If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia or noticed a lump or discomfort that doesn’t feel quite right, it’s worth getting clear advice about what to do next.
At Brisbane Bariatric Centre, Dr Justin Greenslade provides hernia repair surgery for a range of abdominal and groin hernias. He’ll assess your hernia, explain your treatment options in plain English and help you understand whether surgery may be appropriate for you.
What is a hernia?
A hernia develops when tissue or part of an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue that normally holds it in place. Hernias commonly develop in the abdominal wall or groin, but they can also occur around the belly button or at the site of a previous surgical incision.
You may notice a lump or bulge that becomes more obvious when you cough, strain or lift something heavy. Some hernias cause little discomfort, while others can become painful or interfere with normal activities.
Treatment depends on the type of hernia, its size, your symptoms and your general health. Some hernias can be monitored, while others may require surgical repair.
How does hernia repair surgery work?
Hernia repair surgery aims to return the protruding tissue to its normal position and repair the weak spot or hernia defect in the muscle wall.
Depending on the type and location of the hernia, surgery may be performed using open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery.
During open hernia repair, the surgeon makes an incision near the hernia to access and repair the weakened area. Laparoscopic hernia repair uses several small incisions, a small camera called a laparoscope and specialised surgical instruments to perform the repair.
Surgical mesh may also be used to reinforce the weakened area of the abdominal wall and reduce the chance of the hernia pushing through again. The surgical approach recommended for you will depend on factors such as the type and size of the hernia, its location, your health and previous surgery.
Dr Greenslade will explain the recommended approach, along with the potential benefits and risks, before your surgery.
Understanding the different types of hernia
Hernias can form in different areas of the body. The type of hernia you have helps determine whether treatment is needed and which approach to hernia repair may be considered.
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin when tissue pushes through a weak area near the inguinal canal. It may appear as a lump or bulge in the groin and can sometimes cause pain or discomfort.
Inguinal hernia repair may be performed using open or laparoscopic surgery. With laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and uses a camera and surgical instruments to access and repair the weak area. Mesh is often used to strengthen the repair.
A femoral hernia develops when tissue pushes through the femoral canal in the upper groin. It can cause a lump low down in the groin and is more common in women.
Femoral hernia repair involves returning the herniated tissue to the abdominal cavity and repairing the opening. Stitches or surgical mesh may be used to strengthen the area.
A femoral hernia develops when tissue pushes through the femoral canal in the upper groin. It can cause a lump low down in the groin and is more common in women.
Femoral hernia repair involves returning the herniated tissue to the abdominal cavity and repairing the opening. Stitches or surgical mesh may be used to strengthen the area.
An umbilical hernia develops around the belly button when tissue pushes through a weak point in the abdominal wall.
In adults, umbilical hernia repair may be recommended when the hernia is causing symptoms or becoming larger. During surgical repair, the tissue is returned to the abdomen and the weak area is closed, sometimes using synthetic mesh for additional support.
An incisional hernia can develop at or near the incision site from previous abdominal surgery. It occurs when the abdominal wall does not fully regain its strength after the original operation, allowing tissue to push through the weakened area.
Incisional hernias vary considerably in size and complexity, so the most appropriate surgical repair depends on the individual hernia and your surgical history.
Who is hernia repair surgery for?
Not every hernia requires the same treatment. Whether hernia repair surgery is recommended depends on factors such as the type of hernia, its size, your symptoms and your overall health.
Surgery may be considered if your hernia:
- is causing pain or discomfort
- is getting larger
- is affecting your everyday activities
- cannot easily be pushed back into place
- has a higher risk of complications.
A hernia can sometimes become trapped, cutting off the blood supply to the affected tissue. This is known as a strangulated hernia and requires urgent medical treatment. Severe pain, vomiting or a hernia that suddenly cannot be pushed back can be warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Dr Greenslade can assess your hernia and talk you through whether surgical repair is appropriate in your circumstances.
What to expect after hernia repair surgery
Recovery after hernia repair surgery varies depending on the type of hernia, the surgical approach and your individual health and recovery.
