Hernia Repair
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Laparoscopic Hernia Repair for Faster Recovery
Hernia repair is a common, safe operation that fixes a weakness in the abdominal wall through which fat or bowel pushes out as a bulge. Dr. Bivek Kumar performs laparoscopic (keyhole) and open mesh repair for groin (inguinal), umbilical and incisional hernias, as well as hernias found alongside urological problems such as hydrocele or an enlarged prostate. Keyhole repair uses three small cuts, causes less pain and allows most patients to walk the same day and return to desk work within one to two weeks. Repairing a hernia early prevents it from growing and avoids the risk of the bowel becoming trapped, which is a surgical emergency.
Signs you may have a hernia
A hernia usually starts as a soft swelling that appears on standing, coughing or lifting and disappears when you lie down. Common symptoms include:
- A bulge in the groin, scrotum, around the navel or near an old surgical scar
- A dragging, heavy or aching feeling, worse at the end of the day
- Pain or discomfort on lifting, coughing or straining
- In men, a swelling that extends into the scrotum
Seek urgent care if the bulge becomes hard, painful and cannot be pushed back, or if you have vomiting, a swollen tummy or cannot pass wind. These are signs of an obstructed or strangulated hernia.
Why urologists treat groin hernias
Groin hernias lie close to the spermatic cord and testis, and they often occur together with hydrocele, undescended testis or an enlarged prostate. Men who strain to pass urine because of prostate enlargement are more likely to develop a hernia, and the straining should be treated as well to reduce the chance of the hernia coming back. A urologist can assess and, where suitable, treat these problems in one plan.
Treatment options
Laparoscopic (keyhole) mesh repair, using the TEP or TAPP technique, places a mesh behind the abdominal wall through three small cuts. It suits most groin hernias, hernias on both sides and hernias that have come back after open surgery.
Open mesh repair is done through a single cut over the hernia and may be performed under spinal or local anaesthesia. It is a good choice for some patients with heart or lung conditions.
Small umbilical hernias may be repaired with stitches alone; larger ones usually need a mesh. Watchful waiting is reasonable only for small, painless groin hernias in selected patients, after discussion.
Recovery after hernia surgery
- Most patients go home the same day or the next morning
- Walking is encouraged from the first day
- Desk work is usually possible in one to two weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting for about four to six weeks
- Mild bruising or swelling in the groin or scrotum settles over a few weeks
Hernia repair in Koramangala and Bellandur
Dr. Bivek Kumar offers hernia repair at Superhealth Hospital, Koramangala (OPD Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm) and Nelivigi Multispeciality Hospital, Bellandur (OPD Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 7 pm to 8 pm; Sunday by appointment only).
More questions patients ask
Can a hernia go away without surgery?
No. A hernia does not heal on its own. A belt or truss may hold it in temporarily, but surgery is the only lasting treatment.
Will the hernia come back?
With mesh repair, recurrence is uncommon. Stopping smoking, controlling cough or constipation and treating urinary straining all lower the risk.
Does hernia surgery affect fertility or sexual function?
Problems are rare. The spermatic cord is protected during the operation, and erections are not affected. Men who are planning a family can discuss this before surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hernia repair is surgery to push the bulging tissue back and strengthen the weak area of the abdominal wall, usually with a mesh, through keyhole or open surgery.
Most adults with a groin, umbilical or incisional hernia that causes a bulge, pain or discomfort, and anyone whose hernia has become hard or painful.
The operation is done under anaesthesia. Afterwards there is some soreness for a few days, controlled with simple painkillers. Keyhole repair is usually less painful.
Typically 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of hernia and whether one or both sides are repaired.
Smaller cuts, less pain, faster return to work and the ability to repair hernias on both sides through the same small incisions.
Related treatments & reading
Book a consultation with Dr Bivek Kumar: Superhealth Hospital, Koramangala (Mon–Sat, 9 am–6 pm) or Nelivigi Hospital, Bellandur (Tue, Thu & Sat, 7–8 pm; Sunday by appointment only). See all clinic locations, OPD timings & directions →