Abdominal wall Hernia
Abdominal Wall Hernias: Expert Care for a Lasting Repair
Abdominal wall hernias are a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life, causing discomfort, pain, and functional limitations. While some hernias may be small and relatively asymptomatic, others can lead to severe symptoms and complications. Surgery is often necessary to restore normal function and prevent progression of what can be a debilitating problem. At Upper Edge Surgery, Dr. Goutham provides a comprehensive assessment and personalised surgical solutions to ensure the best possible outcome for each person
What is an Abdominal Wall Hernia?
An abdominal wall hernia occurs when internal tissues or organs protrude through a weakness or defect in the abdominal muscles. This can create a visible bulge that may enlarge over time and cause discomfort. Hernias can develop due to increased abdominal pressure, previous surgery, injury, or even a congenital weakness of the abdominal wall.
Common Types of Abdominal Wall Hernias
Inguinal Hernia: Occurs in the groin and is the most common type, more frequently affecting men.
Umbilical Hernia: Develops near the belly button and is often seen in infants but can also occur in adults.
Incisional Hernia: Forms at the site of a previous surgical incision, particularly in patients with weakened abdominal muscles.
Epigastric Hernia: Appears in the midline between the bottom of the ribs and the belly button.
Spigelian Hernia: A less common hernia that occurs along the lateral abdominal muscles.
Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment
Hernias can present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- A noticeable bulge or swelling
- Pain or discomfort, especially when lifting, coughing, or straining
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Worsening discomfort over the day, especially with prolonged standing
If left untreated, some hernias may lead to complications such as getting entrapped (incarceration) or compromising the bowel supply to the bowel (strangulation), which requires urgent surgery.
Comprehensive Assessment and Surgical Planning
Dr. Goutham takes a patient-centred approach, ensuring that each person receives a thorough evaluation and a tailored surgical plan. Shared decision-making is at the core of our practice, helping patients understand their options and choose the most effective repair strategy. Depending on the hernia type, size, and patient-specific factors, surgical repair may be performed using an open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic) technique.
Pre-Operative Optimisation for Best Outcomes
For complex or recurrent hernias, pre-operative preparation plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful and durable repair. Patients may be advised to:
- Achieve a healthy weight to reduce surgical risks
- Quit smoking to improve healing and reduce complications
- Optimise their nutrition and overall health before surgery
Advanced Techniques for Complex Hernias
In cases of large or recurrent abdominal wall hernias, advanced techniques may be necessary to reinforce the repair and restore function:
Component Separation Technique (CST): A specialised approach that releases and repositions abdominal muscles to close large defects without excessive tension.
Mesh Reinforcement: Synthetic or biosynthetic mesh may be used to provide additional support and reduce the risk of recurrence. The choice of mesh depends on individual patient factors and the complexity of the hernia.
Why Choose Dr. Goutham for Hernia Repair?
- Expertise in Hernia Surgery – Specialised experience in both simple and complex hernia repairs.
- Patient-Centred Care – A focus on shared decision-making and individualized treatment plans.
- Minimally Invasive Options– Faster recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring when appropriate.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques – Use of cutting-edge methods to achieve durable and effective results.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’re experiencing symptoms limiting your daily activities or living with discomfort or have concerns about a hernia, schedule a consultation with Dr. Goutham today. Together, we will work to restore your health and well-being.
