Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jorge?

No. Most patients can call us directly at (803) 220-1716 to schedule a consultation. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician — our team will tell you when you call and help you sort it out.

How quickly can I be seen?

Quickly. We strive for same-week visits whenever a patient needs one, and same-day or next-business-day appointments are often available. We deliberately hold consultation slots open so that patients with painful, worsening, or urgent problems are not waiting weeks to be evaluated. If your situation is urgent, tell us when you call and we will work you in.

What insurance do you accept?

We work with all insurance plans. Call (803) 220-1716 and our team will verify your specific plan and benefits before your visit, including whether bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under your policy, so there are no surprises.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

Many plans cover it, but requirements vary widely — typically a documented BMI threshold, supervised weight-management visits, and a psychological evaluation. We handle the authorization process for you and tell you upfront what your plan requires.

I had bariatric surgery years ago and regained weight. Can you help?

Yes. Revisional bariatric surgery is a core focus of this practice — sleeve-to-bypass conversion, band removal, and repair of complications after prior operations. Weight recurrence is common and it is not a personal failure.

What is robotic surgery, and is it better?

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that gives the surgeon better visualization and finer instrument control, which matters most in complex hernia and foregut cases. It is not automatically better for every operation. Dr. Jorge selects the approach — robotic, laparoscopic, or open — that fits your anatomy and prior surgical history.

Do you offer non-surgical weight loss?

Yes. Dr. Jorge is board-certified in obesity medicine, and our practice runs LeanDreams , a medical weight-management program built around a multidisciplinary team — physicians, a registered dietitian, behavioral and nutrition coaches, and certified personal trainers — working together on one plan. It covers medical weight management including GLP-1 medications for patients who are not surgical candidates, who prefer to start without an operation, or who need long-term support after surgery.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Dr. Jorge holds surgical privileges at Piedmont Augusta, Augusta Surgical Center, and Aiken Regional Medical Center. Your operative location depends on your procedure and your insurance, and we confirm it with you well before your surgery date.

Do you see patients from South Carolina?

Yes. We regularly care for patients from Aiken, North Augusta, and the surrounding South Carolina communities.

Hernia Repair in Augusta, GA

A bulge in your groin, belly button or abdomen is not something to ignore, and it is not something to panic about either. Hernias are common, treatable, and easier to fix before they grow.

Dr. Jorge is a double board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in advanced foregut and bariatric surgery. He repairs hernias for patients in Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

Types of hernia we treat

Inguinal hernia (groin)
Umbilical hernia (belly button)
Ventral and incisional hernia (abdominal wall, often at a prior surgery site)
Recurrent hernia (one that came back after a prior repair)
Hiatal and paraesophageal hernia (chest and stomach). See hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia

Signs it is time for a visit

A bulge that grows or is more noticeable when you stand, cough or lift
Aching, burning or pressure at the bulge
Pain with lifting, exercise or work
A hernia you have been told to watch that has changed

A hernia that becomes hard, very painful or cannot be pushed back, especially with nausea or vomiting, is an emergency. Call 911.

How we decide

A visit and exam to hear your story and find the hernia.
Imaging only when it will change the plan.
A clear recommendation. Not every hernia needs surgery right away. Sometimes watching is the right call, and we will tell you that.

Repair options

Hernia repair closes the opening and, in many cases, reinforces it with mesh. Dr. Jorge performs minimally invasive repair, including robotic approaches when appropriate, and open repair when that is the better choice. The right operation depends on the type, size and location of the hernia, your health and your goals. He also evaluates complex, recurrent and large abdominal wall hernias.

What to expect

Many hernia repairs are done as outpatient surgery, though this depends on the operation and your health. We explain activity limits, lifting restrictions and follow-up before surgery, so there are no surprises. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

Coming from out of state

Dr. Jorge is licensed in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and holds a license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which streamlines licensure in 44 participating states. We regularly care for patients from out of state. Your evaluation and follow-up can happen by telehealth where licensure allows, with surgery in person here in Georgia when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Do all hernias need surgery?

Not always. Some small hernias with no symptoms can be watched. A hernia that is growing, painful, or limiting what you do usually calls for repair. Dr. Jorge will tell you honestly which situation you are in.

What is the difference between inguinal, umbilical and ventral hernias?

An inguinal hernia is in the groin. An umbilical hernia is at the belly button. A ventral or incisional hernia is in the abdominal wall, often at the site of a prior operation. The best repair depends on where it is and how large it is.

When is a hernia an emergency?

A hernia that becomes hard, very painful, or cannot be pushed back, especially with nausea, vomiting or fever, can mean trapped or strangulated tissue. Call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Is mesh always used?

No. Mesh is used in many repairs because it lowers the chance of the hernia coming back, but it is not right for every patient. Dr. Jorge explains what he recommends for you and why.

Can a hernia come back after repair?

It can. Recurrence is a known risk of any hernia repair. Dr. Jorge also evaluates people whose hernia returned after a prior repair, including complex and recurrent hernias.

Does weight affect hernia repair?

It can. Extra weight raises pressure on the abdominal wall and can affect healing and recurrence. If it applies to you, we talk about the best timing and whether weight loss should come first.

Will insurance cover it?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary hernia repair. Our team verifies your benefits before your visit.

Is Dr. Jorge employed by a hospital?

No. He runs an independent practice, Savannah River Advanced Surgery, and operates at facilities where he holds privileges, including Piedmont Augusta, Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Augusta Surgical Center.