Hernia Surgery Newport
Tailored hernia care with one of Newport’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.
In some instances, a hernia may seem like a small issue, but without treatment, it can develop into a source of lasting pain or dangerous complications.
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
Hernia symptoms can vary from person to person. In many cases, a noticeable lump appears that can be tender or become more painful when lifting or straining. Additional symptoms may include:
- A persistent pulling or dragging feeling
- Noticeable pressure in the affected area
- A feeling of unease or soreness
- A noticeable bulge or puffiness
- Localised pain in the area of the hernia
- Pain that occurs when lifting heavy objects
- A noticeable burning or tingling sensation near the lump
Since hernias usually worsen with time and carry risks if left unaddressed, most surgeons recommend surgical repair.
Types of Hernia
Abdominal wall hernias are generally grouped into three main types:
Umbilical Hernia
What it is: This type of hernia develops when tissue pushes through the abdominal wall around the belly button (umbilicus).
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: 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 feeling of pain or tightness in the groin, sometimes with a visible bulge that enlarges when coughing or standing, though in women it may appear only as pain or tenderness.
Treatment options: You may be able to monitor a painless groin hernia initially, but most become bothersome over time. When symptoms like pressure, constipation, or urinary issues develop, surgery is generally recommended.
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: Pain, pressure, and a visible bulge in the abdominal area that becomes more prominent when coughing or straining.
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
Providing care to patients across Newport, 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: A detailed examination to confirm the hernia and outline the pros and cons of different treatment approaches.
- Hernia repair surgery: Using keyhole or open techniques.
- Recovery and follow-up: Offering tailored guidance on when and how to safely resume exercise or heavy activity post-surgery.
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 Newport 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.
Under TGA regulation and with support from the ANZ Hernia Society, mesh use in Australia is carefully managed. While both mesh and non-mesh repairs can occasionally lead to complications, mesh repairs tend to have fewer recurrences. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will explain the risks, benefits, and factors specific to your case to help you make an informed choice.
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 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.
Key potential advantages of robotic hernia surgery include:
- Smaller scars and reduced postoperative pain
- Lower risk of wound complications and infection
- Quicker return to normal activity and work
- Greater accuracy during abdominal wall repair and reconstruction
- Consistent and reliable results in challenging or repeat hernia cases
Dr Ariyaratnam provides robotic hernia surgery at both Knox Private Hospital and Epworth Freemasons, combining multidisciplinary care with personalised planning based on each patient’s body, history, and lifestyle.
Looking to treat your hernia and get back to feeling comfortable again?
Your Hernia Surgery Newport 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?
Open repair requires one incision directly over the hernia, while laparoscopic repair is performed through several small keyhole openings using a camera. Each approach repairs the hernia effectively, though laparoscopic surgery usually supports quicker recovery.
What is complex hernia surgery?
Abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex surgical approach used for major or recurrent hernias. It may include restoring tissue layers, improving blood supply, and securing the repair with mesh, whether absorbable or permanent, for added durability.
How long is the recovery after hernia surgery?
The recovery process varies depending on whether your hernia repair was open or laparoscopic. Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedures usually allow same-day discharge and early light movement, while open repairs often need several more weeks of recovery. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will recommend when it may be safe to resume work and exercise.
What areas do you service?
Williamstown Specialist Centre is easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Specialist in Complex Hernia Repair
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has extensive experience in open and laparoscopic techniques, abdominal wall reconstruction, and complex hernia repair.
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 Newport
Book Your Hernia Consultation Today
If you’ve noticed a lump, pain, or symptoms that suggest a hernia, treatment options are available close to home. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is a specialist in complex hernia repair and aims to offer lasting relief from multiple locations in Victoria.
Take the first step toward relief. Schedule your appointment today to explore the best potential treatment options for your hernia.