Arizona sees rise in hernia cases

(Phoenix, Ariz. -- May 22, 2026) – Medical experts with the Dignity Health Hernia Institute say Arizonans are seeing a significant rise in hernia cases and that trend is expected to continue over the next decade.

Nearly 1.5 million hernia repair surgeries are currently performed annually in the United States, with approximately  30,000-35,000 performed each year in Arizona. That number is expected to climb by nearly 30 percent in the next decade.

Thomas Gillespie, MD,  surgeon and director of the Dignity Health Hernia Institute, said the increase is being driven by Arizona’s rapidly growing population, expanding senior community, rising obesity rates, and greater awareness of treatment options.

“Hernias are far more common than people realize,” said Dr. Gillespie. “We see active retirees, young parents, athletes and people in physically demanding professions whose symptoms begin interfering with everyday life.”

A hernia occurs when tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weakened area of muscle. This often causes a bulge or pressure in the abdomen or groin area. Symptoms can include pain when lifting, coughing, exercising or even standing for long periods of time. 

“Unfortunately, hernias don’t heal on their own,” said Dr. Gillespie. “Typically, the earlier patients seek evaluation, the easier these conditions are to treat before they begin significantly affecting quality of life.”

Advancements in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery are helping Arizonans return to normal activities faster, and often with less pain and shorter recovery time compared to normal surgery. The Dignity Health Hernia Institute is also exploring innovative treatment approaches, like Botox, and continuing to research new ways to advance hernia care as demand across Arizona continues to grow. 

“Our approach is always to meet patients where they are and develop a plan of care that works specifically for them,” said Dr. Gillespie. “Arizona is an incredibly active state, and as our population continues to grow, we expect the need for hernia care to increase alongside it. The good news is patients today have more treatment options than ever before, but the key is not ignoring symptoms and seeking care early.”

Dr. Gillespie said awareness and early evaluation will play an increasingly important role in helping Arizonans stay healthy, active and pain-free in the years to come.