Hernia Treatment in Bangalore
What is Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscles. It often appears as a bulge in the abdomen or groin and may cause discomfort, especially while standing, lifting, or coughing.
These conditions do not heal on their own and can become serious if left untreated, making timely hernia surgery in Bangalore important.
Dr. Varun Kumar J, an experienced Laparoscopic and General Surgeon in Bangalore, offers advanced hernia repair using minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and long-term relief.
Symptoms
The symptoms can vary depending on its location and severity. Common signs and symptoms include:
- A visible bulge in the abdomen or groin
- Pain or discomfort while lifting, bending, or coughing
- Heaviness or pressure in the abdomen
- Burning or aching sensation at the bulge site
- Bulge becomes more noticeable when standing
- In severe cases: nausea, vomiting, severe pain (emergency)
Do You have any of these Hernia Symptoms?
Causes
These are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Several factors can contribute to the development of a Abdominal Wall Defect, including:
- Muscle weakness
- Long-term coughing
- Heavy lifting
- Straining during bowel movements
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Previous abdominal surgery
- Aging-related weakening of tissues
Risk Factors
There are several kinds and they all damage the body in different ways. The most common types include:
- Family history of hernias
- Obesity
- Chronic cough
- Constipation
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Heavy physical work
- Previous abdominal surgeries
Diagnosis
Diagnosing these conditions is usually simple and begins with a physical examination. The doctor checks for a visible or felt bulge, especially when standing, coughing, or straining. These actions increase abdominal pressure, making the issue easier to detect.
To understand the type, size, and severity, the doctor may recommend:
Physical Examination:
The doctor evaluates whether the bulge is soft, movable, and can be gently pushed back. They also check for pain and tension.
Ultrasound Scan:
Helpful for small or hidden defects, including those in children or in the groin area.
CT Scan:
Provides a clear 3D view of the abdominal wall. Useful for identifying deep or complex cases and checking if intestine or fat is trapped.
MRI Scan:
Recommended when symptoms are present but nothing is visible externally. It helps diagnose internal issues, including hiatal types, with high accuracy.
Early diagnosis prevents complications like incarceration or strangulation and helps plan the safest treatment.
Treatment
They cannot heal on their own. Surgery is the only permanent solution. Treatment depends on size, symptoms, and their type.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (Keyhole Surgery)
- Done through small cuts
- A camera and instruments are inserted
- Weak area is repaired and covered with mesh
- Benefits:
- Less pain
- Small scars
- Faster healing
- Lower recurrence
- Quick return to daily activities
- Open Hernia Repair
- A single larger incision is made over the hernia
- The bulge is pushed back and repaired using stitches or mesh
- Preferred for very large or complex hernias
- Robotic Hernia Repair
- Advanced version of laparoscopy using robotic precision
- Useful for deep, complex, or recurrent hernias
- More accuracy and less tissue damage
- Emergency Hernia Surgery
Needed when the hernia becomes strangulated — meaning blood supply to the organ is cut off.
Symptoms include:
- Severe pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Hard or dark-colored bulge
This requires immediate surgery.
Recovery After Treatment
- Most patients walk within a few hours
- Light activities after 2–3 days
- Full recovery in 2–4 weeks (laparoscopic)
- Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks
- Modern hernia surgery is safe, effective, and provides long-term relief.
Prevention
Not all cases can be prevented, but several habits can reduce stress on the abdominal wall and lower the overall risk:
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight increases abdominal pressure and weakens muscles over time.
Lift properly: Bend your knees instead of your waist and avoid sudden heavy lifting.
Prevent constipation: Straining raises internal pressure. Eat fiber-rich foods, stay hydrated, and use mild laxatives if needed.
Treat chronic cough early: Persistent coughing strains the abdominal wall and weakens muscles.
Strengthen core muscles: Gentle exercises support the abdominal wall; avoid intense workouts that create excess pressure.
Quit smoking: Smoking weakens tissues and contributes to chronic cough.
Avoid heavy meals and reduce bloating: Helps lower internal abdominal pressure, especially in people prone to upper abdominal issues.
These lifestyle habits strengthen the abdominal wall and lower the chances of developing complications. For persistent symptoms or concerns, early medical evaluation and appropriate hernia treatment can prevent further problems.
Myths and Facts of Hernia
Myths
- Hernias will heal on their own without treatment.
- Only elderly people get hernias.
- Hernias are always painful.
- Heavy lifting is the only cause of hernias.
- Hernias can be pushed back into place permanently.
Facts
- Hernias do not resolve without surgery to repair the weakened area.
- Hernias can occur at any age, from infancy to old age.
- Not all hernias cause pain; some may only be noticeable as a bulge under the skin.
- While heavy lifting can contribute, hernias can also result from genetics, chronic coughing, obesity, and pregnancy.
- While some hernias can be temporarily reduced, they often return and may require surgical repair to prevent complications.
FAQs
Some discomfort is normal after surgery, but pain can be managed with medication. Pain following surgery can be decreased with minimally invasive methods.
The surgery itself typically takes 1-2 hours, but recovery times vary depending on the type of hernia and the individual’s health.
Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
While rare, hernias can sometimes recur after surgery. Following post-operative instructions and avoiding strain can help reduce this risk.
Yes, complications such as incarceration (where the hernia becomes trapped) or strangulation (where blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off) can occur and require emergency surgery.
