Dignity Health Hernia Institute
At the Dignity Health Hernia Institute (DHHI) at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, we are committed to providing top-tier, patient-centered care for all types of hernias. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Our surgeons have refined their practice to the exclusive treatment of hernias. We are proud to be the only Hernia Center of Excellence as well as the Robotic Center of Excellence in the state of Arizona, as designated by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This prestigious designation recognizes our commitment to excellence and the highest standards of patient care. Additionally, we are the highest volume surgical practice for hernias in the state of Arizona.
Our institute is a leader in minimally invasive robotic hernia surgery, offering state-of-the-art procedures that reduce recovery time, minimize pain, and enhance surgical outcomes. We specialize in complex hernia repairs, including intramuscular robotic abdominal wall reconstruction, performed without entering the abdominal cavity. This means faster recovery and less downtime for you.
We believe in treating more than just the hernia. Our holistic approach to abdominal core health focuses on the overall stability and function of your abdominal wall. This comprehensive care model includes:
Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways are designed to optimize your surgical experience and outcomes. These pathways include:
Pain management is a critical component of your recovery. We employ innovative strategies to ensure you experience minimal pain and a faster return to daily activities:
Our partnership with outpatient rehabilitation centers allows us to provide a full spectrum of care, from pre-surgical conditioning to post-surgical rehabilitation:
Our focus on advanced care pathways includes innovative treatments and approaches to improve your overall health and surgical outcomes:
We actively engage with our community and patients through educational outreach and telehealth programs. These initiatives are designed to improve your knowledge and promote healthy lifestyle choices that can prevent hernia recurrence.
Discover the difference that expert, compassionate care can make. At the Dignity Health Hernia Institute, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes and a healthier future. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards comprehensive hernia care.
Discover exceptional hernia care and treatment options, including evaluation and surgical interventions—open, minimally invasive, and robotic surgical repair. Our specialists are committed to providing top-tier hernia care, utilizing the latest techniques and personalized treatment plans to ensure your well-being.
Symptoms that might indicate a hernia include a visible lump or bulge, persistent discomfort, or a bulge that appears when the body is in some positions and then disappears when the body is in other positions. It’s essential to consult with a hernia specialist for diagnosis because left untreated, dangerous complications—obstruction and strangulation—can occur. Our experts are skilled in determining if hernia surgery is the best course of action for your specific situation, based on the hernia’s size, your symptoms and health.
Our team has extensive experience in addressing a wide range of hernias, including these common types:
Inguinal hernia – the most common type of hernia, typically appearing in a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the groin
Umbilical hernia – the type of hernia that occurs in the abdominal muscles near the belly button, often noticeable when straining
Incisional hernia – the type of hernia that develops at the site of previous surgical incisions
We understand the unique challenges posed by each and offer specialized care tailored to your specific hernia subtype.
Seeking a second opinion is a common practice that enhances patient confidence and peace of mind. Maybe you’ve received a hernia diagnosis elsewhere and are interested in confirming the diagnosis and evaluating your treatment options. Our expert surgeons are ready to provide a thorough evaluation and comprehensive second opinion, which could reveal the opportunity for different approaches or techniques.
We take a patient-centered approach to hernia surgery, based on each individual patient’s specific condition and overall health. And to provide the best individual outcomes, we make a variety of surgical options available, including both open and laparoscopic techniques. Incorporating the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art robotic procedures. We also provide top tier postoperative care plans after surgery, specific to the individual patient’s surgery and overall health. You’ll have a clear understanding of your recovery time and postoperative follow up.
We provide access to minimally invasive hernia surgery, with benefits that include smaller incisions, reduced pain, and quicker recovery. Using advanced technology, such as laparoscopy, in performing minimally invasive procedures, we’re able to minimize tissue trauma, optimize surgical precision, and often facilitate a faster recovery. Patients are evaluated for minimally invasive surgery based on their specific hernia type and overall health status.
