Inguinal (Groin) Hernia Repair in Brisbane
Expert laparoscopic and open groin hernia repair by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, with short wait times and care close to home across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin that occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak point in the lower abdominal wall. It is the most common type of hernia, and it will not heal on its own — surgical repair is the definitive treatment.
The groin contains a natural passage (the inguinal canal) that the testicle or round ligament follows during development, leaving a potential weak spot. Over time, pressure from lifting, coughing, straining or simply ageing can allow tissue to push through. Inguinal hernias are far more common in men, but they affect women too. Dr Goutham repairs groin hernias at St Andrew's War Memorial, Sunnybank Private and Mater Private Redland, individualising every repair.
Direct and indirect inguinal hernias
Indirect inguinal hernia
The most common type. The natural opening that should close during development stays open or weakens, allowing tissue to follow the inguinal canal. Can occur at any age.
Direct inguinal hernia
More common in men who strain heavily through manual work or lifting. The abdominal wall weakens directly in the groin from repeated pressure over time.
Some patients have both types at once, and a hernia can be present on both sides (bilateral) — keyhole repair is particularly suited to repairing both sides through the same small incisions.
Inguinal hernia symptoms
The classic sign is a bulge in the groin that is more obvious when standing, coughing or straining, and may disappear when lying down. Other symptoms include:
- Aching, heaviness or a dragging sensation in the groin, especially late in the day
- Discomfort that worsens with activity, lifting or prolonged standing
- Occasional pain with no obvious bulge, which can make diagnosis harder without examination
- In men, swelling extending into the scrotum
Symptoms typically worsen over time. Early consultation helps prevent complications such as incarceration or strangulation.
How an inguinal hernia is diagnosed
Most groin hernias are diagnosed during a physical examination — Dr Goutham may ask you to stand and cough to make the bulge more obvious. When symptoms are present but no bulge is felt, an ultrasound or occasionally a CT scan can confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes of groin pain.
Treatment options for groin hernia
Inguinal hernias do not resolve without surgery. Repair reinforces the weakened groin wall, almost always with a soft mesh to lower the chance of recurrence. There are two proven approaches:
Minimally invasive (keyhole)
Small incisions with a camera and instruments. Often a day procedure, with quicker recovery, less pain and earlier return to activity — ideal for hernias on both sides or recurrent hernias.
Open repair
A single incision in the groin to reach and reinforce the hernia. Highly effective and sometimes preferred for very large hernias or particular patient factors.
Dr Goutham recommends the approach best suited to your hernia, body and lifestyle after a thorough assessment.
Recovery after groin hernia surgery
Most inguinal hernia repairs are day procedures with a quick recovery. General guidance:
- Resume light activities within about a week
- Avoid heavy lifting (over 5kg) for 4–6 weeks
- Build activity up gradually under guidance
- Keep bowels regular to avoid straining
- Attend your follow-up so healing can be checked
Some bruising and swelling in the groin (and scrotum in men) is normal and settles over a couple of weeks.
Risks of groin hernia repair
Groin hernia repair is very safe. Possible risks include bruising and swelling, fluid collection (seroma), infection, temporary or (rarely) longer-lasting nerve discomfort in the groin, and uncommon recurrence. Serious complications are rare. Dr Goutham will discuss the risks relevant to your repair.
Femoral hernia
A femoral hernia occurs lower in the groin, where the femoral canal sits near the top of the thigh. They are more common in women, can be small and hard to locate, and carry a higher complication risk because the canal is narrow.
Symptoms include a small bulge near the groin crease or upper thigh, tenderness when standing, coughing or lifting, and — if the bowel becomes involved — nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Because strangulation and bowel obstruction are real risks, Dr Goutham recommends repairing a femoral hernia soon after diagnosis, using laparoscopic or open techniques.
Tailored groin hernia care
- ✓Approach matched to you — open or keyhole after full assessment.
- ✓Often a day procedure — home the same day where suitable.
- ✓Mesh-reinforced, durable repair — low recurrence.
- ✓Care close to home — across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
- ✓Direct surgeon access — before and after surgery.
Groin hernia FAQs
Can an inguinal hernia heal without surgery?+
No. Supportive garments and avoiding heavy lifting may ease symptoms, but surgery is the only definitive treatment. Hernias tend to enlarge over time.
Will I go home the same day?+
Most inguinal hernia repairs are day procedures, so you can usually return home the same day.
Is keyhole or open repair better?+
Both are excellent. Keyhole repair suits bilateral or recurrent hernias and offers faster recovery; open repair suits some large hernias. The choice is made together after assessment.
When can I return to work and exercise?+
Many people resume light activities within a week; avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks and build activity up gradually. Office workers usually return sooner than manual workers.
Will the hernia come back?+
Recurrence is uncommon with modern mesh repair. Following activity and lifting advice during recovery helps keep the repair durable.
Is it normal to have bruising or swelling afterwards?+
Yes. Some bruising and swelling in the groin, and in the scrotum for men, is common and settles over one to two weeks.
Are femoral hernias urgent?+
They carry a higher complication risk due to the narrow femoral canal, so prompt repair after diagnosis is recommended.
Can both sides be repaired at once?+
Yes. Keyhole repair is particularly suited to fixing hernias on both sides through the same small incisions in a single operation.
What are the warning signs I should not ignore?+
Sudden severe groin pain, a firm lump that will not push back in, or nausea and vomiting can signal a trapped or strangulated hernia — seek urgent medical care.
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.
Trusted resources
Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — June 2026.
Discuss your groin hernia with Dr Goutham
If you suspect an inguinal or femoral hernia, contact Upper Edge Surgery for expert assessment and a clear plan.