What Is Hernioplasty and How Is It Performed?
Hernioplasty is a type of surgery used to repair a hernia, a condition where internal tissue or organs push through a weak spot in the muscle wall. Unlike older methods that simply stitch the muscle together, hernioplasty strengthens the weak area using a synthetic mesh patch so the hernia is less likely to come back. This mesh supports the abdominal wall and reduces strain on the tissues.
Hernioplasty can be done in different ways, including open surgery (a larger incision over the hernia) or laparoscopic surgery (several small incisions with a camera). It is most commonly done for hernias in the groin (inguinal hernia), abdomen, or around a previous surgical site.
Purpose & Benefits of Hernioplasty
● Repairs hernias and reduces pain or discomfort caused by the bulge.
● Strengthens the weak muscle wall to lower the chance of hernia recurrence.
● Uses mesh support to provide long-lasting repair.
● Improves quality of life by allowing normal activities without symptoms.
● Can be done as a same-day procedure in many cases, especially laparoscopically.
● Minimally invasive options mean smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery for some patients.
Who May Need Hernioplasty?
Hernioplasty may be recommended for people who:
● Have a visible bulge or lump in the groin or abdomen that gets bigger with activity.
● Feel pain, heaviness, or discomfort when coughing, lifting, or bending.
● Have a hernia that cannot be pushed back in or gets stuck (incarcerated).
● Have symptoms affecting daily life or work.
● Need repair to avoid serious complications like bowel obstruction or strangulation.
Before surgery, a doctor evaluates the size and type of hernia and your overall health and chooses the best surgical technique for you.
Types of Hernioplasty
Open Hernioplasty
This is the traditional approach where the surgeon makes a single incision directly over the hernia site. The hernia sac is pushed back into place, and a mesh patch is placed to strengthen the muscle wall.
Laparoscopic Hernioplasty
In this minimally invasive approach, several small incisions are made, and a tiny camera (laparoscope) guides the surgeon. Mesh is placed inside the abdomen to cover the weak spot. This method typically leads to less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery.
Bilateral or Complex Hernia Repair
Some people have hernias on both sides (bilateral) or more complex hernias that require more careful planning. Laparoscopic approaches can often repair two hernias at once through small incisions.
Hernioplasty Procedure: Step-by-Step
1. Before surgery, your doctor reviews your medical history and may ask you to stop certain medicines. You may need to fast before the procedure.
2. You will receive either general anaesthesia (asleep) or local/regional anaesthesia (numb area) depending on your surgeon’s plan.
3. For open hernioplasty, a cut is made over the hernia site. For laparoscopic repair, several small incisions are used for the camera and instruments.
4. The hernia sac and contents are gently moved back into the abdominal cavity.
5. A mesh patch is positioned over the weakened area to support and reinforce the muscle wall.
6. The incisions are closed with sutures, staples, or surgical glue.
7. You are taken to recovery to wake up from anaesthesia and monitored before going home.
The surgery usually takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the type and complexity of the hernia.
Recovery & Aftercare
After hernioplasty:
● Most people can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
● You may feel soreness or mild pain, which medicine can manage.
● Swelling or bruising around the incision is common for a few weeks.
● Light activities like walking are encouraged soon, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks.
● Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to work and normal daily routines.
Most people recover well, and discomfort lessens over weeks rather than days.
Risks & Possible Complications
Like all surgeries, hernioplasty has some risks:
● Infection at the incision site may happen but is usually treated with antibiotics.
● Bleeding or fluid build-up (seroma/haematoma) around the surgical area.
● Nerve damage or numbness, which can cause mild discomfort.
● Mesh complications such as irritation or migration (rare).
● Hernia recurrence, meaning the hernia comes back.
● Reaction to anaesthesia may occur in some individuals.
Your surgeon will explain risks based on your health and hernia type before surgery.
Hernioplasty vs Other Hernia Treatments
● Hernioplasty vs Herniorrhaphy:
Herniorrhaphy simply stitches the muscle wall together, while hernioplasty adds mesh for reinforcement, lowering recurrence risk.
● Open vs Laparoscopic:
Open surgery may be easier for complex cases, but laparoscopic methods often mean smaller scars, less pain, and a faster return to activities.
● Non-surgical care:
In very mild cases, doctors may suggest watchful waiting, but hernias do not go away without surgery and can worsen over time.
Hernioplasty is often the best option when a hernia is causing symptoms or risks complications.
Dr. Pradeep Shriyan
MBBS, MS - General Surgery
Surgery
SurgeryDr. Pradeep Shriyan (MBBS, MS) is a Practicing General and Laparoscopic Surgeon with experience of more than two decades. He is very passionate about Patient Care and believes in a holistic approach to health. A unique combination of skills with a human touch, Dr Pradeep Shriyan works relentlessly for the betterment of the patients. His area of Specialization includes General and Laparoscopic Hernia, Gallbladder, Colo-rectal, Appendectomy, Piles, Fissure in Ano, Fistula, Diabetic Foot management, Rectal prolapse, Breast lump, etc. A Treatment approach with gracious smile on his Face relieves half of the pain and worries of the patient
179/180, Road Number 2, Kamal Charan Building, Jawahar Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- DocIndia Verified
- 1 Award
- SRV Hospital
Dr. Sivagamasundari Angamuthu
MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), FIAGES Consultant General, Laparoscopic & Laser Surgeon
General Surgeon
General SurgeonPodiatry
Dr. Sivagamasundari Angamuthu is a highly skilled Consultant General Surgeon with 18 years of extensive clinical experience, including 11 years as an independent surgeon. She completed her MBBS followed by DNB in General Surgery and FIAGES, reflecting advanced training in laparoscopic surgery. Her expertise includes elective and emergency procedures, laser proctology for anorectal conditions, endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins, hernia repairs, breast-related disorders, and gastrointestinal surgeries. Known for precision and ethical practice, she delivers patient-centered surgical excellence.
VARA 420 SWAGATH NAGAR, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, 695013
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- DocIndia Verified
- 300
- Dr. Siva's Clinic
Dr. Aditi Agrawal
MBBS, MS - General Surgery
Surgery
Siddhivinayak Eye & Skin Clinic, 303, Vini Elegance, 3rd Floor, L.T. Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Vijay Deshmukh
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, FCPS - General Surgery
Surgery
Vitatsu Dental & Multispeciality Clinic, B-107, 1st Floor, Twin Towers, 2nd Cross Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Hemant A Jain
MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery, MS - General Surgery, MBBS
Gastroenterology
.png){kind=small}
GastroenterologyS.V. Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Sanjay Singh Negi
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery
Gastroenterology
S.V. Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Manish Motwani
MBBS, MS - General Surgery
Surgery
Sparsh Derma Centre, 204, Ratan Galaxie, Above Hdfc Bank, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, near Make me smile.com, Mulund West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Shrikant Badwe
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology
Urology
Urology3-1, Ground Floor, Jaykar Smruti Building, Array Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Liladhar R. Chandan
MBBS, MS - General Surgery
Surgery
Mulund Goregaon Link Road, Industrial Area, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. N Arulvanan
MBBS, MS - General Surgery
Surgery
Mulund Goregaon Link Road, Industrial Area, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
