Hernia
A hernia is a bulge where tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall of the abdomen. It does not heal on its own, and most hernias slowly get bigger. Surgery closes the weak spot, usually with a mesh.
- Common hernia sites: groin, navel and an old scar
- Mesh used to strengthen the weak spot
Common signs
When to see a surgeon
- A bulge in the groin, near the navel or at an old operation scar
- The bulge grows when you stand, cough or lift, and goes back when you lie down
- A dragging feeling or ache, worse by the end of the day
Go to an emergency department now if the bulge becomes hard and painful and will not go back in, or you start vomiting.
Treatment
What can be done
Groin (inguinal), navel (umbilical) and scar (incisional) hernias are repaired with a mesh that strengthens the weak area. This can be done by keyhole or open surgery; the choice depends on the type and size of the hernia and your general health.
Large or repeated hernias, often after earlier surgery, may need complex abdominal wall repair (AWR). These are planned carefully, sometimes with a CT scan first.
A belt or truss can hold a hernia in for a while, but it does not cure it.
From the first test to the last visit
Recovery ruler
Before
Examination, sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan, blood tests and an anaesthesia check
Surgery day
Keyhole or open mesh repair
Day 1
Most groin and navel repairs go home within a day; larger repairs stay longer
Week 1
Walking from day one, light work
Weeks 2 to 6
Gradual return to lifting and exercise, as advised
Follow-up
Wound check
Every patient is different. Dr. Aslam Baba will explain your own plan before surgery.
Patients often ask
Questions before surgery
Should I wait until the hernia gets bigger?
Not usually. Small hernias are often easier to repair. A hernia can also get stuck (strangulated), which needs emergency surgery.
Will the hernia come back?
With a mesh repair the chance is low, but it is not zero. Avoiding heavy lifting in the early weeks, stopping smoking and keeping weight in check all help.
Keyhole or open?
Both work well. Keyhole repair often means less pain afterwards; open repair may suit some hernias and some patients better. The choice is made together at the consultation.
Booking a visit
Send a WhatsApp message with your name and the clinic you prefer.
The clinic team will reply with a time. Bring your old reports, scans and a list of the medicines you take.
Clinic
GastroMed Clinics
Ground Floor, Alam Residency, 10-3-444/4
St Mary's School Road, beside St Ann's Girls High School
Vijaya Nagar Colony, Hyderabad 500057
Monday to Saturday, 2 pm to 10 pm
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Renova Century Hospitals
Road No. 12, Bhola Nagar
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034
Please call for OPD days and timings
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