultations and follow-ups. Dr. Qirwani emphasized that while many hernias are common and manageable, complex cases require advanced surgical intervention. He noted that not all hernias necessitate immediate surgery, but incarcerated hernias, where bowel becomes trapped, are medical emergencies requiring urgent operation.

Furthermore, the service now offers hernia repair under local anesthesia for eligible patients, particularly the elderly or those with chronic conditions, reducing anesthesia risks and recovery time. Dr. Firat Sweid, Director of General Surgery, stated that the expansion reflects the department's commitment to excellence and its ability to treat complex cases with Dr. Qirwani's specialized international expertise. Prof. Noam Yehudai, Director of Poriya Medical Center, added that the initiative aligns with the center's vision to reduce healthcare disparities in the north.