A world-renowned surgeon, educator, pioneer and advocate of minimally invasive surgical procedures; Dr. Ballecer has adopted many of the techniques of robotic surgery. He created a forum to teach and train surgeons across the globe; meanwhile, helping patients with basic to the most complex hernia cases.Dr. Ballecer earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Biology from Santa Clara University, in California. He earned a Master's Degree in Biomedical Science (Summa Cum Laude) from Barry University, in Florida and a Doctorate Degree in Medicine (with honors) at St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Co-Chair of Americas Hernia Society: Education Committee, a board member of the International Hernia Collaboration and former co-director of the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery. He was recognized with the 2017 Top Doc Award and has been published many times for his work in robotic surgery techniques.
Dr. Ballecer's care philosophy is to treat the people who come to him for care as if they were his family; as such, he has an extensive process to guide patients through an optimal pre, during, post operation process to encourage successful outcomes. He treats patients' health concerns individually providing a treatment plan that considers the condition of the whole body and is tailored to the needs of the patient.
A world-renowned surgeon, educator, pioneer and advocate of minimally invasive surgical procedures; Dr. Ballecer has adopted many of the techniques of robotic surgery. He created a forum to teach and train surgeons across the globe; meanwhile, helping patients with basic to the most complex hernia cases.Dr. Ballecer earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Biology from Santa Clara University, in California. He earned a Master's Degree in Biomedical Science (Summa Cum Laude) from Barry University, in Florida and a Doctorate Degree in Medicine (with honors) at St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Co-Chair of Americas Hernia Society: Education Committee, a board member of the International Hernia Collaboration and former co-director of the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery. He was recognized with the 2017 Top Doc Award and has been published many times for his work in robotic surgery techniques.
Dr. Ballecer's care philosophy is to treat the people who come to him for care as if they were his family; as such, he has an extensive process to guide patients through an optimal pre, during, post operation process to encourage successful outcomes. He treats patients' health concerns individually providing a treatment plan that considers the condition of the whole body and is tailored to the needs of the patient.
Dr. V Joe Deka, MD, FACS is a board certified, fellowship trained surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive approaches to abdomen, breast disease and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Deka has special interests in hernia surgeries from simple to complex cases.
Dr. Deka is board certified in general surgery; in addition, his expertise includes robotic surgery, advanced minimally invasive surgery, general surgery, and trauma surgery.
He is a member of and fellow in the American College of Surgeons, American Hernia Society, and Phoenix Surgical Society. He is an active member of the International Hernia Collaboration and Robotic Surgery Collaboration.
Dr. Deka received his medical degree from Texas A&M College of Medicine and completed his training in General Surgery at Banner Good Samaritan - Phoenix.
Dr. Deka is committed to the delivery of benchmark-level surgical care and the development of individualized patient plans, with a strong belief that the patient should have an active role in his/her care.
Dr. V Joe Deka, MD, FACS is a board certified, fellowship trained surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive approaches to abdomen, breast disease and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Deka has special interests in hernia surgeries from simple to complex cases.
Dr. Deka is board certified in general surgery; in addition, his expertise includes robotic surgery, advanced minimally invasive surgery, general surgery, and trauma surgery.
He is a member of and fellow in the American College of Surgeons, American Hernia Society, and Phoenix Surgical Society. He is an active member of the International Hernia Collaboration and Robotic Surgery Collaboration.
Dr. Deka received his medical degree from Texas A&M College of Medicine and completed his training in General Surgery at Banner Good Samaritan - Phoenix.
Dr. Deka is committed to the delivery of benchmark-level surgical care and the development of individualized patient plans, with a strong belief that the patient should have an active role in his/her care.
Thomas Gillespie MD, FACS
Dr. Thomas Gillespie is a graduate of Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. Along with his partners, Dr. Gillespie is an SRC-designated Hernia Surgeon of Excellence and Robotic Surgeon of Excellence, marking the first distinction of its kind in Phoenix and Arizona.
Dr. Gillespie completed his surgical residency at Maricopa Medical Center, now known as Creighton University School of Medicine, and has been practicing surgery in Phoenix since 2001. As a board-certified surgeon, he has specialized in all aspects of hernia surgery at Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center since 2003, performing thousands of hernia repairs.
