Hernia Surgery Gisborne
Tailored hernia care with one of Gisborne’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.
While some hernias cause only minor inconvenience, others have the potential to lead to chronic pain or even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Known for his advanced understanding of complex hernia repair, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is regularly referred patients by other surgeons for detailed assessment and surgical care.
Causes of Hernias
A hernia happens when abdominal contents push through the abdominal wall, often creating a lump or bulge in the groin area, belly button, or at the site of a previous incision. For some, hernias occur because of a natural weakness in the abdominal muscles and may be present at birth. For others, they develop over time due to strain from lifting heavy objects, chronic coughing, or difficulty with bowel movements.
Symptoms of Hernias
The symptoms of hernias may vary. Most hernias cause a lump that may be tender or lead to increased pain with activity or straining. Other signs include:
- A ‘dragging’ feeling
- Pressure
- Discomfort
- Localised swelling around the affected area
- Discomfort or aching around the bulge
- Pain that worsens during physical exertion or lifting
- A burning feeling in the affected area
Because hernias tend to enlarge over time and can cause serious complications, surgeons typically recommend hernia repair surgery.
Types of Hernia
Abdominal wall hernias are generally grouped into three main types:
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 bulge and tenderness around the navel area, which may increase when coughing, bending, or straining.
Treatment options: An umbilical hernia may seem minor at first, but without treatment, it can lead to serious complications such as strangulation. Surgery is the definitive treatment.
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: For groin hernias that cause little to no discomfort, monitoring the condition may be appropriate at first. However, most hernias become symptomatic within a year or two, at which stage surgery is often advised in an effort to relieve symptoms such as constipation or urinary strain.
Ventral Hernia
What it is: A ventral hernia forms through a weak point in the abdominal wall, typically appearing as an incisional, epigastric, or spigelian hernia depending on its location.
Common symptoms: Pain, pressure, and a visible bulge in the abdominal area that becomes more prominent when coughing or 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
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam draws on his extensive background in open and laparoscopic hernia surgery to deliver personalised care for patients in Gisborne, combining modern techniques with a caring, patient-first approach.
After receiving your referral, his process includes:
- Initial consultation: Identifying the hernia, confirming the diagnosis, and explaining the benefits and possible risks of surgery.
- Hernia repair surgery: Performed through either laparoscopic (keyhole) or open surgical methods.
- Recovery and follow-up: Offering tailored guidance on when and how to safely resume exercise or heavy activity post-surgery.
Among Gisborne’s surgical network, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is recognised for his experience in complex hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction cases, making him a preferred referral choice.
Mesh and Your Hernia Repair
Today, most hernia surgeries involve the use of non-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.
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 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 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.
The main potential benefits of robotic hernia surgery include:
- Less visible scarring and decreased pain during recovery
- Fewer wound problems and a lower chance of postoperative infection
- Faster recovery and earlier return to daily routines or employment
- Greater accuracy during abdominal wall repair and reconstruction
- Safe and reproducible outcomes for complex or recurrent hernias
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.
Ready to address your hernia and potentially eliminate your discomfort?
Your Hernia Surgery Gisborne 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?
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 describes a highly advanced repair for large or recurrent hernias, where the abdominal wall is rebuilt through restoration of tissue and blood flow, supported by mesh reinforcement such as an inguinal mesh plug or other absorbable materials.
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?
Vimeyard Specialist Centre is easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Specialist in Complex Hernia Repair
With broad experience in both open and laparoscopic surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is skilled in complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction.
Rapid Access
Appointments are generally offered within a week of receiving your referral, supported by smooth communication between your GP and Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam’s team.
Convenient Access
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides consultations at several Victoria locations, making it easier to find a clinic close to home.
Our Location near Gisborne
Book Your Hernia Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing a lump, discomfort, or other signs of a hernia, help is available nearby. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides advanced hernia repair from several convenient locations across Victoria.
Don’t let hernia pain or discomfort affect your daily life; arrange a consultation today to discuss your treatment options.