Back to Normal Self

Published March 2, 2021 By William Brown, MD

Hi Dr. Brown,

This is P.H. Just wanted to let you know that my recovery has been fantastic. I am back to my normal self physically and I have returned to my duties with the Coast Guard.

Thank you.
P.H.

Umbilical Hernia Repair Techniques

Published February 23, 2021 By William Brown, MD

I often get asked whether the Shouldice or the Bassini is the best method for repair of umbilical hernias. This represents a misunderstanding about hernia repairs. The Shouldice and the Bassini are methods to repair inguinal hernias but have no place in the repair of umbilical hernias.  For umbilical hernia repair, there are two basic methods. The first is a pure tissue repair and the second is the use of mesh.

Pure tissue repair uses sutures to close the hole.  This can be a primary closure or a layered closure such as pants over vest.  The pure tissue repair has the best results for small hernias (less than 3 to 5cm) and in patients with a normal BMI.

Unfortunately, for large umbilical hernias mesh has to be used to get the defect closed. The mesh can be placed to cover the hernia or placed on the peritoneal side of the…

Harpers Magazine: In The Net

Published February 18, 2021 By William Brown, MD

Trudy Lieberman recently published an article about the economics of the use of mesh in Harpers’ magazine.  (I contributed to the article).  She outlines the huge amount of money involved and the fact the mesh companies have paid hospitals and doctors to use mesh for hernia repairs despite the well know and documented problems of pain, shrinkage, sexual dysfunction, and nerve damage.   I wish it was not true, but money does influence decision-making even if the patient suffers.

Download Article Here

I Feel Great – Getting Back to Backpacking

Published February 15, 2021 By William Brown, MD

I want to thank Dr. Brown for solving my most bothering issue of 2020. I got a hernia in December 2018 during three days winter backpacking trip at Tahoe mountains. I won’t tell you how much fun it was – probably the most suffering experience of my life. Carrying the backpack up and down the mountains through the deep snow in cold weather with the constant pain in your stomach – was unforgettable!  Earlier, I also felt the pain after windsurfing practices, but I didn’t even understand what it was, so I didn’t do anything about it.

But coming back from Tahoe, I’ve decided to address the issue. I went to PAMF here in Fremont, CA. At first, they’ve ignored me, dismissing the hernia diagnosis altogether. After it was confirmed by ultrasound, the PAMF surgeon still has never get back to me. I let it go at that time because…

Feeling Super

Published February 14, 2021 By William Brown, MD

Hi Dr. Brown.

It has been nearly 2 months since my surgery and I am feeling super. I am so grateful to you for repairing my hernia!

Stay Healthy,
MS

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William Brown, MD
Hernia Specialist

Dr. Brown has been repairing inguinal hernias for over 30 years, taking care of Athletes with Sports Hernia injuries since 1999.  Dr. Brown has been taking care of patients with complications from mesh for so long that his hair is gray. Luckily he still has some hair.

His patients include players from the San Jose Sharks and the San Jose Earthquakes as well as athletes from the NFL, AFL, NBA, and the local college teams. As well as Athletes from 15 foreign countries.

Location:
Fremont Office
William H. Brown, M.D.
39470 Paseo Padre Pkwy
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 793-2404
Fax: (510) 793-1320

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