Hernia Surgery Bentleigh
Hernia repair, provided by a Bentleigh general surgeon with a focus on complex cases.
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.
While some hernias cause only minor inconvenience, others have the potential to lead to chronic pain or even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
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
When part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak point in the abdominal wall, it results in a hernia, often appearing as a lump in the groin, belly button, or near a previous incision. This may be due to a congenital weakness or develop gradually from pressure caused by lifting, coughing, or constipation.
Symptoms of Hernias
The signs of a hernia are not always the same for everyone. Typically, a hernia presents as a lump that may cause discomfort or worsen with physical activity. Other possible indications are:
- A persistent pulling or dragging feeling
- A feeling of pressure or fullness
- Mild to moderate pain or discomfort
- Localised swelling around the affected area
- Tenderness or pain at the site of the lump
- Pain that worsens during physical exertion or lifting
- A feeling of heat or irritation in the affected area
Hernias have a tendency to increase in size and may cause health issues, which is why hernia repair surgery is commonly recommended.
Types of Hernia
There are three main types of abdominal wall hernia:
Umbilical Hernia
What it is: Occurring near the belly button, an umbilical hernia happens when tissue or intestine breaks through the abdominal wall.
Common symptoms: Pain, pressure, and a visible bulge in or near the navel that becomes more prominent when coughing or straining.
Treatment options: Initially, an umbilical hernia may be small, but leaving it untreated carries the risk of strangulation, which requires immediate surgery. Regardless of its size, hernia surgery is the only way to repair an umbilical hernia.
Groin Hernia
What it is: Occurring when tissue breaks through the lower abdominal wall, a groin hernia can extend into the groin or upper thigh. Inguinal hernias are most common, though women are more prone to developing femoral hernias.
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 develops when tissue or intestine protrudes through a weak area of the abdominal wall. Common types include incisional (from a past surgery), epigastric (above the navel), and spigelian (between muscle layers).
Common symptoms: A noticeable lump or discomfort in the abdomen that worsens with coughing, lifting, or physical effort.
Treatment options: Small, symptom-free ventral hernias can often be watched over time, though surgery is usually suggested once pain or enlargement develops.
Hernia Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
Providing care to patients across Bentleigh, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam applies his wide experience in open and laparoscopic hernia repair and his commitment to patient-centred treatment for optimal outcomes.
After your referral has been submitted, the next steps in his process are:
- Initial consultation: Identifying the hernia, confirming the diagnosis, and explaining the benefits and possible risks of surgery.
- Hernia repair surgery: Carried out with either open or laparoscopic approaches, depending on the hernia type.
- Recovery and follow-up: Assisting patients through recovery with clear instructions on returning to normal movement and physical exertion.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is also recognised by other surgeons for his interest in complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, making him a trusted choice for referrals across the Bentleigh hernia community.
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.
The use of surgical mesh is strictly regulated in Australia through the TGA and supported by the ANZ Hernia Society. Although rare, complications can happen in both mesh and non-mesh procedures. Mesh repairs typically offer reduced recurrence rates, and Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will guide you through the pros, cons, and what best suits your situation.
Robotic Hernia Surgery
Robotic hernia repair combines advanced robotic systems with refined surgical skill, offering a new standard in minimally invasive surgery. With the da Vinci Xi platform, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam performs precise operations that minimise incisions and support faster recovery compared to open or conventional laparoscopic repairs.
This technique offers significant benefits for complex or recurrent hernias, including ventral, incisional, and inguinal cases. Enhanced 3D imaging, tremor control, and wrist-like instrument motion provide exceptional precision during intricate steps such as component separation and mesh placement.
Key potential advantages of robotic hernia surgery include:
- Smaller incisions leading to reduced pain following the procedure
- Reduced likelihood of infection or wound-related issues
- Faster recovery and earlier return to daily routines or employment
- Greater accuracy during abdominal wall repair and reconstruction
- Reliable, high-quality results even in complex or previously repaired hernias
Robotic hernia repair with Dr Ariyaratnam is available at Knox Private Hospital and Epworth Freemasons, where each procedure is customised to suit the patient’s anatomy, surgical history, and lifestyle.
Looking to treat your hernia and get back to feeling comfortable again?
Your Hernia Surgery Bentleigh Questions Answered
Do all hernias need surgery?
Because hernias are unable to repair themselves naturally, surgery is usually required to prevent further enlargement or serious issues like strangulation. Mesh reinforcement is commonly used to support the area and minimise recurrence, and Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will explain the best option for your specific needs.
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?
An open hernia repair is done through a single incision above the hernia, while laparoscopic repair involves small keyhole incisions and a camera for internal viewing. Both restore the abdominal wall, but laparoscopic surgery can enable a speedier return to normal activity.
What is complex hernia surgery?
This type of procedure focuses on rebuilding the abdominal wall in cases of large or recurrent hernias. It typically includes repairing connective tissue, improving circulation, and strengthening the area with mesh reinforcement, such as an inguinal mesh plug.
How long is the recovery after hernia surgery?
Recovery time differs by procedure. With laparoscopic hernia repair, most people leave the hospital the same or the next day and can begin gentle walking soon after. Strenuous tasks should be delayed until cleared by the surgeon. Open repair tends to take longer to heal, but Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will provide personalised advice for your recovery timeline.
What areas do you service?
Holmesglen Private Hospital is 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 patients are seen within one week of referral, with streamlined GP and specialist communication.
Convenient Access
With consulting rooms in multiple Victoria locations, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers flexibility so you can attend appointments at a location that suits you best.
Our Location near Bentleigh
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.
Book your appointment today and find out which hernia treatment approach may be right for you, so you may get back to living comfortably.