Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery | G & L Surgical Clinic

Table of Contents

• 1 Hernia Repair Surgery & Treatment
• 2 Hernia Surgery In A Nutshell
• 3 What Is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery In Singapore?
• 4 Types of Hernias A Hernia Repair Can Treat
• 5 Umbilical Hernia
• 6 Inguinal Hernia
• 7 Incisional Hernia
• 8 Femoral Hernia
• 9 How Does A Hernia Repair Work?
• 10 Laparoscopic Hernia Repair VS Open Surgery Hernia Repair
• 11 What Is The Purpose Of The Mesh Used In A Hernia Repair?
• 12 Do I Need A Hernia Repair Immediately?
• 13 What Are The Risks Of A Hernia Repair?
• 14 How Do I Prepare For A Hernia Repair?
• 15 What To Expect With Hernia Repair Surgery?
• 16 Before your procedure:
• 17 On the day of your procedure:
• 18 After your hernia repair procedure:
• 19 How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Hernia Repair?
• 20 How Much Does a Hernia Surgery Cost in Singapore?
• 21 Hernia Specialist & Surgeon in Singapore: Dr Ganesh Ramalingam
• 22 Why Choose Us For Your Hernia Surgery In Singapore?
• 23 Frequently Asked Questions
• 24 Why Choose G & L Surgical Clinic?
• 25 Contact Us
• 26 Patient Feedback

Hernia Repair Surgery & Treatment

Hernia Surgery In A Nutshell

• A laparoscopic hernia repair is a surgical operation that addresses a hernia or opening in the abdominal wall.
• Hernia treatments in Singapore are differentiated into two types, open or laparoscopic surgery. 
• A keyhole hernia repair is considered minimally invasive, and most patients can expect the downtime to be no longer than 2 weeks.
• The surgical technique used in keyhole hernia repairs involves three small incisions made in the abdomen. Special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions for the doctor to place the organ back in place, and a mesh is set to reinforce the walls.
• The cost of laparoscopic hernia repair may vary depending on the location of the hernia along with the complexity of the procedure.
• Downtime: No physical or strenuous activities for 2 weeks. You may be required to stay in a hospital 1 day after surgery to monitor your recovery.

What Is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery In Singapore?

A hernia repair surgery is a surgical operation that addresses a hernia or opening in the abdominal wall. G & L Surgical provides hernia repair surgeries in Singapore. Our surgeon, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam, performs several hernia treatments in Singapore – these include open and laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries. For example, umbilical hernia repair, inguinal hernia repair, femoral hernia repair, and incisional hernia repairs. In an open hernia repair, Dr Ganesh makes an incision above the hernia into your groin and pushes the protruding abdominal tissue back into your abdomen and suture the defect closed.

This repairs the abdominal wall defect. In contrast, laparoscopic (also known as keyhole) hernia repair surgery involves the surgeon making a few short incisions (usually or 0.5 cm to 1 cm) instead of a single long incision. This procedure results in less visible scarring which also helps shorten the length of hospital stay for the patient. Depending on your condition, our doctor will advise which type of procedure is best suited for your condition. _______ _______

Types of Hernias A Hernia Repair Can Treat

A hernia repair can be used to treat each of the following types of hernias, they are:

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when the intestines or other tissues bulge through the weakened spot near the belly button or navel. It is a common condition primarily observed in babies. However, umbilical hernias may also develop in adults, in particular women who have had multiple children. An umbilical hernia occurs when excessive pressure is placed on a weakened section of the abdominal muscles. Being overweight or having multiple pregnancies can cause the organs to press against the navel, leading to a hernia. In other cases, an umbilical hernia may also be caused by a persistent cough or if you have undergone stomach surgery previously. An umbilical hernia may become strangulated and restrict blood flow around the organ. You are advised to seek medical treatment to repair the hernia to prevent complications. 

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. It occurs when the abdominal wall weakens, allowing fatty or intestinal tissues to protrude through the weakened area. You may experience pain when you bend over, cough or carry a heavy object. Both men and women have inguinal canals. In men, the testes usually descend through their canal by around a few weeks before birth.  In women, each canal is the location of passage for the round ligament of the uterus. If you have a hernia in or near this passageway, it results in a protruding bulge. It may be painful during movement. Many people do not seek treatment for this type of hernia because it may be small or cause no symptoms. However, prompt medical treatment can help prevent further protrusion and discomfort.

