The USF Health Center for Abdominal Wall Surgery & Complex Hernia Repair is committed to diagnosing, treating and researching complex hernia repair. Our world-class center provides specialized, multidisciplinary care for patients with all types of hernias. Our team, led by surgeons with dedicated expertise in hernia repair, perform open, laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Committed to excellence, we collaborate closely with our community, utilizing a data-driven, multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcomes, particularly for high-risk and complex cases.
The center is dedicated to caring for the most advanced, evidence-based care for complex hernia repairs. Our active research and clinical trials program fosters both institutional and national collaborations, reinforcing our commitment to continuous quality improvement and exceptional clinical outcomes. Our experts are deeply engaged in advancing the field through research and peer-reviewed publications and hold leadership and governance positions in the American Hernia Society (AHS), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
The center is committed to utilizing and incorporating the most advanced surgical techniques available today to improve surgical outcomes. Robotic surgery has been introduced to all hernias which allows surgeons to prove the most precise hernia repair possible.
We also perform very complex hernia repairs robotically, such as component separation (transversus abdominus muscle release), if indicated, which allows the patients to avoid a traditional open procedure. Performing complex hernia repairs robotically allows the patient to recover much more quickly and often reduces a patient’s length of stay by over 50%.
Dr. Docimo, who sits on the Board of the American Hernia Society and is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, dedicates a portion of his clinical and research practice to complex hernia repair in the morbidly obese patient. Dr. Docimo, who also performs bariatric surgery, has published on the subject of obesity and hernia repair. Patients deemed non-surgical candidates for abdominal wall surgery due to obesity have a place for hope in our Center as we have experience in dealing with complex hernias and morbid obesity.
Research has demonstrated a reduction in surgical complications and improved hernia outcomes in non-obese hernia populations. However, as the incidence of obesity increases, we see an increase in the number of hernia patients who are also obese. In collaboration with the bariatric center, patients with a complex hernia and suffering from obesity will first undergo a bariatric surgical procedure. Once the patient meets their weight loss goals, typically 6-12 months after weight loss surgery, they will then undergo their complex hernia repair.
The center is committed to providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based hernia repairs.
Research has demonstrated a reduction in surgical complications and improved hernia outcomes in non-obese hernia populations. However, as the incidence of obesity continues to increase, we continue to see an increase in the number of hernia patients who are also obese. In collaboration with the TGH/USF Bariatric Center, patients with a complex hernia and suffering from obesity will first undergo a bariatric surgical procedure. Once the patient meets their weight loss goals, typically 6-12 months after weight loss surgery, they will then undergo their complex hernia repair.
The USF Health Center for Abdominal Wall Surgery & Complex Hernia Repair offers the newest approaches to open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery for all types of hernias, from the simplest to the most complex. Protocol-driven and evidence-based, the center is also a referral center for the most complex, difficult cases. The group of our expert surgeons have well over a two decades of combined experience in complex hernia repair, published numerous research studies on the topic of hernia, and strive to have the best hernia outcomes.
Salvatore Docimo, DO
Associate Professor of Surgery, Section Chief, Abdominal Wall Surgery Director, Center for Abdominal Wall Surgery and Complex Hernia Repair
Adham Saad, MD, FACS
Associate Professor of Surgery, Director, General Surgery Residency Program
Monica Polcz, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Michael Albrink, MD
Professor of Surgery, Executive Vice Chair of Surgery
As a team, we develop personalized surgical care plans both before and after surgery, using a collaborative, team-based approach to promote optimal recovery. As the leading academic medical center on Florida’s west coast, we partner with USF Health specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes for hernia repair. Complex cases are reviewed at a dedicated institutional multidisciplinary hernia conference, allowing for comprehensive evaluation and decision-making. Our team is committed to delivering compassionate, transparent and advanced care with a strong focus on each patient’s overall well-being.