Hernia Surgery Brisbane
Inguinal, abdominal wall, umbilical, and incisional hernia repair by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan
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Brisbane Hernia Surgeon with Specialist Expertise
At Upper Edge Surgery, we provide expert hernia surgery in Brisbane, combining advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, patient-centred care. Led by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, an Australian trained (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) General and Endoscopic Surgeon, our practice focuses on safe, effective, and minimally invasive hernia repair for patients across Brisbane and South East Queensland.
Hernias are a common condition affecting the abdominal wall and groin. While some may begin as a small bulge or mild discomfort, untreated hernias can enlarge and lead to complications. Our goal is to provide clear diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and modern surgical solutions so patients can return to daily life with confidence.
With extensive experience operating in leading Queensland hospitals, Dr Sivasuthan specialises in inguinal hernia surgery, abdominal wall hernia repair, umbilical hernia surgery, femoral hernia repair, and rectus divarication repair using both minimally invasive (keyhole) and open techniques.
Hernia Specialist Brisbane – Why Experience Matters
Choosing the right hernia surgeon in Brisbane is an important decision. Hernia surgery requires careful anatomical understanding of the abdominal wall and groin to ensure durable repair and minimise recurrence.
At Upper Edge Surgery, our approach combines:
Specialist Surgical Expertise
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan has a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and an experienced general and abdominal wall surgeon. His training includes advanced techniques in laparoscopic/minimally invasive and open hernia repair, ensuring patients receive evidence-based surgical care.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Where appropriate, laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia surgery is used to reduce incision size, minimise post-operative discomfort, and support faster recovery.
Personalised Treatment
No two hernias are the same. Treatment plans are tailored to the type of hernia, its size, patient health factors, and lifestyle needs.
Coordinated Care
We work closely with GPs across Brisbane, ensuring seamless referral pathways, clear communication, and ongoing follow-up care.
Compassion with Precision
At Upper Edge Surgery, our philosophy is “Compassion with Precision.” We combine technical surgical excellence with supportive patient care at every stage.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when internal tissue or fat pushes through a weakened area in the muscle wall of the abdomen or groin. This can create a visible lump or bulge and may cause pain or pressure, particularly when lifting, coughing, or straining.
Hernias commonly occur in areas where the abdominal wall is naturally weaker, including:
The groin (inguinal region)
Around the belly button (umbilicus)
Previous surgical scars
The lower abdominal wall
Areas affected by muscle separation such as rectus divarication
While some hernias may initially be painless, most do not heal without surgery. Over time they may enlarge and lead to complications such as incarceration or strangulation, where blood supply to trapped tissue becomes compromised.
Early assessment by an experienced hernia surgeon in Brisbane helps determine the safest and most effective treatment approach.
Common Types of Hernias Treated in Brisbane
Inguinal Hernia (Groin Hernia)
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, particularly in men. They occur when abdominal tissue pushes through a weakness in the groin muscles.
Symptoms may include:
A groin bulge
Discomfort when lifting or coughing
Pain with physical activity
A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
Inguinal hernia surgery typically involves reinforcing the weakened muscle with surgical mesh to prevent recurrence.
Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia occurs slightly lower in the groin where the femoral canal sits. These are more common in womenand may appear as a lump below the groin crease.
Femoral hernias are important to diagnose early because they carry a higher risk of complications compared to other hernia types. Surgical repair is usually recommended.
Umbilical Hernia (Belly Button Hernia)
An umbilical hernia, often referred to as a belly button hernia, occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through the muscle near the navel.
In adults, umbilical hernias may develop due to:
Pregnancy
Weight gain
Strain on the abdominal wall
Previous surgery
Patients may notice:
A soft lump near the belly button
Discomfort when coughing or lifting
Pressure in the abdomen
Umbilical hernia repair surgery strengthens the abdominal wall and prevents the hernia from enlarging.
Ventral or Abdominal Hernia (Stomach Hernia)
A ventral hernia, sometimes described by patients as a stomach hernia or abdominal hernia, occurs in the front abdominal wall.
This category includes:
Ventral hernias
Epigastric hernias
Incisional hernias (after previous surgery)
These hernias may present as a bulge in the upper or central abdomen and are often repaired using laparoscopic or open abdominal wall surgery depending on size and complexity.
Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia develops through a weakness in the abdominal wall at the site of a previous surgical scar.
These hernias may appear months or years after surgery and can enlarge over time. Repair often requires reinforcement with mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall.
Rectus Divarication (Abdominal Muscle Separation)
Rectus divarication, also known as diastasis recti, occurs when the two vertical abdominal muscles separate along the midline.
Although technically different from a hernia, it can lead to:
Abdominal wall weakness
A central abdominal bulge
Core instability
In selected patients, rectus divarication repair can restore abdominal wall support and improve function.
Hernia Symptoms – When to See a Hernia Surgeon
Not all hernias cause severe pain initially, but common symptoms include:
A visible lump or bulge in the groin or abdomen
Pain when lifting, coughing, or bending
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the stomach or groin
Burning or aching near the bulge
Increasing discomfort with physical activity
Urgent medical attention is required if symptoms include:
Severe pain
Nausea or vomiting
A hernia that becomes firm or cannot be pushed back in
These symptoms may indicate a strangulated hernia, which requires emergency treatment.
Hernia Diagnosis in Brisbane
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical consultation and physical examination.
Your Brisbane hernia specialist may also recommend imaging such as:
Ultrasound
Often used for smaller or unclear hernias.
CT Scan
Provides detailed imaging of the abdominal wall and groin structures.
Hernia Treatment Options
Treatment depends on several factors including hernia size, symptoms, and patient health.
Watchful Waiting
Small hernias with minimal symptoms may sometimes be monitored.
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight management, avoiding heavy lifting, and strengthening core muscles can help reduce strain on the abdominal wall.
Surgical Hernia Repair
For most patients, hernia surgery is the definitive treatment.
Repair restores the strength of the abdominal wall and prevents complications.
Hernia Surgery Brisbane – Types of Procedures
Upper Edge Surgery offers both open and laparoscopic hernia repair, depending on the individual case.
Laparoscopic/Robotic (Keyhole) Hernia Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia.
Benefits may include:
Smaller scars
Less post-operative discomfort
Faster recovery
Earlier return to normal activities
This technique is commonly used for inguinal hernias and certain abdominal wall hernias.
Open Hernia Repair
Open surgery involves a small incision directly over the hernia.
It is often recommended for:
Larger hernias
Complex abdominal wall repairs
Some umbilical or incisional hernias
Mesh reinforcement is often used to strengthen the repair and reduce recurrence risk.
Recovery After Hernia Surgery – What to Expect
Recovery varies depending on the type of hernia and surgical approach.
Typical recovery expectations include:
Light activities within 1–2 weeks for laparoscopic surgery
Return to heavier lifting within 4–6 weeks
Slightly longer recovery following complex open repairs
Most patients can return to everyday activities progressively with guidance from their surgeon.
Post-Surgery Recovery Tips
Avoid heavy lifting during early recovery
Maintain a high-fibre diet to prevent constipation
Stay active with gentle walking
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Clear recovery instructions are provided to help ensure the best surgical outcome.
FAQs About Hernia Surgery in Brisbane
Is Hernia Surgery Covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
Most hernia surgeries are covered, but check with your provider for specifics.
Can a Hernia Come Back After Surgery?
Recurrence is rare (less than 5-10%) with modern mesh hernia repair techniques.
How Long Does Hernia Surgery Take?
Most procedures take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
What Are the Risks of Hernia Surgery?
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, or nerve damage, but serious complications are uncommon.
Can I Exercise After Hernia Surgery?
Light walking is encouraged, but avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.
Book a Consultation with a Leading Brisbane Hernia Surgeon
If you are experiencing symptoms of a groin hernia, belly button hernia, abdominal hernia, or rectus divarication, early assessment by an experienced surgeon is recommended.
At Upper Edge Surgery, we provide specialist hernia assessment and surgery for patients across Brisbane, including inguinal, femoral, umbilical, ventral, and incisional hernias.
Our focus is on accurate diagnosis, clear communication, and safe, modern surgical treatment.
To arrange a consultation with a Brisbane hernia surgeon, speak with your GP about a referral or contact Upper Edge Surgery today using the form below.
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