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Hernia Repair Surgery & Treatment

DrGanesh DP 2
Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Specialist in General Surgery

Procedure

Hernia Surgery In A Nutshell

  • A laparoscopic hernia repair is a surgical operation that addresses a hernia or opening in the abdominal wall.
  • Hernia treatments in Singapore are differentiated into two types, open or laparoscopic surgery. 
  • A keyhole hernia repair is considered minimally invasive, and most patients can expect the downtime to be no longer than 2 weeks.
  • The surgical technique used in keyhole hernia repairs involves three small incisions made in the abdomen. Special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions for the doctor to place the organ back in place, and a mesh is set to reinforce the walls.
  • The cost of laparoscopic hernia repair may vary depending on the location of the hernia along with the complexity of the procedure.
  • Downtime: No physical or strenuous activities for 2 weeks. You may be required to stay in a hospital 1 day after surgery to monitor your recovery.

Table of Contents

Hernia Repair Surgery

What Is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery In Singapore?

A hernia repair surgery is a surgical operation that addresses a hernia or opening in the abdominal wall. G & L Surgical provides hernia repair surgeries in Singapore. Our surgeon, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam, performs several hernia treatments in Singapore – these include open and laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries. For example, umbilical hernia repair, inguinal hernia repair, femoral hernia repair, and incisional hernia repairs. In an open hernia repair, Dr Ganesh makes an incision above the hernia into your groin and pushes the protruding abdominal tissue back into your abdomen and suture the defect closed.

This repairs the abdominal wall defect. In contrast, laparoscopic (also known as keyhole) hernia repair surgery involves the surgeon making a few short incisions (usually or 0.5 cm to 1 cm) instead of a single long incision. This procedure results in less visible scarring which also helps shorten the length of hospital stay for the patient. Depending on your condition, our doctor will advise which type of procedure is best suited for your condition.

Types of Hernias A Hernia Repair Can Treat

hernia conditions

A hernia repair can be used to treat each of the following types of hernias, they are:

How Does A Hernia Repair Work?

There are three main types of hernia surgeries, they are, open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, and robotic hernia repair

In all types of hernia repairs, the patient will be placed under general anaesthesia and unconscious throughout the procedure.  In open surgery, surgeons will make a single incision over the hernia. The incision can range from 6 to 8cm long. After the incision is made, the surgeon looks to organise the protruding organ back into position within the abdomen.

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Image Credit: Surgery for an Inguinal Hernia

Mesh will hold the organs in place, reinforce the abdominal walls, and reduce the pressure at the weakened spot where the bulge initially was. Upon completion of the hernia repair, the wound is sealed with stitches. The technique that Dr Ganesh uses is the removal of the hernial sac, plus reinforcement of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal with a synthetic mesh. In cases where the hernia has become strangulated around the intestine, the affected region of the intestine may need to be removed and rejoined with the new ends made after the removal. In such cases, a patient can expect to be required to stay longer in the hospital (around 4 to 5 days) to ensure their recovery is on track.

In a keyhole hernia repair surgery, three small incisions are made in the abdomen instead of a large incision for the surgeon to access the herniated region. A laparoscope with a camera attached is inserted through one of the incisions for the doctor to look inside the abdomen. Special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions for the doctor to place the organ back in place, and a mesh is set to reinforce the walls.

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Image Credit: Surgery for an Inguinal Hernia

In both cases, the patient is required to stay for a day in the hospital for observation to ensure they do not experience any post-surgical complications.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair VS Open Surgery Hernia Repair

The differences between an open and laparoscopic hernia repair may affect your choice of surgical technique. 

The number of incisions for each technique differs where an open repair typically involves one large incision while a laparoscopic repair includes four smaller ones. This difference may influence postoperative scarring. 

The recovery period could also vary between the two techniques, with laparoscopic surgery often being associated with a slightly quicker recovery, but this can depend on individual health and the complexity of the hernia. 

It’s important to remember that both procedures’ ultimate goal is to effectively repair the hernia and prevent recurrence. Due to these factors, having a comprehensive discussion with your doctor is essential in making an informed decision.

What Is The Purpose Of The Mesh Used In A Hernia Repair?

Hernia mesh is used to help repair damaged tissue around hernias. It is inserted under surgical anaesthesia during the operation, and attached with sutures, allowing it to stay firmly trapped against any motion that may occur from contractions or other motions while you’re healing up afterwards.  The main purpose of a hernia mesh is to improve patient outcomes. Hernia surgery has a risk of recurrence and surgical mesh is used to strengthen the area around an existing herniated organ so that it may be contained more easily and reduce its likelihood for recurrence.

Do I Need A Hernia Repair Immediately?

For most cases of hernias, immediate surgeries are not recommended if the condition is not causing the patient problems. Most patients who have a hernia will notice a bulge on their body that is painless. Specific actions such as lifting weights, bending, or coughing might lead to a slight discomfort or pain in the region.  However, you might want to take note that most hernias do not go away on their own, and there is a possibility of the hernia becoming enlarged and creating greater discomfort over time. Our doctor might recommend that you consider a hernia repair if you experience any of the following:

  • An increase in the size of your hernia
  • Increasing pain in the herniated region
  • Difficulty in performing daily activities

In rare, complicated cases, a hernia can be life-threatening if it leads to a twisted or strangulated intestine. In such cases, a patient may experience bouts of fever, nausea and vomiting, and a darkening of colour around the bulge. If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that your hernia is getting worse, you are advised to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis.

What Are The Risks Of A Hernia Repair?

