Hernia Surgery Forest Hill
Understanding Hernias
A hernia can cause both physical discomfort and emotional frustration. It often starts as a minor swelling or slight pain in the groin or stomach area and tends to become more pronounced with exertion, coughing, or lifting.
Some hernias may remain manageable for a time, but others can progress to cause persistent pain or, in severe cases, become life-threatening if ignored.
With advanced experience in complex hernia repair, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is often trusted by peers for intricate cases, revision procedures, and referrals.
Causes of Hernias
A hernia forms when internal tissue pushes through weakened abdominal muscles, creating a visible bulge around the groin, navel, or surgical scar. Some hernias are present from birth due to muscle weakness, while others develop later from ongoing strain, heavy lifting, or chronic coughing.
Symptoms of Hernias
Symptoms of a hernia can range in severity. Most people notice a lump that may feel sore or painful, especially during exertion. Other common signs include:
- A ‘dragging’ feeling
- Pressure
- A feeling of unease or soreness
- Visible or tender swelling
- Tenderness or pain at the site of the lump
- Pain that occurs when lifting heavy objects
- A warm or burning sensation around the hernia site
As hernias often grow larger and may lead to complications, surgical repair is generally advised to restore strength to the abdominal wall.
Types of Hernia
There are three main types of abdominal wall hernia:
Umbilical Hernia
What it is: An umbilical hernia occurs when tissue near the navel (belly button, or umbilicus) protrudes through the abdominal wall muscles.
Common symptoms: A bulge and tenderness around the navel area, which may increase when coughing, bending, or straining.
Treatment options: Even a small umbilical hernia can pose risks if left untreated, as strangulation may occur. Surgery remains the only permanent repair option.
Groin Hernia
What it is: This type of hernia happens when abdominal tissue bulges through a weak spot in the lower abdomen, often extending into the groin or upper thigh. The inguinal hernia is most common, while femoral hernias tend to occur more often in women.
Common symptoms: A noticeable lump or pressure in the groin that may worsen when lifting or coughing. In some cases, especially in women, there may be pain without a visible bulge.
Treatment options: If your groin hernia is not uncomfortable, you may be able to watch and wait to see how it progresses. Typically, a groin hernia becomes symptomatic after one to two years. At this point, doctors typically recommend hernia surgery as it may assist with reducing symptoms like constipation and urinary difficulties.
Ventral Hernia
What it is: A ventral hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall where tissue pushes through. Types include incisional hernia (at a previous incision site), epigastric hernia (above the navel), and the less common spigelian hernia (between muscle layers).
Common symptoms: Swelling, pressure, or pain in the abdominal region, often more obvious during movement or when straining.
Treatment options: Observation may be suitable for small, painless ventral hernias, but surgery is advised if the hernia increases in size or begins to cause discomfort.
Hernia Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
As a general surgeon with extensive experience in both open and laparoscopic hernia repair, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides tailored care for patients in Forest Hill. He combines advanced laparoscopic techniques with a patient-centred philosophy to aim for the best outcomes.
Following a referral, his approach typically includes:
- Initial consultation: Confirming diagnosis, identifying the hernia, and reviewing risks and benefits.
- Hernia repair surgery: Carried out with either open or laparoscopic approaches, depending on the hernia type.
- Recovery and follow-up: Providing advice and care on safe timelines for returning to physical activity after surgery.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is widely regarded by peers for his work in complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, with many surgeons across Forest Hill referring patients to his care.
Mesh and Your Hernia Repair
Non-absorbable mesh is now widely used in hernia surgery to strengthen weak areas of the abdominal wall and minimise recurrence. While observation or non-mesh repairs may be suitable for very small hernias, mesh reinforcement is generally recommended for inguinal and ventral hernias.
Mesh is tightly regulated in Australia by the TGA and supported by the ANZ Hernia Society. Though complications are rare, they may occur with both mesh and non-mesh repairs; however, mesh repairs generally have lower recurrence rates. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and your individual circumstances so you can make an informed decision.
Robotic Hernia Surgery
Robotic hernia surgery is the next evolution in minimally invasive hernia repair, combining the precision of advanced robotic technology with the expertise of a specialist hernia surgeon. Using the da Vinci Xi surgical platform, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam performs robotic procedures that allow greater accuracy, smaller incisions, and faster recovery compared with traditional open or standard laparoscopic repair.
This approach is particularly beneficial for complex ventral, incisional, inguinal, and recurrent hernias, where meticulous dissection and tension-free closure are critical for long-term durability. The robotic system provides enhanced 3D vision, tremor filtration, and wrist-like instrument movement, enabling refined control during component separation or mesh placement.
Robotic hernia surgery offers several important potential advantages, including:
- Minimal scarring and less discomfort after surgery
- Reduced likelihood of infection or wound-related issues
- Quicker return to normal activity and work
- Greater accuracy during abdominal wall repair and reconstruction
- Reliable, high-quality results even in complex or previously repaired hernias
At Knox Private Hospital and Epworth Freemasons, Dr Ariyaratnam performs robotic hernia repairs using a collaborative approach that considers individual anatomy, prior operations, and lifestyle factors.
Looking to treat your hernia and get back to feeling comfortable again?
Your Hernia Surgery Forest Hill Questions Answered
Do all hernias need surgery?
Hernias do not resolve without treatment, which is why surgery is generally advised to stop them from worsening or causing complications such as strangulation. Often, mesh is used to strengthen the repair and lower the risk of recurrence. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will guide you on whether mesh or non-mesh repair best suits your case.
own. This means that hernia surgery is recommended in an effort to prevent enlargement, complications, and the chance of developing a strangulated hernia. In many cases, mesh is used to reinforce the hernia repair and reduce the chances of it returning. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will discuss whether mesh or non-mesh repair may be most appropriate for your hernia.
What is the difference between open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair?
In open hernia repair, the surgeon makes a small cut over the hernia site, whereas laparoscopic repair is performed through several small incisions with the help of a camera. Both methods repair the hernia, though laparoscopic surgery typically offers a faster recovery time.
What is complex hernia surgery?
This refers to advanced reconstruction of the abdominal wall for very large or recurrent hernias. It often involves rebuilding connective tissue, restoring blood flow, and reinforcing the wall with mesh (such as an inguinal hernia mesh plug). Mesh, including absorbable and traditional options, is often a part of complex abdominal wall reconstruction.
How long is the recovery after hernia surgery?
This depends on the type of surgery you had. As laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgery, most patients go home the same day or the next day. After this, light walking is typically encouraged, but more strenuous activity should be avoided until cleared by your surgeon. Recovery from open hernia repair generally takes several weeks longer than laparoscopic techniques. Regardless of the type of surgery you had, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will advise you on when you can return to your usual activities.
What areas do you service?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Specialist in Complex Hernia Repair
Experienced in a wide range of surgical approaches, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam performs open and laparoscopic repairs as well as intricate abdominal wall reconstructions.
Rapid Access
Most referrals are processed quickly, with appointments usually available within one week and seamless coordination between your GP and the surgical team.
Convenient Access
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam consults across multiple locations in Victoria, allowing you to choose the location most convenient for you.
Book Your Hernia Consultation Today
If you suspect a hernia due to pain, swelling, or a visible lump, you can access expert care close to home. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides complex hernia repair services throughout Victoria.
Don’t let hernia pain or discomfort affect your daily life; arrange a consultation today to discuss your treatment options.