Some hernia repairs can be performed as day surgery, while other patients may need to stay in hospital overnight or longer. After surgery, you'll gradually increase your movement and activity as you recover.
You may experience some pain or discomfort around the surgical site, which can usually be managed with appropriate pain relief. Your healthcare team will give you instructions about wound care, activity and returning to work.
Heavy lifting and strenuous activity generally need to be avoided for a period after surgery. Exactly when you can return to normal activities will depend on the procedure and your recovery, so it's important to follow the advice provided by Dr Greenslade and your healthcare team.
Cost of hernia repair surgery
Dr Greenslade accepts patients with private health insurance or patients covered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) for hernia repair surgery.
For hiatus hernia repair, self-funded patients are also accepted.
If you have private health insurance, Dr Greenslade gap covers hernia repair surgery, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for his surgical fee. The assistant surgeon will also gap cover. You will, however, need to budget approximately $950 for the anaesthetist. This cost varies depending on the anaesthetist and may be less than this amount.
Once you have booked a surgery date, you'll be provided with the anaesthetist's details so you can obtain an estimate directly from them.
If you require hiatus hernia repair and don't have private health insurance, the approximate overall cost is $12,500. This includes hospital fees, the surgeon, anaesthetist and assistant surgeon.
Meet surgeon Justin Greenslade
Dr Justin Greenslade is an experienced upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon based in Brisbane. Alongside weight loss surgery, his practice includes general surgical procedures such as hernia repair.
His approach is straightforward and patient-focused. He takes the time to assess what's happening, answer your questions and explain your surgical options in language that's easy to understand.
If hernia repair surgery is recommended, Dr Greenslade will talk you through the procedure, what to expect during recovery and the potential risks and benefits, so you have the information you need before deciding how to proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the type and size of the hernia, your symptoms and your general health. In some circumstances, a doctor may recommend monitoring a hernia rather than operating immediately. Other hernias are more likely to require surgical repair.
Open hernia surgery uses an incision near the hernia to access and repair the weakened area. Laparoscopic hernia surgery, or keyhole surgery, uses several smaller incisions along with a camera and surgical instruments. The most appropriate approach depends on the hernia and the individual patient.
No. Surgical mesh is commonly used to strengthen the weak area during some hernia repairs, but it isn't used in every procedure. The repair technique depends on factors including the type and location of the hernia. Dr Greenslade will explain whether mesh repair is recommended for you.
Recovery varies depending on the type of hernia, the surgical procedure and the individual. Some people having laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair can begin returning to normal activities relatively quickly, while recovery from other procedures may take several weeks. Your surgeon will give you individual advice about returning to work, exercise and other normal activities.
You'll generally need to avoid heavy lifting for a period after hernia repair. For some procedures, guidance recommends avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for around six weeks, but your own restrictions may differ depending on your surgery and recovery. Always follow the advice given by your surgeon.
As with most surgical procedures, hernia repair surgery carries potential risks. These can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, pain around the operation site and recurrence of the hernia. Some risks are specific to the type and location of the hernia and the surgical approach used. Dr Greenslade will discuss the risks that apply to your procedure before surgery.
Yes, it is possible for a hernia to recur after surgical repair. The risk varies depending on the type of hernia, the repair performed and individual factors. If you notice a new lump or symptoms around the hernia site after you've recovered, speak with your doctor.
A strangulated hernia occurs when tissue becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off. This is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include severe or sudden pain, vomiting or a hernia that can no longer be pushed back into place. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop these symptoms.
Dr Greenslade accepts patients with private health insurance and eligible DVA patients for hernia repair. The exception is hiatus hernia repair, for which self-funded patients are also accepted.
Talk to Brisbane Bariatric Centre about hernia repair surgery
If you've been diagnosed with a hernia, are experiencing symptoms or simply want to understand your treatment options, we're here to help.
Book an appointment with Dr Justin Greenslade to have your hernia assessed and find out what the next step may look like for you.
