Hernia is a defect / weakness in the muscle layer of the abdomen through which abdominal contents such as fat or part of intestine may protrude beneath the skin.

Depending on the location hernia is classified as – inguinal hernia (groin region), umbilical hernia (navel region), incisional hernia (hernia at previous surgery site)

A bulge or swelling over abdomen that reduces on lying down and increases on coughing should raise suspicion of hernia and one should consult a surgeon.

Diagnosis of hernia is essentially made based on clinical examination supported by relevant imaging studies like USG or CT scan.

Surgery is the only treatment option for repair of hernia. No medical treatment is available / indicated for hernia treatment.

Hernia may cause symptoms including dragging sensation or pain. More importantly it may lead to complications such as intestinal obstruction or strangulation of intestine. Therefore to prevent these complications surgery is indicated.

Currently most of the hernia surgeries are performed by Laparoscopic techniques. However, in some cases following complete evaluation your treating surgeon may advice open surgery.

Tension free repair of the hernia using prosthetic mesh is the essential component of all modern day surgeries for hernia.

Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred surgical approach for inguinal hernia. There are two different approaches for inguinal hernia repair by laparoscopy i.e. Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair. The principles of the surgery, results and recurrence rates are similar for both approaches.

Open surgery is offered to patients who are not fit for laparoscopic surgery due to comorbidities or if some patient opts for open surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery i.e. intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) is the standard approach for repair of these hernia that offers advantages such as reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery. However still in few patients open surgery remains an alternative approach.