Hernia Surgery Mitcham
Understanding Hernias
A hernia can cause both physical discomfort and emotional frustration. It often starts as a minor swelling or slight pain in the groin or stomach area and tends to become more pronounced with exertion, coughing, or lifting.
Although certain hernias may cause little more than mild discomfort, others can result in ongoing pain or serious complications when not addressed.
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
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 persistent pulling or dragging feeling
- Noticeable pressure in the affected area
- Discomfort
- Localised swelling around the affected area
- Discomfort or aching around the bulge
- Discomfort or aching brought on by heavy 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 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: 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 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 Mitcham, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam applies his wide experience in open and laparoscopic hernia repair and his commitment to patient-centred treatment for optimal outcomes.
After your referral has been submitted, the next steps in his process are:
- Initial consultation: Assessing your condition, confirming the hernia type, and discussing potential risks and treatment options.
- Hernia repair surgery: Conducted using minimally invasive keyhole surgery or traditional open repair.
- Recovery and follow-up: Supporting patients with guidance on when to resume strenuous activity or strenuous exercise after surgery.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is also recognised by other surgeons for his interest in complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, making him a trusted choice for referrals across the Mitcham hernia community.
Mesh and Your Hernia Repair
Non-absorbable mesh is now widely used in hernia surgery to strengthen weak areas of the abdominal wall and minimise recurrence. While observation or non-mesh repairs may be suitable for very small hernias, mesh reinforcement is generally recommended for inguinal and ventral hernias.
The use of surgical mesh is strictly regulated in Australia through the TGA and supported by the ANZ Hernia Society. Although rare, complications can happen in both mesh and non-mesh procedures. Mesh repairs typically offer reduced recurrence rates, and Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will guide you through the pros, cons, and what best suits your situation.
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.
Robotic surgery is particularly advantageous for difficult hernias, including ventral, incisional, inguinal, and recurrent types, where detailed dissection and tension-free closure are vital. The technology’s 3D imaging, tremor stabilisation, and articulated instruments offer superior precision for tasks like mesh positioning or tissue separation.
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
- Speedier return to everyday tasks and professional duties
- Improved precision in abdominal wall reconstruction
- Consistent and reliable results in challenging or repeat hernia cases
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 manage your hernia and move forward without ongoing 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?
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?
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
Most patients are seen within one week of referral, with streamlined GP and specialist communication.
Convenient Access
With consulting rooms in multiple Victoria locations, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers flexibility so you can attend appointments at a location that suits you best.
Book Your Hernia Consultation Today
If you suspect a hernia due to pain, swelling, or a visible lump, you can access expert care close to home. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides complex hernia repair services throughout Victoria.
Don’t let hernia pain or discomfort affect your daily life; arrange a consultation today to discuss your treatment options.