Running, hiking, biking on mountain trails and lifting weights help Dan Ivanciw stay strong and active. Strength training has always been part of his exercise routine, so he is used to lifting heavy things safely.
About 20 years ago, while carrying a 50‑pound microwave stand up a steep set of stairs, the Austin, Texas electrical engineer felt a sharp pain in his left groin.
“I’d already had a hernia before on my right side that I had gotten repaired, so I knew kind of what that felt like,” Dan said. “I was concerned maybe I had just caused another one.”
An inguinal hernia happens when tissue inside the abdomen pushes through a weak spot in the lower belly, creating a small bulge in the groin. Treatment options may include monitoring or surgery depending on symptoms and size.
After consulting a doctor, Dan decided to wait before having it repaired.
Over the next 15 years, the hernia slowly grew into a noticeable bulge that interrupted Dan’s daily activities. To avoid pain, he had to be careful when reclining or bending. At times, he wore a hernia belt for extra support.
“I was limited in what I wanted to do, what I could do,” he said.
Internet Search Leads to Boston Hernia Surgeon
Two years ago, Dan began searching online for a U.S. surgeon who could perform a specialized no-mesh repair used for his first hernia. After months of research, he scheduled a consultation with Michael “Micki” Reinhorn, M.D., a board‑certified general surgeon who specializes in ambulatory hernia surgery near Boston.
Over a lifetime, roughly one in four men and a small percentage of women will experience an inguinal hernia.
“There’s a small risk of the intestine getting stuck in a hernia that could lead to a life-threatening emergency. But for most people, it’s a quality-of-life operation,” Dr. Reinhorn said.
During his initial consultation, Dr. Reinhorn presented options for mesh and no-mesh hernia repair surgery, given that Dan’s hernia had reached roughly the size of an orange.
“We talked about the pros and cons of both,” Dr. Reinhorn said. “He made the decision that although he had a no-mesh repair in 1987, he was going to go with mesh behind the abdominal wall through the Open Pre-Peritoneal (OPP) repair approach that we specialize in.”
Patients Benefit from Surgery at Outpatient Centers
Doctors determine whether patients are suitable for outpatient surgery based on factors such as age, existing medical conditions and the level of support available at home.
Dan scheduled hernia repair surgery with Dr. Reinhorn on July 10, 2025, at Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites, an AMSURG ambulatory surgery center (ASC).
AMSURG ASCs make it easier for patients to get the care they need with same day procedures, advanced technology and a comfortable environment. Efficiencies like scheduling, workflow and team coordination positively impact patient care.
“Everything about the ASC is geared for the patient experience to be safe, compassionate and efficient,” Dr. Reinhorn said. “It is very well coordinated. It’s geared about the patient experience; the whole process from beginning to end.”
Dan described his experience at Boston Out‑Patient Surgical Suites as “exceptional” and said he would recommend same-day surgery to others.
“You could tell that everybody in that center knew the patients were likely to be nervous and uncertain of what was going to happen,” he said. “They were so friendly and nice. It was so easy, and they just made the whole process really go so smoothly.”
ASC Hernia Surgery Yields Positive Results
After surgery, Dan spent two weeks resting and recovering at a nearby hotel in Boston before his post-op visit. He followed the guidance of the care team and his surgeon.
“Patients go home within about an hour after surgery. I ask them to go for leisurely walks and just take it easy for a couple of weeks after surgery,” Dr. Reinhorn said. “After two weeks, for a mesh repair we lift all restrictions and let them go to the gym and work out. We tell them to gradually increase activity week three.”
Dan said this recovery felt very different from the no-mesh repair he had years ago, but in a much better way.
“I didn’t feel any pain when I was lying down or sitting,” he said. “The only pains I found I had — and they were minor — were in the transitions getting up or laying back down.”
Nine months later, Dan enjoys an active lifestyle without pain or a hernia belt. He and his wife recently spent a week hiking through a national park, a state park and two historic forts in Texas.
“Now I can run. I don’t have any fear of causing an issue. It’s been great!” he said. “I work on cars, and I do my own lawn work and all of it. Bending over before — that was very difficult to do. I can do whatever I want now.”
Since securing operating room time can be challenging in Massachusetts, Dr. Reinhorn said he has gradually added more surgeries at Boston Out‑Patient Surgical Suites to better support patients like Dan.
“The future of ambulatory hernia surgery is in ASCs. I think the writing is on the wall,” he said. “The safety and efficiencies of the ASC are impossible to match.”
About AMSURG
AMSURG is an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, operating a network of more than 250 surgery centers nationwide. In partnership with physicians and health systems, the organization delivers high-quality patient care across a diverse spectrum of medical specialties, including gastroenterology, ophthalmology and orthopedics. Guided by its core values — Care Deeply, Champion Excellence, Cultivate Integrity and Celebrate Teamwork — AMSURG is committed to transforming the future of ambulatory surgery center care and services with a focus on strategic growth and innovation. To learn more about AMSURG, visit www.amsurg.com.
This article is designed for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, you should consult your healthcare provider.