A hernia develops when an internal tissue or organ pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Some hernias cause only a visible bulge, while others lead to pain, discomfort, or complications that may require hernia surgery.
Surgery repairs the weakened area and returns the protruding tissue to its normal position. The procedure may be performed through an open incision or with a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique, depending on the type and location of the hernia.
At SGVP Holistic Hospital, we assess the size and type of hernia, symptoms, overall health, and risk of complications before deciding whether surgery is required. Treatment is planned individually because not every hernia needs the same procedure or the same timing of surgery.
What is Hernia Surgery?
Hernia surgery is an operation that repairs a weakened area in the abdominal wall or surrounding tissue. The protruding tissue is repositioned, and the defect is closed with stitches, surgical mesh, or a combination of both.
Mesh is frequently used to reinforce the weakened tissue and reduce tension across the repair. However, some hernias may be repaired using sutures alone when clinically appropriate.
The aim is not simply to remove the visible bulge. Surgery strengthens the underlying defect responsible for the hernia and helps reduce the likelihood of further protrusion.
When Does a Hernia Require Surgery?
A hernia may require surgery when it causes pain, increases in size, interferes with daily activities, or carries a significant risk of complications. Some small or minimally symptomatic hernias may instead be monitored after medical assessment.
Surgery may be considered when:
- Pain or discomfort becomes persistent
- The bulge becomes larger
- The hernia is difficult to push back
- Walking, exercise, work, or daily activities become uncomfortable
- The hernia repeatedly becomes symptomatic
- There is concern about incarceration or strangulation
A hernia that suddenly becomes extremely painful, cannot be pushed back, or is associated with vomiting, abdominal swelling, or illness requires urgent medical assessment.
A general surgeon in Ahmedabad at SGVP Holistic Hospital can assess the type of hernia and determine whether observation or surgical repair is more appropriate.
Can a hernia be treated without surgery?
Some hernias can be observed without immediate surgery, especially when symptoms are minimal and the risk of complications is considered low. However, non-surgical measures cannot close the physical defect in the abdominal wall.
Weight management, avoiding unnecessary strain, managing constipation, and treating chronic cough may help reduce discomfort or further stress on the area. Hernia belts or supports should only be used when medically advised.
Common Types of Hernia that may Require Surgery
Different hernias occur in different anatomical locations, so surgical planning varies accordingly. Inguinal, umbilical, femoral, and incisional hernias are among the common abdominal-wall hernias treated surgically.
- Inguinal hernia: Develops in the groin and is one of the most frequently treated hernias in adults.
- Umbilical hernia: Appears around the navel and may require surgery when persistent, symptomatic, or increasing in size.
- Femoral hernia: Develops near the upper thigh or groin and requires careful assessment because complications may occur.
- Incisional hernia: Can develop through a weakened area at the site of a previous abdominal operation.
What is Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upward through an opening in the diaphragm. Its treatment differs from abdominal-wall hernia repair.
Many hiatal hernias are treated without surgery. Surgery may be considered in selected patients with significant reflux symptoms, anatomical problems, or complications that do not respond adequately to other treatment.
Open and Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Hernias can be repaired through open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. The most suitable technique depends on the location and complexity of the hernia, previous surgery, general health, and the surgeon’s assessment.
| Technique | How it is performed | When it may be considered |
| Open hernia surgery | The surgeon repairs the hernia through an incision made over or close to the affected area | May be suitable for many primary, large, or complicated hernias |
| Laparoscopic hernia surgery | The surgeon operates through several small abdominal incisions using a camera and specialised instruments | May be considered for selected groin, bilateral, recurrent, or abdominal-wall hernias |
| Mesh repair | Surgical mesh reinforces the weakened area during open or laparoscopic repair | Used in many adult hernia repairs where reinforcement is appropriate |
During laparoscopic surgery in Ahmedabad at SGVP Holistic Hospital, a camera provides a magnified view inside the abdomen while specialised instruments are introduced through small incisions.
What is hernia mesh surgery?
Hernia mesh surgery uses a medical-grade mesh to reinforce the weakened tissue surrounding the defect. Mesh may be used during either open or laparoscopic repair.
The decision to use mesh depends on factors such as hernia type, size, contamination or infection risk, and surgical findings. Like any implanted material, mesh has recognised potential complications, which should be discussed before surgery.
What Happens During Hernia Surgery?
Hernia surgery usually follows a structured sequence involving preoperative assessment, anaesthesia, repair of the defect, and postoperative monitoring. The exact steps vary according to whether an open or laparoscopic technique is used.
Before surgery, we assess the patient’s medical history, medicines, general health, and the hernia itself. Blood tests, imaging, or other investigations may be advised when required.
The hernia surgery steps generally include:
- Anaesthesia is administered according to the planned procedure.
- The surgeon accesses the hernia through an open incision or small laparoscopic incisions.
- The protruding tissue is returned to its normal position.
- The weakened area is repaired with sutures, mesh, or both.
- The incision or incisions are closed.
- The patient is monitored during early recovery.
Patients undergoing hernia surgery in Ahmedabad at SGVP Holistic Hospital receive preoperative assessment and treatment planning based on the type and complexity of the hernia.
How long does hernia surgery take?
There is no single hernia surgery time that applies to every patient. The duration depends on the type, size, location, surgical approach, whether the hernia has occurred previously, and whether unexpected findings are identified during the operation. Patients should therefore treat quoted operating times as estimates rather than guarantees.
