Hernia Surgery Mitcham
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.
Some hernias may remain manageable for a time, but others can progress to cause persistent pain or, in severe cases, become life-threatening if ignored.
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
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 heavy or uncomfortable dragging sensation
- A feeling of pressure or fullness
- Mild to moderate pain or discomfort
- A noticeable bulge or puffiness
- Pain where the lump is located
- Pain that worsens during physical exertion or lifting
- A noticeable burning or tingling sensation near the lump
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: Swelling or pain near the umbilicus, often becoming more obvious when standing, coughing, or lifting.
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: 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: Pain, pressure, and a bulge in the groin area that becomes more visible when coughing or straining. However, not all groin hernias cause a lump, and in women, they may present only with pain or discomfort.
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: Swelling, pressure, or pain in the abdominal region, often more obvious during movement or when straining.
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
As a general surgeon with extensive experience in both open and laparoscopic hernia repair, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides tailored care for patients in Mitcham. He combines advanced laparoscopic techniques with a patient-centred philosophy to aim for the best outcomes.
Once a referral is received, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam’s process involves:
- Initial consultation: Confirming diagnosis, identifying the hernia, and reviewing risks and benefits.
- Hernia repair surgery: Conducted using minimally invasive keyhole surgery or traditional open repair.
- 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 Mitcham.
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 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:
- Smaller incisions leading to reduced pain following the procedure
- Lower risk of wound complications and infection
- Quicker return to normal activity and work
- Greater accuracy during abdominal wall repair and reconstruction
- Reliable, high-quality results even in complex or previously repaired 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 Mitcham Questions Answered
Do all hernias need surgery?
Hernias do not resolve without treatment, which is why surgery is generally advised to stop them from worsening or causing complications such as strangulation. Often, mesh is used to strengthen the repair and lower the risk of recurrence. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will guide you on whether mesh or non-mesh repair best suits your case.
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?
An open hernia repair is done through a single incision above the hernia, while laparoscopic repair involves small keyhole incisions and a camera for internal viewing. Both restore the abdominal wall, but laparoscopic surgery can enable a speedier return to normal activity.
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?
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?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are 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
Patients are typically scheduled within a week of referral, ensuring clear and efficient communication between GPs and specialists.
Convenient Access
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam consults across multiple locations in Victoria, allowing you to choose the location most convenient for you.
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.