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General Surgery

Hernia Repair

Expert surgical repair of inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias. Laparoscopic and open techniques tailored to your anatomy and surgical history.

Book Consultation 📞 03 9421 1166

What is a hernia?

A hernia occurs when internal tissue — typically part of the intestine or abdominal fat — pushes through a weakness or gap in the surrounding muscle wall. Hernias are common and can develop at any age, though they become more frequent with advancing age, increased abdominal pressure, or previous surgery.

While small hernias may be asymptomatic initially, they do not heal on their own and tend to grow over time. Surgical repair is the definitive treatment and is recommended before complications develop.

Types of hernia we treat

Inguinal Hernia

The most common type. Occurs in the groin where abdominal contents push through the inguinal canal. More common in men but affects women too.

Umbilical Hernia

Protrusion at the belly button. Common after pregnancy or weight changes. Can occur in adults of any age.

Incisional Hernia

Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision. Caused by incomplete healing of the abdominal wall. May occur months or years after surgery.

Femoral Hernia

Less common but higher risk of complications. Occurs below the inguinal ligament in the upper thigh. More common in women.

When to seek evaluation

Common signs that you may have a hernia include:

Urgent: If your hernia becomes suddenly painful, firm, discoloured, or cannot be pushed back in, seek emergency care immediately. These can be signs of a strangulated hernia, which is a surgical emergency.

How we treat hernias

Both of our surgeons are experienced in laparoscopic and open hernia repair. The approach is tailored to the type and size of hernia, your anatomy, and any previous abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopic Repair

Performed through 3 small keyhole incisions with a camera. Ideal for most inguinal and umbilical hernias, offering less post-operative pain and faster return to normal activities. Mesh is placed to reinforce the weakened area and reduce recurrence.

Open Repair

A single incision directly over the hernia. Preferred for large hernias, recurrent hernias, or when previous abdominal surgery makes laparoscopic access difficult. Also suitable for smaller hernias where a keyhole approach offers no advantage.

What to expect

Consultation

Bulk-billed through Medicare. Physical examination to confirm the diagnosis, discuss your surgical history, and plan the best approach.

Pre-operative Assessment

Ultrasound or CT scan may be required if the diagnosis is uncertain or the hernia is complex.

Surgery

Day surgery procedure under general anaesthetic. Typically 45–90 minutes depending on complexity. Most patients go home the same day.

Recovery

Light activities within a few days. Return to work in 1–2 weeks for office-based work. Heavy lifting restricted for 4–6 weeks.

Related Conditions

Gallbladder

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and gallbladder disease.

Anti-Reflux / GERD

Surgical management of persistent acid reflux and hiatal hernia.

Ready to get answers?

Book a bulk-billed consultation with our specialist general surgeons. No out-of-pocket cost for your initial assessment.

Book Consultation 📞 03 9421 1166