The KTPH Hernia Surgery Service was inaugurated in January 2023 to offer holistic care for wide-ranging hernia conditions. Our team of dedicated specialists are well trained in an extensive variety of surgical techniques including advanced minimally invasive surgery which can be applied even for complex hernia conditions.

Common Questions

What is a hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal part of your body protrudes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. It can occur in various locations of the abdominal wall, but mostly occurs in the groin and at the umbilicus area. It develops as you get older and if you increase the pressure on the walls of your abdominal muscles through activities such as straining to go to the bathroom, coughing over a long period of time, or lifting heavy weights.

What are the common types of hernias you might need treatment for?

Inguinal hernia: Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, accounting for 75% of all hernias. They mostly affect men more than females. They happen when your bowel protrudes into your inguinal canal, a passageway that runs down your inner thigh.

Umbilical hernia: An umbilical hernia occurs when part of your intestine protrudes through an opening in your abdominal wall near your belly button. Most umbilical hernias are congenital (present from birth) however those which develop in adults are due to increased abdominal pressure from certain conditions such as obesity, multiple pregnancies and ascites.

Incisional hernia: An incisional hernia occurs when tissues protrude through a former incision/scar tissue in your abdominal wall that weakened over time. It is a known side effect of abdominal surgery.

Ventral hernia: A ventral hernia is any hernia that occurs through the front wall of your abdomen. It includes umbilical hernias and incisional hernias. An "epigastric hernia" is also a ventral hernia that occurs in the region above the belly button.

What are hernia symptoms?

A hernia usually presents as a visible lump or bulge that appears during certain activities such as standing for long durations, coughing or straining to lift objects. It may go back spontaneously in certain physical positions such as lying down and may sometimes require you to manually reduce it. You may also feel pressure, a dull ache or pinching when the hernia protrudes out.

What are the possible complications of a hernia?

In most cases, complications occur when the hernia gets stuck and cannot be reduced back into your body (incarceration). An incarcerated hernia can become increasingly painful and serious. If it is your intestines that get stuck, your bowel may become obstructed that makes you unable to pass food or gas. If the obstruction is not resolved in a timely manner, the intestines will not have adequate blood supply (strangulation) and this leads to tissue death (necrosis or gangrene). When that occurs, you will require an emergency surgery to resolve these issues.

Surgical Treatment

What are the treatment options for your hernia?

Abdominal wall hernias that have no associated symptoms may not require any treatment at all. Your doctor will discuss your options with you which may include surgery or watchful waiting. Larger hernias or hernias that are causing pain, may require surgical repair to relieve pain as well as to prevent complications listed in the above section.

There are 2 main ways of surgical hernia repair: open and laparoscopic surgery. The type of surgery will be chosen based on the severity and the type of hernia you have, your past medical and surgical history, and your surgeon’s expertise.

Open surgery

During this procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision at your groin or abdomen, push the protruded tissues back into your abdomen and then place a mesh to reinforce the weakened areas. Open surgery can be performed either with general anesthesia or with sedation or local anesthesia.

Laparoscopic surgery

During this procedure, your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen. Subsequently, your abdomen will be inflated with gas. Several other instruments will then be inserted into your abdomen including a tiny camera (laparoscope). Your surgeon will then repair the hernia using these instruments and deploy the mesh through that same space. Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery may experience less scarring and discomfort following surgery than those who undergo open surgery. Patients may also return more quickly to their normal function and activities.

Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Open hernia repair
Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery)

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair scars

Ventral Hernia Surgery

Open mesh repair
Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery)

Post Surgery Recovery

What is the expected recovery course after your surgery (Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia Surgery)?

The specific timing of recovery from hernia surgery depends on the individual case and may vary. The timing of your recovery will look something like this:

Before leaving the hospital: Immediately after your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will rest and be monitored. You will be reviewed by your doctor again and once you are able to urinate and walk with adequate pain control, you should be cleared to leave.

Within the first 24-72 hours: In the early stages of recovery, you will be encouraged to walk around a little. However, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg for the first two weeks. Generally, you can take a shower after your surgery. This will also depend on the type of surgery you had and the type of wound dressings applied. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to care for the wound.

After one to two weeks: You should be able to resume light and non-strenuous activities such as jogging and cycling. The pain you were feeling after operation should have subsided to a minimal without need to take medications.

After six weeks: In many cases, complete recovery is expected at six weeks. At that point, you will be able to truly resume your normal level of activity prior to your operation. More complex cases may require a longer period of recovery, with some cases taking up to six months. It is important to get your surgeon’s clearance before starting heavier exercise or lifting heavier objects (whether for work or in the gym).

When should you contact your healthcare provider?

As you are recovering, contact your practitioner immediately if you are experiencing any of the following:

Severe pain or soreness
Bleeding from your wound
Thick yellow, green or pus-like drainage from the wound
Warmth or redness at the wound site
Difficulty breathing
Chills or fever >38.5 degrees celcius
Trouble urinating
Pain and swelling in the testicles that is getting worse