Hernia Surgery Hampton
Tailored hernia care with one of Hampton’s specialist general surgeons with interest in complex hernia cases.
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.
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.
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
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 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
- Noticeable pressure in the affected area
- Discomfort
- Localised swelling around the affected area
- Tenderness or pain at the site of the lump
- Discomfort or aching brought on by heavy lifting
- A burning feeling 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
Abdominal wall hernias are generally grouped into three main types:
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: 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: A groin hernia forms when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak area in the lower abdomen, sometimes reaching the groin or thigh. Inguinal hernias are the most frequent, whereas femoral hernias are rarer but more common 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: A noticeable lump or discomfort in the abdomen that worsens with coughing, lifting, or physical effort.
Treatment options: If a ventral hernia causes no symptoms, monitoring it may be appropriate. Should it grow or become painful, surgical repair is generally recommended.
Hernia Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
Providing care to patients across Hampton, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam applies his wide experience in open and laparoscopic hernia repair and his commitment to patient-centred treatment for optimal outcomes.
After receiving your referral, his process includes:
- Initial consultation: Assessing your condition, confirming the hernia type, and discussing potential risks and treatment options.
- 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.
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 Hampton.
Mesh and Your Hernia Repair
Most hernia repairs today use non-absorbable mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall and reduce the likelihood of the hernia recurring. While small hernias with minimal symptoms may sometimes be managed with ‘watchful waiting’ or non-mesh tissue repair, mesh reinforcement is considered the gold standard for most 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 surgery represents the latest advancement in minimally invasive techniques, merging robotic precision with the skill of an experienced hernia surgeon. Through the da Vinci Xi system, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers procedures with enhanced control, smaller cuts, and quicker recovery than traditional laparoscopic surgery. The next generation of hernia repair, robotic surgery, blends state-of-the-art robotic precision with the hands-on care of a hernia surgeon. Using the da Vinci Xi robotic platform, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam achieves high accuracy, minimal scarring, and a faster return to normal activity.
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:
- Minimal scarring and less discomfort after surgery
- Lower risk of wound complications and 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 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.
Are you ready to take the next step toward relieving your hernia-related discomfort?
Your Hernia Surgery Hampton 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?
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 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?
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?
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
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam consults across multiple locations in Victoria, allowing you to choose the location most convenient for you.
Our Location near Hampton
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.