Assessment and repair with a Brisbane hernia surgeon
A hernia is a gap or weakness in the muscle wall through which tissue pushes — and surgical repair is the only way to fix it permanently. The right repair depends on the hernia's type, size, your prior surgery and your health, which is why an individualised plan matters.
At Upper Edge Surgery, Dr Goutham Sivasuthan — an Australian-trained General and Endoscopic Surgeon — provides safe, effective hernia repair for patients across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan. He specialises in inguinal (groin) hernia surgery, abdominal wall and umbilical hernia repair, femoral hernia repair and rectus divarication repair, using both keyhole (laparoscopic) and open techniques. You see Dr Goutham personally at every visit, with direct access before and after surgery.
What is a hernia and why repair it?
A hernia occurs when internal tissue or fat protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal or groin wall, creating a visible lump and sometimes pain or pressure when lifting, coughing or straining. Common sites are the groin, the belly button, previous surgical scars and the lower abdominal wall.
While some hernias are painless at first, they do not heal on their own and usually enlarge over time. Repairing a hernia electively — before it becomes a problem — is safer than waiting for an emergency. The main risk of leaving a hernia is incarceration (tissue becomes trapped) and strangulation (the blood supply is cut off), which is a surgical emergency.
Common types of hernias we treat
Inguinal (groin) hernia
Tissue pushes through a weakness in the groin; usually reinforced with mesh. Learn more →
Femoral hernia
Lower in the groin, more common in women, with a higher complication risk — repaired promptly after diagnosis.
Umbilical (belly-button) hernia
Tissue protrudes near the navel; the abdominal wall is strengthened during repair.
Incisional hernia
Develops at the site of a previous surgical scar; often reinforced with mesh. Learn more →
Ventral & epigastric hernia
Midline hernias of the front abdominal wall, ranging from small to complex.
Rectus divarication
Separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti); selected patients benefit from repair.
Hernia symptoms and when to seek care
The most common sign is a lump that may come and go. Typical symptoms include:
- A visible bulge in the groin or abdomen, often clearer when standing or straining
- Aching, dragging or burning around the bulge
- Pain when lifting, coughing or bending
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen or groin
Seek urgent care if a hernia becomes firm, very painful, or cannot be pushed back in, especially with nausea or vomiting — this may indicate a strangulated hernia needing emergency surgery.
How a hernia is diagnosed
Most hernias are diagnosed by a clinical consultation and physical examination. Where the diagnosis is unclear — for example a small or intermittent hernia — Dr Goutham may arrange imaging:
- Ultrasound — useful for small or hard-to-feel groin hernias.
- CT scan — detailed imaging of the abdominal wall for larger, complex or recurrent hernias and surgical planning.
Treatment options and types of repair
Surgery is the definitive treatment for most hernias. Very small, symptom-free hernias may be safely watched, but any hernia that is growing, painful or affecting daily life should be repaired. There are two main approaches, chosen to suit your hernia and health:
Laparoscopic / robotic (keyhole)
Small incisions and a camera. Smaller scars, less discomfort, faster recovery and earlier return to activity — commonly used for inguinal and certain abdominal-wall hernias, and especially valuable for hernias on both sides or recurrent hernias.
Open repair
A single incision directly over the hernia, often preferred for larger or complex repairs and some umbilical or incisional hernias. Mesh reinforcement reduces recurrence.
Mesh, recurrence and durable repair
Most modern hernia repairs use a soft mesh to reinforce the weakened wall, much like a patch over a tyre. Mesh dramatically lowers the chance of a hernia coming back — recurrence is typically under 5–10% with mesh repair, compared with higher rates for older suture-only techniques. For large or recurrent abdominal-wall hernias, advanced methods such as component separation allow the muscles to be brought back together without excessive tension. Dr Goutham selects the mesh type and technique to suit your individual anatomy and will explain the choice with you.
