Hernia Center
Offering Advanced Treatment Options
The Center for Hernia Repair at Griffin Hospital specializes in all types of hernia repair from traditional to the latest advancement -- laparoscopic hernia repair. Laparoscopic or “laser” surgery repair as it is mistakenly known, is a minimally invasive technique. Although both traditional and laparoscopic hernia surgery are performed on an outpatient basis, patients treated laparoscopically experience more rapid healing and less pain during recovery, enabling a quick return to normal activity. Recovery from traditional hernia repair may take several weeks. A comprehensive examination by a qualified surgeon is required to determine which technique is best suited for you.
Because laparoscopy requires extensive and specialized training, only a small number of surgeons throughout the country are qualified to perform these procedures. Griffin Hospital holds the distinction as the only community hospital in New England offering hands-on operating room training in laparoscopic hernia repair and is one of only three centers of excellence to offer this specialized training for surgeons. Our physician staff at the Center for Hernia Repair are among the leaders in performing this new procedure, using the latest imaging equipment and the most advanced instrumentation available. In this unique position, Griffin Hospital has been able to accumulate an extraordinary level of experience in hernia repair from the most common simple hernias to the most complex cases.
About Our Medical Staff
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Ihor N. Ponomarenko, M.D. is a board certified general surgeon with specialty training in Surgical Oncology. Originally from South Orange New Jersey, He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. He completed surgical residency at Downstate in Brooklyn, NY and fellowship training in Surgical Oncology at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, RI. Dr. Ponomarenko was in practice in NJ for one year before joining Surgical Associates in 2003. Currently, he is division chief of General Surgery at Griffin Hospital and is the Physician Liaison for the cancer center. His surgical interests are in general surgery with particular interest in surgical oncology, including head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, colorectal and soft tissue cancers. |
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Leland J. Soto, III, M.D. is a board certified general surgeon. Originally from Sacramento California, he joined Surgical Associates in 2005. Dr. Soto earned his medical degree at Dartmouth Medical School and completed general surgery residency at the University of Minnesota. While in residency, he completed a research fellowship and trained in surgical infectious diseases. At Griffin Hospital he serves on the Infection Control Committee, the Evidenced Based Medicine Counsel and is the Physician representative for the Surgical Care Improvement Project . His surgical interests are in breast disease, hernia repair, colorectal surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery. On a personal note, Dr. Soto is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and is an assistant high school wrestling coach. |