Hernia Surgery Highett
Tailored hernia care with one of Highett’s specialist general surgeons with interest in complex hernia cases.
Understanding Hernias
Living with a hernia can bring ongoing discomfort and concern. What might start as a small bulge or occasional ache in the groin or abdominal area may gradually worsen, particularly during activities such as lifting, coughing, or straining.
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.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam, a general surgeon with extensive knowledge in complex hernia repair, is frequently sought for revision surgeries and challenging hernia cases.
Causes of Hernias
A hernia occurs when tissue or organs push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, forming a noticeable bulge in areas such as the groin, navel, or an old surgical scar. Some people are born with a weakness in the muscle wall, while others develop a hernia later in life from strain caused by heavy lifting, persistent coughing, or bowel strain.
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 heavy or uncomfortable dragging sensation
- A sense of heaviness or internal pressure
- Discomfort
- Visible or tender swelling
- Tenderness or pain at the site of the lump
- Pain that worsens during physical exertion or lifting
- A burning feeling in the affected area
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 forms when part of the intestine or fatty tissue bulges through a weak spot near the navel.
Common symptoms: A noticeable lump, discomfort, or pressure around the belly button that worsens with coughing or physical effort.
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: This type of hernia occurs when tissue pushes through weakened abdominal muscles, often near a surgical scar (incisional), above the belly button (epigastric), or between muscle layers (spigelian).
Common symptoms: A bulge or tightness in the abdomen that increases with activity, coughing, or standing for long periods.
Treatment options: For ventral hernias that aren’t uncomfortable, watching and waiting is typically considered safe. However, if the hernia becomes larger or causes pain, hernia surgery is recommended.
Hernia Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
With broad experience in open and laparoscopic hernia repair, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers individualised care to patients throughout Highett, using advanced surgical methods focused on patient wellbeing and results.
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: Using keyhole or open techniques.
- 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 Highett hernia community.
Mesh and Your Hernia Repair
Today, most hernia surgeries involve the use of absorbable mesh, which helps reinforce the abdominal wall and prevent future recurrence. Although mild hernias can occasionally be managed without mesh, mesh repair is the standard method for inguinal and ventral types.
In Australia, mesh use is closely regulated by the TGA and endorsed by the ANZ Hernia Society. While complications are uncommon, they can occur in both mesh and non-mesh repairs. Mesh repairs, however, tend to have a lower recurrence rate. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam ensures patients understand all options by discussing potential benefits, risks, and personal factors.
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 method is especially useful in treating complex ventral, incisional, inguinal, and recurrent hernias, where precision and a tension-free repair are essential for lasting results. With 3D visualisation, tremor reduction, and flexible wristed instruments, the robotic system allows exceptional control during delicate procedures such as mesh placement.
Robotic hernia surgery offers several important potential advantages, including:
- Smaller scars and reduced postoperative pain
- Lower risk of wound complications and infection
- Shorter downtime before resuming normal activities and work
- Greater accuracy during abdominal wall repair and reconstruction
- Consistent and reliable results in challenging or repeat hernia cases
Dr Ariyaratnam offers robotic hernia repair at Knox Private Hospital and Epworth Freemasons, with a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient’s anatomy, previous surgery, and lifestyle needs.
Looking to treat your hernia and get back to feeling comfortable again?
Your Hernia Surgery Highett Questions Answered
Do all hernias need surgery?
Once a hernia forms, it can’t heal on its 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.
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 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?
Your recovery time varies depending on the type of hernia repair. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, allowing most patients to return home within a day. Gentle walking is encouraged soon after, though heavier activity should wait until your surgeon approves. Open hernia repair usually requires a longer recovery, often several weeks more. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will guide you on when it’s safe to resume normal routines.
What areas do you service?
Holmesglen Private Hospital is easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Specialist in Complex Hernia Repair
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam brings a wealth of experience in open and keyhole hernia repair, including complex cases and advanced abdominal wall reconstruction.
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
Consultations with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam are available across multiple Victoria locations giving patients the convenience of choosing their preferred location.
Our Location near Highett
Book Your Hernia Consultation Today
Noticing a lump or discomfort that could be a hernia? Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers comprehensive hernia care from multiple Victoria locations, focusing on long-term results.
Don’t let discomfort rule your life; book your appointment today to discuss the most appropriate treatment for your hernia.