Recovery After Hernia Surgery
Hernia surgery recovery time varies according to the surgical technique, type of hernia, size of the repair, general health, and the physical demands of work and daily activities.
Pain, bruising, or swelling around the surgical area can occur during the early recovery period. These symptoms should gradually improve rather than become progressively worse.
Return to desk-based work may be possible earlier than return to jobs involving heavy lifting or strenuous activity. The surgeon will advise when driving, exercise, work, and lifting can safely resume.
Precautions after hernia surgery
Recovery instructions differ between patients, but common precautions after hernia surgery include:
- Keep the surgical wound clean and follow dressing instructions.
- Increase walking and daily activity gradually.
- Avoid heavy lifting until medically cleared.
- Take prescribed medicines as directed.
- Prevent constipation where possible.
- Attend recommended postoperative appointments.
Contact the treating team if there is increasing redness, wound discharge, fever, persistent vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, or rapidly increasing swelling.
What should you eat after hernia surgery?
Eat a light, high-fiber, and protein-rich soft diet after hernia surgery to prevent constipation and promote healing.
Foods to Eat
- High-Fiber Foods: Prevent painful straining and constipation by eating oats, papayas, pears, and well-cooked vegetables.
- Lean Proteins: Support tissue and muscle repair with eggs, soft-cooked chicken, fish, tofu, and lentils.
- Soft & Bland Meals: Choose easy-to-digest items like khichdi, curd rice, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes during the first few days.
- Probiotics & Fluids: Drink plenty of water, coconut water, and eat curd or buttermilk to keep digestion smooth.
Foods to Avoid
- Gas-Forming Foods: Avoid beans, lentils (initially), cabbage, and broccoli, which cause bloating and pressure on the abdomen.
- Carbonated & Caffeinated Drinks: Skip sodas and excess coffee, which create gas or cause dehydration.
- Fried and Spicy Items: Stay away from greasy, heavy, or hot spicy dishes that slow digestion and irritate the stomach
Risks and Complications of Hernia Surgery
Hernia surgery is routinely performed, but all operations carry recognised risks. The likelihood of complications depends on the hernia, surgical approach, patient health, and whether surgery is planned or performed urgently.
Possible hernia surgery complications include:
- Wound infection
- Bleeding or bruising
- Fluid collection or seroma
- Persistent postoperative pain
- Recurrence of the hernia
- Complications related to mesh where mesh is used
- Injury to nearby structures in uncommon cases
Some temporary swelling around the surgical area may make the abdomen or repaired region appear larger after surgery. A hernia can also recur after surgery. Recurrence risk varies according to hernia type, tissue quality, repair method, patient factors, and postoperative strain.
How Much Does Hernia Surgery Cost?
Hernia surgery cost varies because different patients require different procedures, investigations, anaesthesia, implants, and hospital care. An accurate estimate can therefore be provided only after clinical assessment.
Factors affecting cost may include:
- Type and size of hernia
- Open or laparoscopic repair
- Mesh requirements
- Anaesthesia
- Complexity of surgery
- Preoperative investigations
- Length of hospital stay
- Room category
- Insurance or cashless coverage
The laparoscopic hernia surgery cost may differ from open surgery because the equipment, surgical approach, and hospital requirements are different.
Hernia Surgery Care at SGVP Holistic Hospital, Ahmedabad
At SGVP Holistic Hospital, our General Surgery Department evaluates and manages inguinal, umbilical, femoral, incisional, epigastric, and other hernias using open or laparoscopic techniques where appropriate.
Dr. Tapan Shah, Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, specialises in laparoscopic and minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery. His clinical expertise includes inguinal, umbilical, femoral, incisional, and epigastric hernia repair, along with laparoscopic hernia procedures.
Our general surgery department is equipped with 4K imaging systems, laparoscopic surgical tools, modular operating theatres, and other facilities used for general and minimally invasive surgery.
As an NABH-accredited multispeciality hospital, SGVP Holistic Hospital is committed to providing affordable, quality, and ethical treatment while maintaining recognised standards of patient care and safety. We aim to keep treatment accessible without compromising the clinical assessment and support required before, during, and after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Patients do not feel the operation while appropriate anaesthesia is working. Some pain, tenderness, or tightness can occur after surgery and generally improves during recovery. Prescribed pain-relieving medicines can help manage postoperative discomfort.
Hernia surgery is commonly performed, but no surgical procedure is completely without risk. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, persistent pain, recurrence, or mesh-related problems. Individual risk depends on the hernia, health status, and operation performed.
Recovery time varies according to the hernia type, surgical technique, overall health, and daily activities. Many patients resume light activity relatively early, while strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and physically demanding work may require a longer recovery period.
Yes, a hernia can recur after repair, although recurrence does not occur in every patient. Risk can be influenced by the type of hernia, repair technique, tissue quality, obesity, smoking, chronic coughing, and postoperative strain.
There is no universal list of foods that every patient must avoid. During early recovery, foods that worsen nausea, constipation, or digestive discomfort may need temporary limitation. Individual dietary instructions should take priority after gastrointestinal or hiatal hernia surgery.
No. Some minimally symptomatic hernias may be monitored after medical assessment rather than repaired immediately. Surgery becomes more relevant when symptoms increase, daily activities are affected, the hernia enlarges, or there is concern about incarceration or strangulation.