Currently, Dr. Gillespie serves as the Director of the Hernia Institute at Dignity Health. He holds the position of Assistant Dean of Medical Education and Academic Chair, Department of Surgery at Creighton University School of Medicine. Additionally, he is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Arizona-Phoenix.
Dr. Gillespie's expertise encompasses all facets of general surgery, with a specific focus on hernia care. He approaches each hernia as a disease, not just a simple circumstance, and aims to optimize all modifiable risk factors before repair. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies within an evidence-based framework, Dr. Gillespie's goal is to create a personalized, tailored plan for each patient.
He prides himself on being open-minded and seeks to establish partnerships with his patients based on mutual respect and understanding. Dr. Gillespie is committed to the wellness of his patients and values the importance of give-and-take in all relationships. He invites you to visit his office for a consultation and encourages you to bring your family. If you have conducted your own research online, Dr. Gillespie is eager to share his professional perspective with you.
Thomas Gillespie MD, FACS
Dr. Thomas Gillespie is a graduate of Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. Along with his partners, Dr. Gillespie is an SRC-designated Hernia Surgeon of Excellence and Robotic Surgeon of Excellence, marking the first distinction of its kind in Phoenix and Arizona.
Dr. Gillespie completed his surgical residency at Maricopa Medical Center, now known as Creighton University School of Medicine, and has been practicing surgery in Phoenix since 2001. As a board-certified surgeon, he has specialized in all aspects of hernia surgery at Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center since 2003, performing thousands of hernia repairs.
Currently, Dr. Gillespie serves as the Director of the Hernia Institute at Dignity Health. He holds the position of Assistant Dean of Medical Education and Academic Chair, Department of Surgery at Creighton University School of Medicine. Additionally, he is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Arizona-Phoenix.
Dr. Gillespie's expertise encompasses all facets of general surgery, with a specific focus on hernia care. He approaches each hernia as a disease, not just a simple circumstance, and aims to optimize all modifiable risk factors before repair. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies within an evidence-based framework, Dr. Gillespie's goal is to create a personalized, tailored plan for each patient.
He prides himself on being open-minded and seeks to establish partnerships with his patients based on mutual respect and understanding. Dr. Gillespie is committed to the wellness of his patients and values the importance of give-and-take in all relationships. He invites you to visit his office for a consultation and encourages you to bring your family. If you have conducted your own research online, Dr. Gillespie is eager to share his professional perspective with you.
Kevin McGeever, MD, is a faculty physician with Dignity Health Medical Group in the department of Surgery/Trauma at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. McGeever's expertise includes all aspects of general and laparoscopic surgery, including gallbladder and biliary surgery; gastric, intestinal, and colorectal surgery, hernia repairs, thyroid and other endocrine surgeries, breast surgery, and robotic surgery. He has 25 years of experience in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery.Dr. McGeever received his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed a general surgery residency at Maricopa Medical Center, and has nearly 30 years' experience in the practice of surgery in Arizona and California.
My mission, along with the St. Joseph Medical Group, is to focus on innovative clinical care and the pursuit of excellence through scholarly activities. This allows me to provide patients with state-of-the-art patient services and exceptional patient experiences.
Kevin McGeever, MD, is a faculty physician with Dignity Health Medical Group in the department of Surgery/Trauma at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. McGeever's expertise includes all aspects of general and laparoscopic surgery, including gallbladder and biliary surgery; gastric, intestinal, and colorectal surgery, hernia repairs, thyroid and other endocrine surgeries, breast surgery, and robotic surgery. He has 25 years of experience in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery.Dr. McGeever received his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed a general surgery residency at Maricopa Medical Center, and has nearly 30 years' experience in the practice of surgery in Arizona and California.
My mission, along with the St. Joseph Medical Group, is to focus on innovative clinical care and the pursuit of excellence through scholarly activities. This allows me to provide patients with state-of-the-art patient services and exceptional patient experiences.
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The Surgeons of the Dignity Health Hernia Institute perform their surgeries at the Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. It offers state of the art technology to empower advanced level care.
