Hernia Surgery Woodend
Tailored hernia care with one of Woodend’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.
While some hernias cause only minor inconvenience, others have the potential to lead to chronic pain or even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
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
A hernia occurs when tissue or organs push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, forming a noticeable bulge in areas such as the groin, navel, or an old surgical scar. Some people are born with a weakness in the muscle wall, while others develop a hernia later in life from strain caused by heavy lifting, persistent coughing, or bowel strain.
Symptoms of Hernias
Hernia symptoms can vary from person to person. In many cases, a noticeable lump appears that can be tender or become more painful when lifting or straining. Additional symptoms may include:
- A heavy or uncomfortable dragging sensation
- Pressure
- An ongoing sense of discomfort in the area
- Visible or tender swelling
- Localised pain in the area of the hernia
- A sharp or pulling pain felt when lifting something heavy
- A warm or burning sensation around the hernia site
Because hernias tend to enlarge over time and can cause serious complications, surgeons typically recommend hernia repair surgery.
Types of Hernia
Three key types of hernias can occur in the abdominal wall:
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: A bulge and tenderness around the navel area, which may increase when coughing, bending, or straining.
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: 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: Observation may be suitable for a small, pain-free groin hernia, though symptoms often arise within one to two years. Surgical repair is typically advised, as it may help ease related issues such as bowel or urinary discomfort.
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: Pain, pressure, and a visible bulge in the abdominal area that becomes more prominent when coughing or straining.
Treatment options: For ventral hernias that aren’t uncomfortable, watching and waiting is typically considered safe. However, if the hernia becomes larger or causes pain, hernia surgery is recommended.
Hernia Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam draws on his extensive background in open and laparoscopic hernia surgery to deliver personalised care for patients in Woodend, combining modern techniques with a caring, patient-first approach.
After your referral has been submitted, the next steps in his process are:
- Initial consultation: A detailed examination to confirm the hernia and outline the pros and cons of different treatment approaches.
- 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.
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 Woodend hernia community.
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.
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.
Robotic hernia surgery offers several important potential advantages, including:
- Less visible scarring and decreased pain during recovery
- Decreased risk of surgical site complications and infections
- Quicker return to normal activity and work
- More refined technique in reconstructing and reinforcing the abdominal wall
- Improved safety and predictable outcomes for recurrent or complex hernias
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 address your hernia and potentially eliminate your discomfort?
Your Hernia Surgery Woodend 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 type of procedure focuses on rebuilding the abdominal wall in cases of large or recurrent hernias. It typically includes repairing connective tissue, improving circulation, and strengthening the area with mesh reinforcement, such as an inguinal mesh plug.
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?
Vineyard Specialist Centre is easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Specialist in Complex Hernia Repair
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has extensive experience in open and laparoscopic techniques, abdominal wall reconstruction, and complex hernia repair.
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.
Our Location near Woodend
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.
Don’t let hernia pain or discomfort affect your daily life; arrange a consultation today to discuss your treatment options.