Hernia Surgery Newport
Personalised hernia surgery from a Newport-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.
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.
As a specialist general surgeon with interests and advanced knowledge in complex hernia repair, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is a natural choice for complex hernia cases, revision work, and referrals from other surgeons.
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 persistent pulling or dragging feeling
- Noticeable pressure in the affected area
- A feeling of unease or soreness
- Localised swelling around the affected area
- Discomfort or aching around the bulge
- Pain that worsens during physical exertion or lifting
- A warm or burning sensation around the hernia site
Since hernias usually worsen with time and carry risks if left unaddressed, most surgeons recommend surgical repair.
Types of Hernia
Abdominal wall hernias are generally grouped into three main types:
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: 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: 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: 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
As a general surgeon with extensive experience in both open and laparoscopic hernia repair, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides tailored care for patients in Newport. He combines advanced laparoscopic techniques with a patient-centred philosophy to aim for the best 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: Supporting patients with guidance on when to resume strenuous activity or strenuous exercise after surgery.
Among Newport’s surgical network, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is recognised for his experience in complex hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction cases, making him a preferred referral choice.
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.
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.
This technique offers significant benefits for complex or recurrent hernias, including ventral, incisional, and inguinal cases. Enhanced 3D imaging, tremor control, and wrist-like instrument motion provide exceptional precision during intricate steps such as component separation and mesh placement.
Robotic hernia surgery offers several important potential advantages, including:
- Smaller scars and reduced postoperative pain
- Fewer wound problems and a lower chance of postoperative infection
- Faster recovery and earlier return to daily routines or employment
- Greater accuracy during abdominal wall repair and reconstruction
- Consistent and reliable results in challenging or repeat hernia cases
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.
Ready to address your hernia and potentially eliminate your discomfort?
Your Hernia Surgery Newport 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?
Abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex surgical approach used for major or recurrent hernias. It may include restoring tissue layers, improving blood supply, and securing the repair with mesh, whether absorbable or permanent, for added durability.
How long is the recovery after hernia surgery?
Your recovery time varies depending on the type of hernia repair. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, allowing most patients to return home within a day. Gentle walking is encouraged soon after, though heavier activity should wait until your surgeon approves. Open hernia repair usually requires a longer recovery, often several weeks more. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will guide you on when it’s safe to resume normal routines.
What areas do you service?
Williamstown 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 Newport
Book Your Hernia Consultation Today
If you’ve noticed a lump, pain, or symptoms that suggest a hernia, treatment options are available close to home. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is a specialist in complex hernia repair and aims to offer lasting relief from multiple locations in Victoria.
Book your appointment today and find out which hernia treatment approach may be right for you, so you may get back to living comfortably.