Groin and abdominal wall hernia care
Individualised care for groin and abdominal hernias. Open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques are used. The approach depends on the hernia, your health and your goals.
Understanding hernias and repair options
A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall. You may notice a bulge or discomfort when lifting, bending or standing. Hernias do not usually heal by themselves. A small symptom-free hernia may not need immediate repair, but pain, enlargement, activity limitation or higher-risk anatomy commonly leads to surgery.
Author on giant groin hernias
Dr Bhukebag contributed the chapter "Management of Giant Groin Hernias" to the Textbook of Laparoscopic, Endoscopic and Robotic Surgery (Jaypee Brothers, 2024).
Conditions commonly treated
Groin Hernias: Inguinal and Femoral
A lump in the groin (inguinal) or at the top of the inner thigh (femoral). Femoral hernias need prompt assessment.
Explore ConditionUmbilical and Epigastric Hernias
A bulge at the navel (umbilical) or between the navel and breastbone (epigastric). Repair uses stitches or mesh, depending on the size.
Explore ConditionIncisional Hernia
A bulge through or near an old surgical scar. Repair is planned for each person to close the gap and strengthen the wall.
Explore ConditionAssessment also covers recurrent and complex hernias and less common abdominal wall hernias, such as Spigelian hernias. The type, location and any previous repair help guide an individual treatment plan.
How hernias are repaired
The right repair depends on the type and size of the hernia, your health and any previous surgery. The approach that suits you is explained at your consultation.
Groin Hernia: Laparoscopic or Robotic Repair
TEP or TAPP · robotic TAPP
A mesh is placed behind the abdominal wall through small cuts.
- Three small cuts
- Both sides can often be repaired together
- Early walking when safe
Navel or Incisional Hernia: IPOM Plus
Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh with defect closure
The gap is first closed with stitches from inside, then a coated mesh is fixed to the inner side of the abdominal wall.
- Done through small cuts
- Gap closed before the mesh is placed
- Coated mesh designed for use inside the abdomen
Ventral TAPP
Transabdominal preperitoneal repair · laparoscopic or robotic
Working from inside the abdomen, the thin inner lining is lifted, the gap is closed, and a mesh is placed under the lining, which is then closed over it.
- Done through small cuts
- Mesh covered by the body’s own lining
- Often used for small and medium hernias
PeTEP
Preperitoneal extended-view totally extraperitoneal repair
The repair is done in the layer just outside the abdominal cavity, without entering the abdomen, and a large mesh is placed there.
- Done through small cuts
- The bowel is not handled
- Can also repair separated abdominal muscles (divarication)
Sublay (Retrorectus) Repair
Mesh behind the abdominal muscles
The gap is closed and a mesh is placed behind the long muscles at the front of the abdomen, away from the bowel.
- Can be done open, laparoscopic or robotic
- Mesh kept away from the bowel
- Often used for wider midline gaps
Large or Repeat Hernia: Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Including TAR (transversus abdominis release)
The abdominal wall is rebuilt and strengthened, with a plan made for each patient.
- Muscles brought back to the middle
- Muscle release (TAR) when the gap is wide
- Special mesh if there is infection
Discuss the right next step for your hernia
Book a consultation to review your symptoms, examination findings and imaging. If repair has already been advised, bring the reports for a second opinion; the approach depends on the hernia and your overall health.