Recovery after hernia surgery
- Light activities within 1–2 weeks after keyhole surgery
- Return to heavier lifting within 4–6 weeks
- Slightly longer recovery after large or complex open repairs
Recovery tips: avoid heavy lifting early, keep your bowels regular with a high-fibre diet to avoid straining, stay gently active with daily walking, and attend your follow-up appointment so healing can be checked.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, read hernia surgery: what to expect, or see our recovery after hernia surgery guide.
Risks of hernia surgery
Hernia repair is very safe and one of the most common operations performed in Australia. As with any surgery, possible risks include bleeding, infection, bruising, fluid collection (seroma), nerve irritation or chronic discomfort, and — uncommonly — recurrence. Serious complications are rare. Dr Goutham will discuss the risks relevant to your specific hernia and how they are minimised.
Compassion with surgical precision
- ✓expertise — in simple and complex hernia repair.
- ✓Minimally invasive options — keyhole techniques where appropriate.
- ✓Personalised, shared decisions — a plan tailored to you.
- ✓Durable, modern repair — mesh reinforcement to reduce recurrence.
- ✓Coordinated GP care — seamless referral and follow-up.
- ✓Direct surgeon access — before and after surgery.
Hernia surgery cost
For eligible insured patients, Dr Goutham repairs first-time groin (inguinal), femoral and umbilical hernias under a known-gap arrangement — a capped surgeon's fee confirmed in writing after your consultation. Other repairs are priced individually. See hernia surgery cost in Brisbane for what a known gap means, the separate hospital and anaesthetist costs, and a 60-second eligibility check.
Hernia surgery FAQs
How do I know if I need hernia surgery?+
If your hernia is painful, growing, or affecting daily activities, repair is usually recommended. Even painless hernias are often best repaired electively to avoid emergency complications. Dr Goutham will advise based on your hernia.
Can a hernia heal without surgery?+
No. A truss or supportive garment may ease symptoms temporarily, but a hernia will not close on its own — surgery is the only definitive treatment.
Will I go home the same day?+
Many hernia repairs, especially groin hernias, are day procedures. Larger or complex repairs may require a short hospital stay.
Is mesh safe?+
Modern hernia mesh is well-studied and very safe, and significantly reduces the chance of recurrence. Dr Goutham selects the appropriate mesh for your repair and will discuss it with you.
Can a hernia come back after surgery?+
Recurrence is uncommon — typically under 5–10% with modern mesh techniques. Following lifting and activity advice during recovery helps keep this low.
How long does hernia surgery take?+
Most repairs take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type, size and complexity of the hernia.
When can I return to work and exercise?+
Many people resume light activity within 1–2 weeks and heavier lifting or strenuous exercise at 4–6 weeks. Desk-based workers often return sooner than those in manual roles.
Does Dr Goutham repair hiatus or parastomal hernias?+
Hernia care here covers groin, femoral, umbilical, incisional, ventral, epigastric and recurrent abdominal-wall hernias. Dr Goutham assesses hiatus hernias but does not perform hiatal (paraoesophageal) or parastomal hernia repair. Patients who need those operations are referred to the appropriate upper-GI or colorectal sub-specialist.
What happens if I ignore a hernia?+
Hernias tend to enlarge over time and can become trapped (incarcerated) or have their blood supply cut off (strangulated), which is a surgical emergency. Early assessment is safer.
Caring for South-East Queensland
Dr Goutham consults and operates across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan — care close to home, wherever you are in South-East Queensland.
Hernia guides & articles
Robotic hernia surgery →
How robotic-assisted repair works, and who it does and doesn’t suit.
Inguinal hernia repair: cost & recovery →
What groin-hernia surgery involves and when it is needed.
Hernia surgery: what to expect →
Dr Goutham walks through the journey from consult to recovery.
10 things to know about hernias →
Key facts every Brisbane patient should understand.
Trending hernia care in 2025 →
How modern hernia repair is changing.
Hernia questions you were too shy to ask →
Honest answers to the worries people rarely voice.
Trusted resources
Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — June 2026.