Symptoms
- A bulge in the groin, near the navel or at an old operation scar
- The bulge grows when you cough, strain or lift, and goes back when you lie down
- A dragging or aching feeling, worse by evening
- Discomfort when lifting or bending
When to come in straight away
Come to the hospital straight away — it is open 24 hours — if a hernia becomes suddenly painful, hard or red, cannot be pushed back, or you start vomiting or cannot pass gas. This can mean the hernia is trapped (strangulated) and needs emergency surgery.
What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when part of the intestine or the fatty lining of the abdomen pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. The common types are inguinal (groin), umbilical (at or near the navel) and incisional (through an old operation scar). Hernias are common in men and women, and are more likely with heavy lifting, chronic cough, constipation, pregnancy, excess weight and age.
Can a hernia be cured without surgery?
A hernia does not close on its own, and no medicine, belt or exercise repairs the weak spot. A belt (truss) may ease discomfort for a while but does not treat the hernia. Surgery is the only lasting treatment. Small hernias without symptoms are sometimes watched, but most are repaired because they tend to grow and carry a risk of becoming trapped.
How is a hernia repaired?
The surgeon pushes the bulging tissue back and strengthens the weak area, usually with a mesh. This can be done through one cut over the hernia (open repair) or through a few small cuts with a camera (laparoscopic repair). The surgeon recommends one approach based on the type and size of the hernia, your health and any previous surgery, and explains why.
Recovery
Many patients walk the same day and go home within one to two days. Light daily activity usually resumes within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise usually wait a few weeks. You get written discharge advice and a follow-up date.
Hernia in women
Women get hernias too — umbilical and incisional hernias are common after pregnancy or a caesarean section, and groin hernias can occur. Symptoms can be less obvious, such as pain without a clear bulge, so get any persistent groin or navel pain examined.
What decides the cost?
The type and size of the hernia, open or laparoscopic repair, whether mesh is used, the length of stay and your general health. Disha Hospital gives a written estimate before planned surgery.
Treatment at Disha Hospital
- Open mesh hernia repair
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair
- Emergency repair of a trapped hernia
Questions patients ask
Is hernia surgery a major operation?
Planned hernia repair is one of the most common operations and is usually a short procedure with a short stay. Like any surgery it carries risks, which depend on your health and the type of hernia; the surgeon explains them before you decide.
When should I worry about hernia pain?
Sudden severe pain, a hernia that becomes hard, tender or red, one that will not go back in, vomiting, or not passing gas — come to the hospital immediately. Mild aching that settles when you lie down should be booked for a routine surgical review.
Can a hernia come back after surgery?
It can, though mesh repair makes it less likely. Avoiding heavy lifting during recovery, treating chronic cough or constipation, and keeping a healthy weight reduce the chance.
Which doctor treats hernia?
A general surgeon. At Disha Hospital, hernias are assessed and repaired by Dr Sharath B V, General, Laparoscopic & Laser Surgeon.
How long should I rest after hernia surgery?
Most people return to desk work and light activity in one to two weeks. Heavy lifting usually waits several weeks; your surgeon gives you a timeline for your operation.
Full department page: General Surgery
General information, not a substitute for an examination. Medical disclaimer. Reviewed by Disha Hospital, updated 2026-10-06.
