Hernia Surgeon & Specialist in Singapore

DrGanesh Sqaure

Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam

Hernia Surgeon & Hernia Specialist

Being told you have a hernia — or noticing a lump or discomfort yourself — can be worrying. At G&L Surgical Clinic, we understand that many patients come to us with concerns about pain, surgery, recovery, and long-term outcomes.

Under the care of Dr Ganesh Ramalingam, an experienced hernia surgeon in Singapore, our clinic provides thoughtful, personalised care for patients with all types of hernias. Our focus is not just on surgery, but on helping you understand your condition, your options, and the right timing for treatment.

Dr Ganesh Ramalingam is a consultant general surgeon with extensive experience in hernia diagnosis and repair. As a hernia specialist in Singapore, he treats hernias regularly and understands how different hernia types, lifestyles, and health conditions affect treatment decisions.

At G&L Surgical Clinic, Dr Ganesh believes that hernia care should never feel rushed. Each patient is given the time to ask questions, understand their diagnosis, and make informed decisions about treatment.

His approach to hernia surgery focuses on:

  • Careful assessment and accurate diagnosis

  • Clear, honest explanations in simple language

  • Individualised treatment plans

  • Safe, proven surgical techniques

  • Supporting recovery and long-term comfort

Table of Contents

What Is A Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ squeezes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For instance, the intestines may protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Hernias occur mostly in the abdomen region, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas. Most hernia conditions aren’t immediately life-threatening, but often they require surgery to prevent potentially dangerous complications. Hernia treatment in Singapore is readily available and there are multiple options should you need to be diagnosed, advised, and treated.

Types of Hernias Treated at G&L Surgical Clinic

Dr Ganesh treats the full spectrum of common abdominal wall hernias. Each hernia type has its own characteristics and treatment considerations.

Umbilical Hernia

Appears near the belly button. In adults, these hernias may enlarge over time and are often best treated surgically.

Inguinal Hernia

The most common type of hernia, occurring in the groin. It often causes a visible bulge and discomfort, especially during lifting or prolonged standing.

Bilateral Hernia

A bilateral inguinal hernia means hernias are present on both sides of the groin. Some patients may notice symptoms on one side first, while the other side is found during assessment or imaging.

Incisional Hernia

Develops at the site of a previous surgical scar due to weakness in the abdominal wall. These hernias can be more complex and require careful surgical planning.

Femoral Hernia

Occurs lower in the groin and is more common in women. Although less common, femoral hernias carry a higher risk of complications and are usually repaired early.

Hiatal Hernia

Occurs when part of the stomach moves upward into the chest through the diaphragm and is often linked to acid reflux symptoms.

Strangulated Hernia

A strangulated hernia occurs when the blood supply to the herniated tissue becomes compromised. This can lead to sudden pain, swelling, and tenderness, and may be associated with nausea or vomiting. Strangulated hernias require urgent surgical attention to prevent serious complications.

Hernia Treatments

Hernias can be treated with different surgical procedures depending on the type of hernia. Most hernias are treated with a hernia repair. On the other hand, a hiatal hernia requires a different technique. 

Hernia repair surgery involves repairing the weakened or torn muscle wall that causes a hernia. This typically involves making a small incision near the hernia and then pushing the protruding tissue back into place. The muscle wall is then reinforced with a mesh or patch to prevent the hernia from recurring. The surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the patient and the type of hernia repair surgery performed.

Nissen fundoplication surgery is a procedure used to treat hiatal hernias. It involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower oesophagus to create a tighter sphincter and prevent acid reflux. The procedure is typically done under general anaesthesia and requires a short hospital stay. Recovery time varies but typically involves a few weeks of limited activity and a special diet. The surgery has a high success rate in relieving symptoms of acid reflux and hiatal hernias.

Frequently Asked Questions

A strangulated hernia is a medical condition where a part of the intestinal tissue becomes trapped in a weakened area of the abdominal wall. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications, such as necrosis and peritonitis. Due to the risk of life-threatening issues, it is crucial that strangulated hernias are promptly identified and treated by a medical professional.

MRI scans are effective in visualising hernias, including inguinal hernias. The detailed images produced by an MRI can help healthcare professionals identify and evaluate the hernia, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

X-rays are not typically used to directly visualise hernias. While they may not directly show a hernia, X-rays can be helpful in ruling out other conditions or identifying complications that may mimic hernias, such as bowel obstruction or pneumoperitoneum (air in the abdominal cavity). Indirect signs of a hernia may be observed on an X-ray, leading to further diagnostic evaluation.

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.

Some people with hernias may experience no symptoms or only mild discomfort, while others may experience more severe pain or other symptoms. If left untreated, a hernia can potentially become larger and more uncomfortable. It may also increase the risk of complications such as strangulation, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the protruding organ or tissue is cut off.

Several factors 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.

The recovery period for hernia surgery depends on several factors, including the size and location of the hernia and the overall health of the patient. Most patients require between 3 and 6 weeks to fully recover from surgery.