Inguinal and Hiatal Hernia Repair Surgery

drjohn

What is a hernia and what causes it to develop? What are the symptoms, from a visible bulge to pain? When does a watchful waiting approach turn into a need for surgical repair? What are the mesh vs. non-mesh surgical options? Which type of doctor—a general surgeon—is best? How do I choose between a hospital and an ambulatory surgery center? What is the cost, and what is the guidance on lifting and activities during the recovery period?

drrahul

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue, often part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. It can develop due to factors like heavy lifting, chronic coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or congenital weakness. Symptoms range from a visible bulge, especially when standing or straining, to pain, discomfort, or a feeling of heaviness. While small, asymptomatic hernias may be monitored with a watchful waiting approach, surgery becomes necessary if the hernia enlarges, causes persistent pain, or risks complications like incarceration or strangulation. Surgical options include mesh repair, which uses a synthetic mesh to strengthen the area, and non-mesh repair, which stitches the tissue directly. A general surgeon specializing in hernia repair is typically recommended. Surgery can be performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center, with choice depending on the complexity of the hernia, available facilities, and patient preference. Costs vary but generally range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 in India. Post-operative guidance includes avoiding heavy lifting, gradually resuming physical activity, and following the surgeon’s instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.

isabella

A hernia is a condition where an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle wall, often causing a visible bulge. This weakness can be present from birth or develop over time due to factors like heavy lifting, persistent coughing, obesity, or pregnancy. Common symptoms include a noticeable lump in the abdomen or groin, accompanied by a dull ache, discomfort, or a feeling of pressure, especially when standing, straining, or coughing.

While small, painless hernias can sometimes be monitored with a "watchful waiting" approach, surgery becomes necessary if the hernia becomes painful, grows larger, or becomes incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated—the latter being a serious condition where blood flow is cut off, requiring emergency surgery. The two main repair options are using surgical mesh to reinforce the weak area, which lowers the chance of recurrence, or a non-mesh tissue repair that sutures the muscle closed. This procedure is performed by a general surgeon, typically in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center for a cost ranging from $4,000 to $11,000. Critical guidance for recovery involves a strict prohibition on heavy lifting—usually nothing over 10-15 pounds—for 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the repair heals properly and to prevent the hernia from coming back.