Hernia Surgery Gisborne
Personalised hernia surgery from a Gisborne-based general surgeon experienced in complex hernia procedures.
Understanding Hernias
Living with a hernia may be uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes worrying. What may begin as a small lump or mild discomfort in the groin or abdomen often becomes more noticeable over time, especially when 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.
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 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
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 persistent pulling or dragging feeling
- A feeling of pressure or fullness
- Discomfort
- Localised swelling around the affected area
- Localised pain in the area of the hernia
- A sharp or pulling pain felt when lifting something heavy
- 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
Three key types of hernias can occur in the abdominal wall:
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: 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: 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: 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: 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 Gisborne, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam applies his wide experience in open and laparoscopic hernia repair and his commitment to patient-centred treatment for optimal outcomes.
Once a referral is received, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam’s process involves:
- 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: Supporting patients with guidance on when to resume strenuous activity or strenuous exercise after surgery.
Respected within the surgical community, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is known for his focus on complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, earning frequent referrals from colleagues across Gisborne.
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.
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 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:
- Smaller incisions leading to reduced pain following the procedure
- Fewer wound problems and a lower chance of postoperative infection
- Faster recovery and earlier return to daily routines or employment
- Improved precision in abdominal wall reconstruction
- Improved safety and predictable outcomes for recurrent or complex 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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Vimeyard Specialist Centre 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 Gisborne
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.
Book your appointment today and find out which hernia treatment approach may be right for you, so you may get back to living comfortably.