Hudson Valley Hernia
Advanced hernia care for Dutchess County and beyond
Lee Farber, DO, FACOS, FACS
Board Certified in General Surgery
Fellowship Trained in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Specializing in Open and Robotic, Minimally Invasive Upper Gastrointestinal, Simple and Complex Hernia Surgery
Founder, Hudson Valley Hernia, Hudson Valley, New York
Dr. Lee Farber is a fellowship trained, minimally invasive general surgeon. His focus includes robotic laparoscopic surgery for upper gastrointestinal disorders (such as esophageal disorders, hiatal hernias, diaphragmatic hernias and gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), as well as open and advanced robotic laparoscopic techniques for both simple and complex, primary and recurrent inguinal, abdominal wall, incisional, and parastomal hernias. He is a leader and instructor in hernia surgery as well as robotic surgery with well over 1300 robotic surgeries performed to date.
Dr. Farber is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons as well as the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He is a member of multiple leading international surgical organizations. He is a frequent speaker at multiple annual surgical conferences, lecturing on topics of robotic surgery, complex inguinal and abdominal wall hernia repairs as well as surgery for acid reflux and esophageal disorders.
Dr. Farber firmly believes in a patient-centered approach to surgery, with the patient and their family at the core. The focus is to align his goals and objectives with that of his patients when it comes to their evaluation and potential surgical options. This is even more important when considering a second opinion or when considering repeat surgery after a complication or recurrence, in which Dr. Farber specializes.
Dr. Farber feels the goal of hernia surgery should be to restore structure and function of the abdominal wall in an attempt to get patients back to a semblance of "normal" activity for them, or at least to improve upon the present state of function. He founded Hudson Valley Hernia so that the people of the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas would have access to experienced and advanced hernia care and information close to home.
DR. FARBER'S INFORMATION
TRAINING
Medical School
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2006
Philadelphia, PA
Residency
General Surgery, Chief Surgical Resident, 2006-2011
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System
Pittsburgh, PA
Fellowship
Minimally Invasive, Upper Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, Baystate Medical Center, 2011 -2012
Tufts University
Springfield, MA
PROCEDURES PERFORMED
Laparoscopic and Robotic Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Hiatal and Paraesophageal Hernias, new and recurrent
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Esophageal Motility Disorders, Achalasia
Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder)
Laparoscopic, Open and Robotic Hernia Surgery, Initial and Recurrent
Diaphragmatic hernias, such as Morgagni Hernias
Incisional, Ventral, Umbilical hernias
Parastomal hernias
Simple and Complex Inguinal Hernias and Femoral hernias
Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, Component Separations for Large Deforming Abdominal Wall Hernias, Loss of Domain
Epigastric hernias
Flank hernias
Spigelian hernias
Diastasis recti
Chronic Pain
Mesh Removal for chronic pain and mesh infection
MEMBERSHIP
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
American Hernia Society
American College of Surgeons
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
International Hernia Collaboration
Sages Foregut Surgery Masters Program Collaboration
Robotic Surgery Collaboration
HERNIA RESOURCES
NOTE: Hudson Valley Hernia does not promote any single site for complete hernia information. Some reputable online resources regarding hernia information and management can be found in the links below. If you feel you may have a hernia, seek medical attention for evaluation.
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Patient Resources
Patient information on hernia diagnosis and treatment
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NOTE: This is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. There is no substitute for a full evaluation and exam by a medical professional. If you feel you may have a hernia, seek medical attention.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a hole where something can go through that shouldn't. It can be natural (without history of surgery or trauma) or can occur after a previous surgery at a previous incision. Naturally present abdominal fat, or even organs such as intestine, can protrude through the hole. This can give the appearance of a lump or swelling. Some people just have pain without a lump or swelling.
What are the signs and symptoms of a hernia?
If you have a suspected hernia, you should have it evaluated by a medical professional. Some people will notice a lump or swelling. Some people just have pain without a lump or swelling. This lump or pain can be in the groin or on the abdomen. These lumps or swellings can appear larger or cause discomfort or pain with physical activity, such as bending or lifting, coughing or sneezing, and can lessen when someone sits or lays down. Discomfort or pain varies from patient to patient.
What type of surgeries can be performed for hernias?
The only fix for a hernia is surgery. There are advanced open, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries for hernia repairs. At your consultation you will be presented with the recommended surgical option or options for your specific hernia and we will assist you in making the best decision for you.
What if I have a hernia from a previous surgery or a recurrent hernia from a previous repair?
If you suspect a hernia from a previous surgery or a recurrent hernia from a previous repair, you can either report back to your previous surgeon, see your primary care doctor, and/or make an appointment with a hernia surgeon. If being evaluated by a hernia surgeon, you may want to bring your previous operative (surgery) reports and any imaging (CT scan, Ultrasound, etc.) that you may have had.
What if I have chronic pain after a hernia surgery?
Discomfort initially can be part of the healing process. Being evaluated by a hernia specialist can help determine the cause of your pain and present you with possible surgical options, if appropriate, to alleviate your symptoms including removing previous mesh.
What if I have had multiple hernia repairs in the past?
We specialize in complex recurrent hernias. If you suspect a recurrent hernia after one or multiple repairs in the past, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. At that evaluation, you could bring your previous operative (surgery) reports and any imaging (CT scan, Ultrasound, etc) that you may have had to your consultation.
Another surgeon told me my hernia can not be fixed. Is this true?
Not necessarily. Some say that because they are not aware of more advanced techniques or are not comfortable or experienced enough to repair a recurrent or complicated hernia. Nevertheless, a consultation with an advanced and experienced hernia specialist may help. Hernia specialists usually specialize in second and third opinions.
I'm pregnant or planning on getting pregnant and I have a hernia. What are my options?
Although laparoscopic surgery can be safe in pregnancy, when it comes to hernias, it depends on location of the hernia and severity of symptoms. If you come for a consultation, a surgical plan will be developed based on your specific situation and expectations.
I am hearing a lot about mesh on TV and the radio. What is that about?
There are many mesh options on the market today, and among these many options, some are permanent and some are absorbable. A hernia specialist should be particular with the specific mesh or meshes they use and in different parts of the body, for different types of hernias and based upon the patient's specific issues.
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Dr. Farber is available for all types of hernias, both simple and complex, new or recurrent. During your consultation, you can expect a thorough evaluation and treatment plan will be offered to you.
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