Do You Have a Hernia?
If you're feeling discomfort or noticing a lump — you're in the right place. Dr. Robert Tomas has helped 4,000+ patients get back to living pain-free without synthetic mesh.
What Is A Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Most hernias develop in the abdomen — between the chest and hips — though they can also appear in the upper thigh or groin area.
Hernias don't heal on their own. Without treatment, they typically grow larger and become more painful over time. Surgery is the only permanent solution — and the type of surgery matters enormously for long-term outcomes.
Important: If your hernia becomes suddenly very painful, turns red or purple, or you cannot push it back in — seek emergency care immediately. This may indicate strangulation.
Types of Hernias We Treat
Inguinal Hernia
The most common type — a bulge in the groin area, most often in men. This is Dr. Tomas's specialty and the focus of the Desarda Technique.
Umbilical Hernia
Occurs at the belly button. Often present at birth or develops after pregnancy. Most 'outie' belly buttons are actually umbilical hernias.
Ventral Hernia
Occurs in the midline of the abdominal wall. Develops gradually over years, usually containing fat or intestine.
Incisional Hernia
A protrusion at the site of a previous abdominal surgery. The scar tissue weakens over time and creates an opening.
Femoral Hernia
A bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin. More common in women than men and requires prompt treatment.
The Desarda Repair Explained
Understanding why no-mesh surgery produces better long-term outcomes than traditional mesh repair
The Problem With Mesh
Standard hernia surgery places a synthetic mesh patch over the hernia opening. While common, mesh carries real risks — FDA recalls, chronic pain, infection, and migration years after surgery. Many patients live with complications they don't even realize are mesh-related.
The Desarda Difference
Developed by Indian surgeon Dr. Mohan Desarda, this technique repairs the hernia using your own muscle tissue as a natural bridge — no foreign materials, no implants. It's an elegant operation that works with your body's biology, not against it.
The Tomas Technique
For umbilical and ventral hernias, Dr. Tomas pioneered his own patented approach: a triple-layered, non-absorbable sutured repair. This technique achieves exceptional strength using your own tissue — no mesh, no compromise.
The Surgical Process
The procedure is performed in our in-house surgical suite under general or local anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day. The entire surgery typically takes 45–90 minutes, and you'll be walking within hours of waking up.
Desarda vs. Standard Mesh Surgery
Am I A Candidate for Surgery?
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a hernia. The only way to know for sure is a consultation with Dr. Tomas — which is completely free.
Common Hernia Symptoms
Important: If your hernia becomes suddenly very painful, turns red or purple, or you cannot push it back in — seek emergency care immediately. This may indicate strangulation.
Risk Factors
Not Sure If You Have A Hernia?
Dr. Tomas offers a completely free initial consultation. He'll personally review your symptoms, examine you, and give you a clear diagnosis — no pressure, no obligation.
Get My Free EvaluationRecovery Timeline
Most patients are surprised by how quickly they recover from no-mesh hernia surgery
Home the Same Day
Most patients are discharged within hours of surgery. You'll need a driver, but you'll be walking and comfortable.
Minimal Pain
Most patients require only Tylenol or NSAIDs for pain relief — no heavy narcotics. Light activity is encouraged.
Back to Daily Life
Return to normal daily activities including light walking, cooking, and desk work within the first week.
Return to Work
Office workers typically return within days. Physical labor jobs may require 1–3 weeks depending on the role.
Full Recovery
Full return to exercise, lifting, and all physical activities. Most patients feel better than they have in years.
Why Thousands Choose No-Mesh Surgery
Experience the advantages of advanced no-mesh hernia repair
No Harmful Mesh
Surgical mesh carries real risks — FDA recalls, chronic pain, and complications years after surgery. The Desarda Technique uses your own muscle tissue. Zero foreign materials enter your body.
Minimal Tension Repair
Unlike other mesh-free techniques that pull on hernia edges, the Desarda method covers the hernia with a muscle graft that acts as a natural bridge — no tension, no pulling.
Less Than 1% Recurrence
Out of 4,000+ surgeries performed at our center, fewer than 1% have had a recurrence. That's a track record that speaks for itself.
All-Inclusive Flat Rate
One transparent price covers everything: surgeon fee, anesthesia, surgical suite, and medications. No insurance battles. No surprise bills. No co-pays.
Ready to Live Without Pain?
Your initial consultation is completely free. No pressure. No obligation.
Schedule My Free Consultation
The Surgeon Who Pioneered No-Mesh in America
Dr. Robert Tomas founded U First Health out of a conviction that patients deserve better than synthetic mesh. After training directly under Dr. Mohan Desarda, Dr. Tomas became the first and most experienced practitioner of the Desarda method in the United States.
His concierge-style practice means you get real face-to-face time with the surgeon himself — not a PA, not a resident. Every patient receives a personalized surgical plan and direct access to Dr. Tomas throughout recovery.
Patients Fly In From All 50 States
Because U First Health is the only certified Desarda center in the United States, patients travel from across the country — and internationally — to receive care here. Fort Myers is easily accessible, and our team helps coordinate every detail of your visit.
Plan Your VisitWhat Our Patients Say
Real patients. Real results. Verified on Google.
"I am now 74. Last May 2025 you did inguinal hernia surgery on my left side and today I don't feel anything. I mean there's no twins or anything. Thank you Dr. Tomas."
"Thank you! I just had hernia surgery 3 days ago at UFirstHealth and it was a fantastic experience. Very minimal pain and healing very quickly."
"I had an umbilical hernia and called multiple doctors and went to multiple consultations. When I called U First they gave me direct answers and pricing. Best decision I ever made."
"I'm 67 and never written a review. I felt I needed to share my experience. Dr. Tomas was wonderful from the very first time I saw him. He explained everything clearly."
"Had surgery with Dr. Thomas 5 years ago and I'm so happy with results. So glad I went the no mesh route — thank you again super wonderful experience."
"Dr. Robert Tomas, you operated on me 2 years ago. I had a real big hernia — thanks to you I am great and free of problems. Forever grateful."
Request Your Free Consultation
Whether you're dealing with a new hernia diagnosis or complications from a prior mesh repair, our team is ready to help. Your initial consultation is completely free — and patients come from all 50 states.
Request a Free Consultation
Fill out the form below and a patient liaison will contact you within 24 hours.