Abdominal Wall Hernia Surgery
Specialty
Abdominal Wall
Hernia Surgery
Specialised, evidence-based care for all types of abdominal wall hernia — from straightforward inguinal repair to complex recurrent and incisional hernias — using laparoscopic and robot-assisted techniques.
Primary Condition
Groin, Incisional & Abdominal Wall Hernia
Expertise
Complex & Recurrent Hernia Repair
Overview
What Is anAbdominal Wall Hernia?
When the abdominal wall weakens
An abdominal wall hernia occurs when a weakness or gap develops in the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall, allowing internal contents — typically bowel or fatty tissue — to protrude beneath the skin, creating a visible bulge.
The bulge typically appears when standing, coughing, or straining, and may reduce when lying flat. Without treatment, most hernias gradually enlarge over time.
Surgery is the only definitive treatment — there is no medication that will repair a hernia. However, not all hernias require immediate surgery; the urgency depends on the type, size, and symptoms.
Seek Urgent Care if —
The hernia becomes suddenly painful, hard, or cannot be pushed back in. This may indicate incarceration — a surgical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent bowel strangulation and necrosis.
Conditions We Treat
Types of HerniaWe Manage
We treat the full range of abdominal wall hernias, including large and recurrent cases that require specialised expertise.
01 · Most Common
Inguinal Hernia
A hernia in the groin area — the most common type in adults, particularly men. Bowel or fatty tissue protrudes through a gap in the lower abdominal wall. Both laparoscopic and robot-assisted repair are available.
02 · Post-surgical
Incisional / Ventral Hernia
A hernia developing at the site of a previous abdominal incision, where the wound has healed incompletely. Occurs in approximately 10% of patients after open abdominal surgery. Large and recurrent cases are a particular strength of our team.
03 · Umbilical & Other
Umbilical & Other Abdominal Hernias
Hernias at the navel (umbilical hernia), and other abdominal wall defects including epigastric hernia and port-site hernia following laparoscopic surgery. Each is managed with an approach tailored to its location and size.
Our Approach
Minimally Invasiveas Standard — Robotas the Next Step
We offer laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches to hernia repair, selecting the most appropriate technique based on the type, size, and clinical history of each patient. For incisional and ventral hernias, retro-muscular repair — placing the mesh behind the abdominal wall muscles — is our preferred first-line technique, offering stronger reinforcement and lower recurrence rates. This is one of the defining strengths of our programme.
01 · Standard
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Our first-choice approach for most patients. Small incisions allow a camera and instruments to repair the hernia from the inside using a mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. Recovery is significantly faster than open surgery.
02 · Advanced Option
Robot-Assisted Repair
Our most advanced option, offering enhanced precision through 3D vision, articulated instruments, and tremor elimination. Particularly valuable for incisional hernias requiring complex fascial closure. Available as a self-pay procedure.
Recovery
What to ExpectAfter Surgery
Recovery timelines vary by surgical approach. Most patients resume light daily activities within a few days of laparoscopic repair.
Laparoscopic Repair
Minimal Disruption to Daily Life
Eating: Resume eating from the evening of the surgery day.
Hospital stay: Typically 1–3 days after surgery.
Walking & bathing: Permitted soon after surgery.
Restrictions (1 month): Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise. Light movement is encouraged.
Open (Incisional) Repair
Slightly Longer Recovery
Eating: Resume eating from the evening of the surgery day.
Hospital stay: Typically 4–7 days after surgery.
Walking & bathing: Permitted once wound condition allows.
Restrictions (1 month): Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Gentle walking is fine from early on.
For Patients
Your Care Pathway
We see both referred and self-referred patients for hernia surgery. If you have been told you have a hernia and are uncertain which hospital to attend, please feel welcome to contact us directly.
01
Referral or Self-Referral
Bring a referral letter if available. A referral is recommended but not always required for initial consultation.
02
Appointment
Contact the outpatient division or Regional Medical Cooperation Office to schedule your consultation. Translation support is available for international patients.
03
Assessment
Physical examination and imaging (ultrasound or CT) are used to assess the hernia type, size, and content before recommending a surgical approach.
04
Surgery & Discharge
Surgery is scheduled and performed, with discharge typically within 1–7 days depending on the approach. Post-operative guidance is provided at discharge.
Questions or Referrals?
We welcome referrals from physicians and enquiries from patients for all types of abdominal wall hernia, including large, complex, and recurrent cases. Our team is happy to discuss whether robot-assisted surgery may be appropriate for your patient or your own situation before committing to a consultation.