A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It may cause discomfort, pain, or swelling and often requires medical attention.
With the right guidance, diagnosis, and treatment, hernias can be effectively managed or surgically repaired to restore strength and prevent complications.
During laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, a medical-grade mesh is placed to strengthen the weakened abdominal wall, effectively preventing recurrence. This minimally invasive approach allows patients to experience less postoperative discomfort, reduced risk of complications, and faster healing compared to open surgery. Most individuals can return to regular activities within a few days, depending on the hernia’s size and complexity.
With its combination of precision, safety, and quicker recovery, laparoscopic repair has become the preferred choice for both patients and surgeons seeking effective long-term results.
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine, fat, or fluid pushes through a weak area near the belly button, causing a noticeable bulge that may become more visible when coughing, laughing, or straining. It can affect both infants and adults, presenting symptoms such as a soft swelling, mild discomfort, or a sense of abdominal pressure. In severe cases where the hernia becomes trapped or its blood supply is cut off, it can lead to intense pain, nausea, and vomiting, requiring urgent medical care.
Treatment typically involves open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, where a medical-grade mesh is used to reinforce the abdominal wall. The laparoscopic approach, done under general anaesthesia, ensures smaller incisions, faster healing, and minimal scarring, allowing patients to resume normal activities within a short recovery time.
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen — into the chest cavity. This happens when the opening in the diaphragm, called the hiatus, becomes weakened or enlarged, allowing the stomach to slip through. Common symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux, chest discomfort, and difficulty swallowing, though some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
The condition is often linked to factors such as obesity, aging, smoking, or increased abdominal pressure from heavy lifting or chronic coughing. Mild cases are usually managed with lifestyle changes and acid-reducing medications, including eating smaller meals, losing weight, and sleeping with the head elevated. For severe or persistent cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the stomach and tighten the hiatus, typically performed using laparoscopic (keyhole) methods for quicker recovery and minimal scarring.
An incisional hernia occurs when part of the intestine or other tissue pushes through a weakened spot or scar in the abdominal wall at the site of a previous surgical incision. It can develop months or even years after surgery, especially if the wound didn’t heal properly or if factors like infection, obesity, or excessive strain weakened the abdominal wall.
Symptoms often include a visible bulge near a surgical scar, pain or discomfort at the site, and a sense of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen, which may worsen when standing, coughing, or lifting. In severe cases, the hernia can become trapped or strangulated, cutting off blood flow and requiring emergency medical care. Treatment typically involves open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, where the protruding tissue is repositioned and the weakened area is reinforced with surgical mesh.
The laparoscopic method, done under general anaesthesia, offers benefits such as smaller incisions, faster healing, and reduced postoperative pain, helping patients return to normal activities sooner.
A femoral hernia occurs when a portion of tissue, such as part of the intestine or fatty tissue, pushes through a weak spot in the upper thigh near the groin. This area, called the femoral canal, lies just below the inguinal ligament and allows blood vessels and nerves to pass from the abdomen to the leg. Femoral hernias are relatively uncommon and occur more often in women due to the wider structure of the female pelvis.
Symptoms may include a small lump or bulge in the upper thigh or groin, pain or discomfort that worsens when standing or straining, and a feeling of heaviness in the area. In some cases, the hernia may remain unnoticed until it becomes larger or causes complications such as incarceration or strangulation, which can lead to severe pain, nausea, and vomiting and require urgent surgical attention. Treatment almost always involves surgery, either open or laparoscopic (keyhole), to reposition the herniated tissue and strengthen the weakened area with surgical mesh.
The laparoscopic approach, performed under general anaesthesia, ensures smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and quicker recovery, allowing most patients to resume regular activities within a short period.
An epigastric hernia occurs when fat or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall between the belly button and the breastbone (sternum), appearing in the midline of the upper abdomen known as the epigastrium. This condition is more common in adults and may result from factors like obesity, heavy lifting, persistent coughing, or straining that increases abdominal pressure.
Symptoms depend on the size of the hernia — smaller ones may cause mild discomfort or a small bulge, while larger hernias can lead to pain, tenderness, or a visible lump that becomes more noticeable during physical activity. In some cases, fatty tissue or intestine may become trapped, causing pain or requiring urgent medical attention. Treatment involves surgical repair, either open or laparoscopic (keyhole), where the protruding tissue is repositioned and the weakened area is reinforced with surgical mesh to prevent recurrence.
The laparoscopic method, performed under general anaesthesia, ensures smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery, allowing most patients to return to daily activities within a few days.