Incisional Hernia

An incisional hernia happens through a previous incision or scar in your abdominal wall from a previous abdominal operation you had undergone. It is relatively common in 12 to 15 percent of patients who have undergone an abdominal procedure to experience incisional hernia. In cases where a patient has undergone prior abdominal operation such as an appendectomy or caesarean section, stitches along the abdominal wall may fail to heal properly or come apart with time. A partial segment of your organ, muscle or tissue may protrude through the open and weakened surgical opening and place pressure under your surgical scar. This results in an incisional hernia.  While an incisional hernia can develop or get larger a few months or years after surgery, most cases happen within three to six months post-surgery, where your incision is the weakest.

Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernias (also known as a femorocele) happen when a weakness in your lower groin allows an intestinal sac to drop into the space near the femoral vein, which transports blood from your leg. This space is known as your femoral canal.  A femoral hernia is typically caused by a weak spot in your groin region and by excess pressure or strain placed on this weakened spot. Women are far more susceptible to this condition than men. This is due to the broader shape of a woman’s pelvis and femoral canal. While most femoral hernias do not cause symptoms, much like an umbilical hernia, they may occasionally lead to severe problems if the hernia obstructs and blocks blood flow to the intestines. This is called a strangulated hernia and poses a health risk, and requires immediate surgery. In all hernia cases, an organ would squeeze through an opening in the muscle or tissue holding it in place, leading to a protrusion from the body. For example, the intestines may protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.

How Does A Hernia Repair Work?

There are three main types of hernia surgeries, they are, open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, and robotic hernia repair

In all types of hernia repairs, the patient will be placed under general anaesthesia and unconscious throughout the procedure.  In open surgery, surgeons will make a single incision over the hernia. The incision can range from 6 to 8cm long. After the incision is made, the surgeon looks to organise the protruding organ back into position within the abdomen.

Image Credit: Surgery for an Inguinal Hernia

Mesh will hold the organs in place, reinforce the abdominal walls, and reduce the pressure at the weakened spot where the bulge initially was. Upon completion of the hernia repair, the wound is sealed with stitches. The technique that Dr Ganesh uses is the removal of the hernial sac, plus reinforcement of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal with a synthetic mesh. In cases where the hernia has become strangulated around the intestine, the affected region of the intestine may need to be removed and rejoined with the new ends made after the removal. In such cases, a patient can expect to be required to stay longer in the hospital (around 4 to 5 days) to ensure their recovery is on track.

In a keyhole hernia repair surgery, three small incisions are made in the abdomen instead of a large incision for the surgeon to access the herniated region. A laparoscope with a camera attached is inserted through one of the incisions for the doctor to look inside the abdomen. Special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions for the doctor to place the organ back in place, and a mesh is set to reinforce the walls.

Image Credit: Surgery for an Inguinal Hernia

In both cases, the patient is required to stay for a day in the hospital for observation to ensure they do not experience any post-surgical complications.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair VS Open Surgery Hernia Repair

The differences between an open and laparoscopic hernia repair may affect your choice of surgical technique. 

The number of incisions for each technique differs where an open repair typically involves one large incision while a laparoscopic repair includes four smaller ones. This difference may influence postoperative scarring. 

The recovery period could also vary between the two techniques, with laparoscopic surgery often being associated with a slightly quicker recovery, but this can depend on individual health and the complexity of the hernia. 

It’s important to remember that both procedures’ ultimate goal is to effectively repair the hernia and prevent recurrence. Due to these factors, having a comprehensive discussion with your doctor is essential in making an informed decision.

What Is The Purpose Of The Mesh Used In A Hernia Repair?

Hernia mesh is used to help repair damaged tissue around hernias. It is inserted under surgical anaesthesia during the operation, and attached with sutures, allowing it to stay firmly trapped against any motion that may occur from contractions or other motions while you’re healing up afterwards.  The main purpose of a hernia mesh is to improve patient outcomes. Hernia surgery has a risk of recurrence and surgical mesh is used to strengthen the area around an existing herniated organ so that it may be contained more easily and reduce its likelihood for recurrence.

Do I Need A Hernia Repair Immediately?

