Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck

Since 1993, Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck has been specialized in hernia surgery, the abdominal region, the so-called inguinal hernia, umbilical hernias and incisional hernias.

Additionally, she has been specialized in fields of diagnoses and surgery of the so-called Sportsman’s groin and has worldwide performed the most operations in this field. Therefore, top athletes from all over the world consult her.

She conducted over 30.000 operations in the groin area. Furthermore, she was one of the first doctors in Germany, who conducted this surgery under local anesthesia. She introduced back in 1988, at that time being head of the emergency and outpatient department at the University Hospital „Rechts der Isar“ in Munich, the so-called day surgery, nowadays known as outpatient surgery. Since then, she is considered as one of the leading surgeons for treatments of inguinal hernias in Europe.

Memberships

American College of Svrgeons
European Hernia Society
Deutsche Hernien Gesellschaft
Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie.
American Hernia Society

Arrange a consultation

Arrange a quick and easy consultation now.
Call us or send us an e-mail.
We will be happy to advise you.

Make an appointment now

Our techniques for the treatment of hernias

She is especially well-known for the introduction of the so-called “Minimal-Repair-Technique” (Muschaweck-repair), which was developed by her. This technique is perfect for top athletes as well as for patients with a small inguinal hernia.

Another technique developed by her is the so-called IONR („Intra-Operative-Nerve-Response“), which has been specifically developed for patients with chronic groin pain after operations with the open technique (with or without a mesh) or after laparoscopic methods, such as TAPP and TEP. Through this it is possible to find and eliminate the pain point during surgery.

Mesh removal is always necessary in patients with chronic pain after open mesh insertion, but unfortunately it is rarely possible in patients with laparoscopically inserted mesh. In this way, it was possible to eliminate the cause of the pain in more than 98 % of patients who suffered from permanent pain after groin surgery and to get the patients symptom-free. An additional neurological examination carried out before the operation can be complementary and helpful.

Reviews of Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck, specialist for the treatment of hernias

Absolutely competent and very empathetic and committed doctor.

I was glad that Doctor Ulrike Muschaweck was able to give me an appointment for surgery so quickly in my predicament, despite her very busy schedule.

Testimonials from 22.07.2020 on Jameda

Umbilical hernia operated on perfectly, quickly and highly professionally

Here, a patient is always also a human being. An operation is never nice, but if a hernia operation, then only with Dr. Muschaweck and her team. Fast appointment, quick examination and a perfect operation with a loving aftercare. Thank you very much.

Testimonials from 08.07.2020 on Jameda

You can find more testimonials on jameda.de.

What is an inguinal hernia?

The inguinal hernia belongs to the most common diseases worldwide. In Germany, nearly 250.000 inguinal hernias are treated every year. The frequency of occurrence between man and woman is 90/10. The right sided hernia is 49 percent, the left sided hernia 38 percent.

The theory, that one can do oneself an injury, is not correct any more. Nevertheless, one can distinguish between a congenital and an acquired hernia.

The difference between these two hernias is the localization of the so-called hernial orifice. The acquired hernias occur in the course of life, as a result of different causes. The topic „direct inguinal hernia“ will be mentioned separately. This differentiation is extremely important for determination of the right surgical technique.

How is a hernia treated?

Basically, the surgery will be performed under local anesthesia and sedation. The monitoring during the operation is the task of our surgical staff, with whom Dr. Muschaweck works together for more than 16 years.

This procedure allows the outpatient treatment. Nevertheless, before every operation a risk profile of the patient will be made. Based upon this, Dr. Muschaweck and the surgical staff will decide whether an outpatient surgery is possible or an inpatient treatment is needed.

If an outpatient surgery is made, the attending surgeon is accessible 24 hours.

Impressions from the practice

Diagnosis/ Examination of the inguinal hernia

The clinical examination is carried out while the patient is standing. This makes the diagnosis of an inguinal hernia much easier. In case of larger hernias, a typical protrusion occurs in the groin area. This protrusion can extend to the scrotum, so that the hernia is defined as a scrotal hernia. Equally indispensable is the ultrasound examination (sonography). Here, the static and dynamic sonography is of great importance.

Not only can the size of the hernia be measured, but also the size of the hernia sac. This is important in fields of choosing the right surgery technique. Additionally, other illnesses can be excluded and diagnosed with the sonography, such as lymphoma, cysts, vascular diseases, etc.

After the final diagnosis it is important to differentiate whether the inguinal hernia has to be operated immediately. In this context, possible accompanying illnesses are to be clarified.

If the conducted examinations justify an operation, crucial questions are to be answered: Which surgery technique is the right one? Mesh or no Mesh? Laparoscopic or not? How to find out what the right technique is? For many years now, Dr. Muschaweck uses the tailored approach.

It is of great importance, that the surgeon is trained in different kinds of surgical techniques. So it is possible to explain the different techniques to the patient and execute the tailored surgery. Dr. Muschaweck has a specialist know-how, which guarantees the patients a perfect, successful operation.

Arrange a consultation

Arrange a quick and easy consultation now.

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia

Which symptoms are typical for an inguinal hernia? How can a patient identify a hernia without any visible signs?

Typical symptoms are pains while standing, sitting up or walking. Sneezing or coughing can, but doesn’t have to cause pain. The type of pain, in comparison to hip pain, is not dull but pulling, sometimes stinging and even radiating. The pain can radiate into the thighs, the so-called adductors, the iliac spine, sometimes burning the pelvic bone or the scrotum. In most cases, the pain lessens in a lying position. This pain is typical for all inguinal hernias, as well as the sportsman’s groin.

Larger visible hernias cause pain due to the size of the hernia sac in comparison to the size of the hernial orifice. Then, a possible mechanical irritation of the peritoneum, that means the hernia sac, occurs, which can be very painful. The pain is dull, less stinging. With this kind of hernias, there is a significantly higher risk of incarceration.

The indirect inguinal hernia

The indirect inguinal hernia is congenital and is caused by a congenital incomplete growth of the infantile abdominal wall. In this case, the fascia surrounding the spermatic cord is not stable, so that an opening remains which makes the development of an indirect inguinal hernia possible.

The direct inguinal hernia

This hernia is caused by a weakness of the abdominal muscles within the groin area, whereas different causes are possible: pressure increase in the abdominal area (for example in course of a prostate enlargement), diverticulosis in the intestinal area, chronic bronchitis, overweight, metabolic disorder. The most common cause by women is pregnancy.

The direct inguinal hernia causes similar symptoms to the sportsman’s groin, because the same nerve (genital branch) just below the hernia sac is compressed. In most cases, the hernial orifice is bigger, which reduces the risk of incarceration as with an indirect inguinal hernia.

Your appointment in our practice in Munich

Please use the form to make an appointment, if you have any questions or if you would like a callback.