Amelia Returns to Family Life After Complex Hernia Surgery at UF Health Jacksonville

Amelia Jones is a radiology employee at UF Health Jacksonville. She went from checking in patients to becoming one herself after experiencing a traumatic health crisis from December 2022 to February 2023.

As a result of this trauma, Jones developed a massive hernia in her abdomen but had to heal before she could undergo surgery. The hernia left a basketball-sized bulge where her intestines pushed through a six-inch hole in her abdominal wall.

The hernia was painful and limiting, and she also developed an enterocutaneous fistula, a condition in which the intestine forms an opening to the skin. This caused intestinal fluid to drain outside her body — making everyday tasks, such as caring for her child, emotionally exhausting.

In early 2023, Jones consulted with Jana Sacco, MD, a board-certified surgeon and hernia and abdominal wall specialist at UF Health Jacksonville. Sacco leads the UF Health Comprehensive Hernia and Abdominal Wall Program, one of the few programs in the region equipped to handle complex hernia cases.

A personalized plan for a complex case

“I knew Amelia’s situation required a highly specialized approach,” Sacco said.

Because her intestines were leaking fluid, using traditional synthetic mesh carried too high a risk of infection. Instead, Sacco chose biologic mesh made from pig skin. Unlike plastic mesh, biologic mesh incorporates with the body and lowers the risk of infection.

Jones’ hernia defect was very wide and required some advanced techniques to achieve closure. Prior to surgery, our interventional radiology team performed Botox injections in her abdominal muscles.

“By relaxing the muscles ahead of time, I was able to work with my surgical team to close the opening more effectively during the surgery,” Sacco said.

Sacco explained this step was important because Jones’ hernia left a large opening in her abdominal wall.

“Dr. Sacco gave me every detail I needed and made me feel confident about what was going to happen,” Jones said.

The complex hernia surgery took place in November 2023. Jones’ abdominal wall had to be rebuilt. Sacco and her team first spent hours carefully removing scar tissue from previous surgeries. Then, using a technique called component separation, they brought her abdominal muscles back together to close the hole.

Finally, surgeons placed the biologic mesh between layers of her abdominal wall to reinforce the repair. The operation took eight hours.

A smooth recovery

The surgery went well to the relief of both her family and doctors. Within weeks, she was back to her normal daily activities — though she avoided heavy lifting for several months.

“I was really sore, but I didn’t have any complications,” Jones said.

Sacco said Jones’ case shows why specialized hernia programs are so important.

“We don’t just do the surgery. We create a plan that’s individualized for each patient,” Sacco said. “Our team includes not only surgeons but also radiologists, colorectal specialists and others who work together to provide the best outcome.”

Jones returned for regular follow-ups — up to a half dozen in the first six months — and will continue to see Sacco once a year. Today she is able to focus on raising her family without the daily struggles she once faced.

Why specialized hernia care matters

Hernias are common. They occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue wall. For many people, hernias can be repaired with a straightforward outpatient surgery. But large or complex hernias, like Jones’, require highly trained specialists and advanced techniques.

The UF Health Comprehensive Hernia and Abdominal Wall Program in Jacksonville is one of the leading centers in the Southeast for this type of care. Surgeons are fellowship trained in hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction. They offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery options when possible.

In addition to patient care, UF Health Jacksonville is committed to advancing the field of hernia surgery. The program is involved in ongoing research and clinical trials, helping bring new treatment options to patients.

A new chapter for patients like Amelia Jones

For Jones, surgery at UF Health Jacksonville gave her more than just a repaired abdominal wall — it gave her life back. She can now spend time with her child, care for her family and live without the physical and emotional challenges she once endured.

Sacco said this is why she and her team do what they do.

“Every patient is different,” Sacco said. “Our goal is to provide the right care for each person, no matter how complex their case may be.”

Learn More

Visit UFHealthJax.org/hernia to learn more about our care for patients with all types of hernias and hernia-related conditions.