For most cases of hernias, immediate surgeries are not recommended if the condition is not causing the patient problems. Most patients who have a hernia will notice a bulge on their body that is painless. Specific actions such as lifting weights, bending, or coughing might lead to a slight discomfort or pain in the region.  However, you might want to take note that most hernias do not go away on their own, and there is a possibility of the hernia becoming enlarged and creating greater discomfort over time. Our doctor might recommend that you consider a hernia repair if you experience any of the following:

• An increase in the size of your hernia
• Increasing pain in the herniated region
• Difficulty in performing daily activities

In rare, complicated cases, a hernia can be life-threatening if it leads to a twisted or strangulated intestine. In such cases, a patient may experience bouts of fever, nausea and vomiting, and a darkening of colour around the bulge. If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that your hernia is getting worse, you are advised to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis.

What Are The Risks Of A Hernia Repair?

As with all surgeries, a hernia repair carries a small amount of risk. They include: 

• Breathing difficulties
• Bleeding from the surgical site
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia and other medications
• Infection

In rare cases, complications after the hernia repair may occur, leading to a hernia recurrence at a similar region. In some complications, there may be damage done to the blood vessels or damage to nearby organs.

How Do I Prepare For A Hernia Repair?

When preparing for hernia repair surgery, patients are recommended to inform the doctor of any medication or prescriptions that they are consuming. Our doctor may ask you to stop taking some of these medications in the days leading up to your hernia repair surgery.  Patients are also advised to inform the doctor of any pre-existing conditions, such as health conditions or pregnancy. We have listed what patients can expect before, during, and after a hernia repair surgery below for easy reference.

What To Expect With Hernia Repair Surgery?

If you are planning to undergo a hernia repair surgery in Singapore, observe the following instructions.

Before your procedure:

• Fasting is required 8 hours prior to your hernia surgery (Fasting Timing depends on your surgery timing).
• You will be asked to empty your bladder immediately before the hernia treatment.
• Stop medications a week prior to the hernia repair operation.
• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol.

On the day of your procedure:

• The hernia repair procedure involves placing a mesh over the abdominal defect to reinforce the abdominal wall.
• There will be 3 to 5 small cuts to complete a laparoscopic or keyhole procedure.
• Our surgeon will advise you on the specific details.

After your hernia repair procedure:

• You will be discharged the following day.
• Most patients are able to return to normal activities after 3 to 7 days.
• The typical recovery after a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair may involve mild to moderate incisional pain and mild groin discomfort. This may last from 2 to 14 days, but is almost always gone within 3 weeks after surgery.
• Follow up with our surgeon within 2 weeks post-surgery.
• While the recovery from a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is very fast, do allow yourself up to 3 weeks to feel completely normal again.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Hernia Repair?

Depending on the type of hernia repair surgery, the recovery period may differ.  Patients are usually able to be discharged from the hospital a day after the surgery. However, if there are complications, our doctor may require you to remain for observation and treatment until they are stabilised. For patients who undergo open surgery, it may take up to six weeks for a full recovery. On the other hand, patients who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair may resume normal activities within a week after the surgery. Typically, patients who underwent a keyhole hernia repair can expect the downtime to be much shorter as compared to an open surgery.

How Much Does a Hernia Surgery Cost in Singapore?

The surgeon’s fee for an inguinal hernia repair in Singapore costs between $3,600 – $6,000 (before GST).

This cost is before insurance claimables. Your insurance claimables will depend on your personal insurance plan. Do note that the cost above does not include the hospital or consumable fees.

The cost of a hernia repair may vary depending on factors such as the medical facility, the complexity of the procedure and the individual’s medical insurance coverage.

For more information on fees and costs, visit out hernia repair costing page.

Hernia Specialist & Surgeon in Singapore: Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery by Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G & L Surgical Clinic in Singapore is preferred by patients looking for a reduced recovery period. Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort and is experienced in performing advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries in Singapore.

Why Choose Us For Your Hernia Surgery In Singapore?

In this minimally invasive procedure, patients might experience less discomfort and scarring after hernia surgery and can engage in normal activities more quickly. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has proven to be highly effective with more than 90 per cent of hernias not returning after the procedure.  The staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our hernia treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals. Organise a consultation with our surgeon for further assistance on hernia treatments in Singapore.