Patient Story – Zach Hunsaker

There had been no discernible “popping” sound nor any sensation of a muscle tear, but 33-year-old Zach Hunsaker of Pataskala still suspected that the protrusion just under his belly button was a hernia.  An older family member once had been treated for an abdominal hernia, and Zach knew there can be a hereditary link in some cases.

Zach leads an active life to stay physically fit.  “I began to lift weights off and on as a teenager,” he said.  “I got serious about exercise and began going to the gym consistently around the age of 30.  I had been deadlifting up to 265 pounds earlier this summer, and one day, I noticed after I got home that I had a bulge on my belly.  I was a little concerned, but it did not hurt at that time.”

When Zach first noticed the bulge it was approximately the diameter of a nickel and protruded one-half inch.  Within a couple of months, it had grown to the diameter of a quarter and protruded approximately one inch.  “It started to hurt, so I made an appointment with my family physician at Licking Memorial Family Practice – Pataskala,” Zach said.  “But two days before the appointment, the pain became severe so I went to the Emergency Department at Licking Memorial Hospital.  I knew that a hernia can be dangerous if left untreated.”

At Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), Emergency Medicine Physician Scott D. Jolly, D.O., confirmed a hernia upon examination.  He ordered  a CT scan and lab work to rule out complications.  The tests showed the hernia involved fat tissue, and that Zach was not in immediate danger.  Dr. Jolly ordered medications to alleviate Zach’s pain until he could visit with his family physician.  Then Dr. Jolly advised Zach not to lift anything heavy in the meantime.  Accustomed to sharing the parenting duties of three young daughters with his wife, Kayla (who was expecting a baby boy at the time), Zach now found himself restricted from picking up the girls or any other strenuous activity that could worsen his condition.

A hernia occurs when a weak spot in muscle tissue allows other tissue or internal organs to push through.  Most hernias are found in the groin or the abdominal wall.  Umbilical hernias, such as Zach’s, develop in an area near the belly button where underlying muscle layers normally overlap.  Umbilical hernias are more common in infants and small children whose muscles are still developing, and they often resolve on their own as the child matures.  Umbilical hernias also can form in adults of both genders, especially those with any of the following risk factors:

• Obesity
• Heavy lifting
• Pregnancy
• History of abdominal surgery

Two days after the Emergency Department visit, Zach’s family physician evaluated the hernia as well as his overall health, and referred him to Brent M. Savage, M.D., of Licking Memorial Surgical Services.  “Umbilical hernias typically do not require urgent treatment,” Dr. Savage explained, “but Zach was experiencing pain, and the hernia was increasing in size.  If the tissue that is protruding through the hernia’s opening becomes twisted or cut off from the blood supply, the hernia is said to be ‘strangulated,’ and potentially could develop gangrene.  We decided to schedule surgery in the near future to avoid the risk of needing surgery on an emergency basis.”

Zach said, “I already assumed that I would need surgery to repair the hernia, and it was an easy decision to have it performed at Licking Memorial Hospital even though I live just as close to other hospitals in Columbus.  I liked the idea that all my patient information is connected within Licking Memorial Health Systems’ electronic health records.  For me, that was a convenience and an added safety factor.” 

Zach’s hernia repair surgery was scheduled on an outpatient basis at LMH for the following week on August 24.  In the pre-op room, Kayla was able to accompany Zach until the time of surgery.  As they waited, the anesthesiologist spoke with them to answer their questions about the procedure and ensure that Zach did not have a history of anesthesia-related complications.

“The staff attended to Kayla, as well as to me,” Zach said.  “They explained everything well to her and confidently addressed all her questions.  Her impression of the experience was very positive.”

Zach also had a positive assessment of the care he received.  “Everybody on staff was excellent, and I was quite impressed,” he said.  “Dr. Savage is a really nice guy – from the outset, he made me feel confident about his skills as a surgeon.  I’d recommend him to anyone.”

From arrival to discharge, Zach was at the Hospital for several hours before returning home.  “The surgery was very successful, and I had no problems at all.  There was minimal pain after the surgery, although I was pretty sore for three days,” he reported.  

“It’s not good that I had to have the surgery, but it’s good that I had it at Licking Memorial Hospital.”  Zach was able to return to his work as a floral designer in two weeks, and after a follow-up appointment with Dr. Savage, he was cleared to resume weightlifting.  

LMH’s state-of-the-art surgical facilities are located in the John & Mary Alford Pavilion which opened in 2007.  Out of the 7,781 surgeries performed in 2014, more than 6,000 took place on an outpatient basis, saving the patients from extended hospital stays and additional expenses.

| Posted On : 11/9/2015 3:16:00 PM Filed under: