Hernia Surgery Melton South
Personalised hernia surgery from a Melton South-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.
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 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 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 sensation of heaviness or dragging in the affected area
- Pressure
- Mild to moderate pain or discomfort
- Visible or tender swelling
- Tenderness or pain at the site of the lump
- Pain that worsens during physical exertion or lifting
- A feeling of heat or irritation 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
There are three main types of abdominal wall hernia:
Umbilical Hernia
What it is: An umbilical hernia occurs when tissue near the navel (belly button, or umbilicus) protrudes through the abdominal wall muscles.
Common symptoms: Swelling or pain near the umbilicus, often becoming more obvious when standing, coughing, or lifting.
Treatment options: While an umbilical hernia might start small, it can become dangerous if strangulation occurs. Surgical repair is the only method to correct it safely.
Groin Hernia
What it is: A groin hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the lower abdominal wall, extending from the lower abdomen into the groin area and sometimes toward the upper thigh. While the most common type is an inguinal hernia, women are also more likely to develop a femoral hernia (which is less common overall).
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: 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: 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: 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
Providing care to patients across Melton South, 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: 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 Melton South.
Mesh and Your Hernia Repair
Most hernia repairs today use 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.
Mesh is tightly regulated in Australia by the TGA and supported by the ANZ Hernia Society. Though complications are rare, they may occur with both mesh and non-mesh repairs; however, mesh repairs generally have lower recurrence rates. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and your individual circumstances so you can make an informed decision.
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.
Some of the key potential benefits of robotic hernia repair are:
- Smaller scars and reduced postoperative pain
- Lower risk of wound complications and infection
- Shorter downtime before resuming normal activities and work
- Improved precision in abdominal wall reconstruction
- Safe and reproducible outcomes for complex or recurrent 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.
Looking to treat your hernia and get back to feeling comfortable again?
Your Hernia Surgery Melton South 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?
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?
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?
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
Most referrals are processed quickly, with appointments usually available within one week and seamless coordination between your GP and the surgical team.
Convenient Access
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam consults across multiple locations in Victoria, allowing you to choose the location most convenient for you.
Our Location near Melton South
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 discomfort rule your life; book your appointment today to discuss the most appropriate treatment for your hernia.