What is hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall that normally contains it. The most common types are inguinal (groin), umbilical (navel), incisional (through a previous surgical scar) and hiatal (where the stomach slides up through the diaphragm).
The weakness is mechanical, so it cannot repair itself — a truss or belt only masks the bulge. The definitive treatment is surgery, in which the contents are returned to their proper place and the defect is reinforced, usually with a soft mesh that becomes incorporated into your own tissue.
Symptoms & when surgery is needed
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical examination while standing and coughing — often sufficient for diagnosis
- Ultrasound of the abdominal wall or groin for small or uncertain swellings
- CT or MRI for complex, recurrent or incisional hernias to map the defect
- Upper GI endoscopy for suspected hiatal hernia with reflux
Treatment options
Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair
Three small ports; mesh is placed from inside. Less pain and a faster return to work than open surgery — ideal for bilateral and recurrent hernias.
Robotic repair
Wristed instruments and 3D magnified vision allow precise mesh placement and suturing, valuable for larger or complex abdominal-wall reconstructions.
Complex abdominal-wall reconstruction
For large, recurrent or multiply-operated hernias — techniques such as component separation, often robotic, rebuild the abdominal wall durably.
Open mesh repair
A single incision with tension-free mesh — appropriate for very large, strangulated or certain emergency hernias.
The procedure, step by step
- 1
Anaesthesia
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia after a pre-anaesthetic check.
- 2
Access
For keyhole repair, 5–10 mm ports are made; for robotic repair, the robotic arms are docked to these ports.
- 3
Reduction
The herniated contents are gently returned to the abdomen and the defect is defined.
- 4
Mesh reinforcement
A soft, lightweight mesh is positioned to cover the weakness and fixed so it will not shift.
- 5
Closure
Ports are closed with absorbable sutures or glue, leaving minimal scarring.
Recovery timeline
Same day
Walking within a few hours; most day-care patients are discharged the same evening.
2–3 days
Light activities and short walks; simple oral pain relief.
1 week
Return to desk work and driving for most people.
3–4 weeks
Gradual return to gym, heavy lifting and strenuous work.
Risks & considerations
- Bruising, seroma (fluid collection) or minor wound infection
- Temporary groin numbness or discomfort
- Recurrence — uncommon with correct mesh repair
- Rare injury to nearby structures, managed during the same operation
Cost in Hyderabad
| Procedure | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair | ₹65,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Umbilical / epigastric hernia repair | ₹55,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Incisional / ventral hernia repairLarger defects & component separation cost more | ₹90,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Robotic hernia repair | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,20,000 |
These are indicative ranges for Hyderabad and vary with the grade or complexity of the condition, the technique chosen, implants used, room category and insurance. They are not a quotation. Please contact the clinic for a personalised estimate after consultation.
Why choose Dr. Satish Reddy
Frequently asked questions
No. A hernia is a physical gap in the muscle wall and cannot close by itself. Belts or trusses only hold the bulge in temporarily. Surgery is the only lasting treatment; the good news is that keyhole repair is minor day-care surgery for most people.
Both are minimally invasive and excellent. Laparoscopy suits most routine inguinal and small ventral hernias. Robotic repair adds wristed precision for larger, complex or recurrent hernias. Dr. Reddy recommends the option best matched to your hernia after examination.
Most people doing desk work return within about a week. Manual and heavy-lifting work usually resumes at 3–4 weeks. You will get a written activity plan on discharge.
Modern lightweight meshes are designed to integrate with your own tissue and are used routinely worldwide. Serious mesh problems are uncommon, and Dr. Reddy selects the mesh type to suit your anatomy.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Y. Satish Reddy
MS, PDF (Surgical Gastroenterology) · Updated 1 September 2026