As with all surgeries, a hernia repair carries a small amount of risk. They include: 

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Bleeding from the surgical site
  • Adverse reactions to anaesthesia and other medications
  • Infection

In rare cases, complications after the hernia repair may occur, leading to a hernia recurrence at a similar region. In some complications, there may be damage done to the blood vessels or damage to nearby organs.

How Do I Prepare For A Hernia Repair?

When preparing for hernia repair surgery, patients are recommended to inform the doctor of any medication or prescriptions that they are consuming. Our doctor may ask you to stop taking some of these medications in the days leading up to your hernia repair surgery.  Patients are also advised to inform the doctor of any pre-existing conditions, such as health conditions or pregnancy. We have listed what patients can expect before, during, and after a hernia repair surgery below for easy reference.

What To Expect With Hernia Repair Surgery?

If you are planning to undergo a hernia repair surgery in Singapore, observe the following instructions.

Before your procedure:

  • Fasting is required 8 hours prior to your hernia surgery (Fasting Timing depends on your surgery timing).
  • You will be asked to empty your bladder immediately before the hernia treatment.
  • Stop medications a week prior to the hernia repair operation.
  • Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol.

On the day of your procedure:

  • The hernia repair procedure involves placing a mesh over the abdominal defect to reinforce the abdominal wall.
  • There will be 3 to 5 small cuts to complete a laparoscopic or keyhole procedure.
  • Our surgeon will advise you on the specific details.

After your hernia repair procedure:

  • You will be discharged the following day.
  • Most patients are able to return to normal activities after 3 to 7 days.
  • The typical recovery after a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair may involve mild to moderate incisional pain and mild groin discomfort. This may last from 2 to 14 days, but is almost always gone within 3 weeks after surgery.
  • Follow up with our surgeon within 2 weeks post-surgery.
  • While the recovery from a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is very fast, do allow yourself up to 3 weeks to feel completely normal again.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Hernia Repair?

Depending on the type of hernia repair surgery, the recovery period may differ.  Patients are usually able to be discharged from the hospital a day after the surgery. However, if there are complications, our doctor may require you to remain for observation and treatment until they are stabilised. For patients who undergo open surgery, it may take up to six weeks for a full recovery. On the other hand, patients who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair may resume normal activities within a week after the surgery. Typically, patients who underwent a keyhole hernia repair can expect the downtime to be much shorter as compared to an open surgery.

How Much Does a Hernia Surgery Cost in Singapore?

The surgeon’s fee for an inguinal hernia repair in Singapore costs between $3,600 – $6,000 (before GST).

This cost is before insurance claimables. Your insurance claimables will depend on your personal insurance plan. Do note that the cost above does not include the hospital or consumable fees.

The cost of a hernia repair may vary depending on factors such as the medical facility, the complexity of the procedure and the individual’s medical insurance coverage.

For more information on fees and costs, visit out hernia repair costing page.

Hernia Specialist & Surgeon in Singapore: Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery by Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G & L Surgical Clinic in Singapore is preferred by patients looking for a reduced recovery period. Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort and is experienced in performing advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries in Singapore.

Why Choose Us For Your Hernia Surgery In Singapore?

In this minimally invasive procedure, patients might experience less discomfort and scarring after hernia surgery and can engage in normal activities more quickly. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has proven to be highly effective with more than 90 per cent of hernias not returning after the procedure.  The staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our hernia treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals. Organise a consultation with our surgeon for further assistance on hernia treatments in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all hernias require surgical repair. If you have a small and painless hernia, you may only be required to monitor and observe the condition. However, if the hernia starts to hurt, you may be advised to undergo a hernia repair to prevent further complications.

There are several factors that can contribute to the decision of when to have hernia repair surgery. One important consideration is the size of the hernia. Hernias that are large or growing rapidly are more likely to require surgery sooner than smaller ones. Hernias causing pain or interfering with daily activities are also generally candidates for repair. 

If you are considering hernia surgery, talk to our doctor about your specific situation to determine the best course of treatment.

While selecting your hernia surgeon, it might be ideal if you consider their experience and training in the field. Additionally, you’ll want to get recommendations from friends or family who have had hernia surgery. Finally, once you have the information you need, schedule a consultation with the surgeon of choice to see if they are the right fit for you.   

It is important that you feel comfortable and secure in your choice of hernia surgeon.

Hernia surgery is considered major surgery, but it is usually safe and effective with advances in surgical techniques and anaesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the type of hernia and the individual but is typically short, with most people returning to their regular activities within a few weeks.

In general, hernias in men are more common and tend to be larger due to men having larger abdominal muscles. When it comes to hernia repair, the approach taken between men and women will differ. Men typically require a mesh patch to close the hole in the abdominal wall, while women can usually have their hernias repaired with stitches. This approach usually results in men requiring a more extended recovery period than women.

In general, hernia surgery is a relatively quick procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the individual can go home the same day. In general, the surgery can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Hernia surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis. In some cases, patients may be expected to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days following the procedure, depending on their individual recovery needs. During this time, patients may experience some mild discomfort and may need to take pain medication as needed. After being discharged, you should also expect a full recovery from your hernia repair within 3-6 weeks.

Why Choose Us For Your Hernia Surgery In Singapore?

In this minimally invasive procedure, patients might experience less discomfort and scarring after hernia surgery and can engage in normal activities more quickly. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has proven to be highly effective with more than 90 per cent of hernias not returning after the procedure.  The staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our hernia treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals. Organise a consultation with our surgeon for further assistance on hernia treatments in Singapore.