Expert Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Chennai

An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall into the groin region. It may appear as a visible or palpable lump in the groin and can become more prominent when standing, coughing, sneezing or lifting.

An inguinal hernia may initially cause little or no discomfort. As it becomes larger, some people may experience pain, heaviness, burning or pressure in the groin.

A proper examination by an inguinal hernia specialist in Chennai can determine the type and severity of the hernia and whether surgical treatment is required.

Dr. Kumaragurubaran is a Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist and Advanced Laparoscopic, GI & Robotic Surgeon at Billroth Hospitals, Chennai, with 28+ years of experience in inguinal hernia surgery and treatment. He has expertise across 30,000+ surgical procedures, including 20,000+ laparoscopic surgeries, and is an expert in robotic hernia surgery and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR). He provides comprehensive evaluation and personalised surgical treatment for inguinal hernias, with minimally invasive options considered based on the patient's condition.

When should you see an inguinal hernia surgeon in Chennai?

You should consult an inguinal hernia surgeon in Chennai such as Dr. Kumaragurubaran if you notice a persistent groin bulge, increasing swelling or recurring discomfort. A consultation is especially important when:

• The groin swelling is increasing in size
• Pain is becoming more frequent
• The hernia interferes with walking or exercise
• You experience pain while lifting
• The bulge becomes difficult to push back
• You have had previous hernia surgery
• The hernia has returned after an earlier repair

Sudden severe groin pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling or a firm swelling that cannot be pushed back requires urgent medical attention.

Types of inguinal hernia

1. Incomplete hernia — the hernia does not reach the bottom of the scrotum.
2. Complete inguinal hernia — the hernia reaches the bottom of the scrotum.
3. Direct inguinal hernia — the hernia comes out medially, and usually contains bladder.
4. Indirect inguinal hernia — the hernia comes out laterally, and usually contains bowel.
5. Left-side inguinal hernia — a hernia descending in the left groin.
6. Right-side inguinal hernia — a hernia descending in the right groin.
7. Bilateral inguinal hernia — a hernia appearing on both sides of the groin region.
8. Sports hernia versus inguinal hernia — a small tear in the muscle can lead to a sports hernia, where there may not be a proper sac; this can develop into a true hernia later.

What is the best inguinal hernia treatment in Chennai?

The best inguinal hernia treatment in Chennai depends on the patient's symptoms, hernia size, location, previous surgery and overall health.

Some minimally symptomatic hernias may be monitored under medical guidance. When surgical repair is recommended, the procedure may be performed using an open or a minimally invasive approach. The objective of inguinal hernia surgery is to repair the weakness in the abdominal wall and reduce the possibility of recurrence.

1. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in Chennai

Faster recovery · minimal pain · minimal scarring

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery in Chennai is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients who are suitable candidates for this approach. The procedure is performed through small incisions using a camera and specialised surgical instruments. During surgery the surgeon gently returns the protruding tissue to its proper position and strengthens the weakened area of the abdominal wall, usually with surgical mesh when appropriate. The choice of surgical technique depends on factors such as the type and size of the hernia, previous surgeries, and the patient's overall health.

Advantages of laparoscopic repair include:

• Small surgical incisions
• Reduced tissue disruption
• Less post-operative discomfort in many patients
• Earlier mobilisation
• Faster return to routine activities in suitable cases
• The ability to assess and treat certain bilateral hernias through the same minimally invasive approach

2. Robotic inguinal hernia surgery in Chennai

Robotic inguinal hernia surgery is performed in complex and recurrent inguinal hernia cases. The robotic arms are docked and the surgeon operates from the console with the help of the robotic instruments. It is especially useful in bilateral inguinal hernia and recurrent hernia surgery.

Advantages include 12–15 times magnification, along with fine tissue dissection and handling, which leads to less pain.

3. Open inguinal hernia surgery in Chennai

Open inguinal hernia surgery is usually performed for very large inguinal hernias such as a scroto-abdominal hernia, in emergencies such as an obstructed or strangulated inguinal hernia, or when the patient is not fit for general anaesthesia or a laparoscopic approach.

Open versus laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery

The most suitable surgical technique depends on the individual patient and should be decided after clinical evaluation.

Who may need inguinal hernia surgery?

Surgical repair may be recommended when an inguinal hernia:

• Causes persistent or increasing pain
• Is becoming larger
• Interferes with daily activities
• Causes significant discomfort during physical activity
• Becomes difficult to reduce
• Has returned after previous surgery
• Develops complications such as obstruction or strangulation

The decision for surgery should be made after assessment by an experienced surgeon.

Robotic and open inguinal hernia surgery: step by step

Robotic inguinal hernia surgery

1. The patient is given general anaesthesia.
2. The patient is positioned supine with the legs apart.
3. Gas is introduced into the abdomen and it is distended.
4. Robotic ports are introduced and the robotic arms and instruments are docked.
5. The surgeon sits at the console and takes control of the robotic arms.
6. An assistant surgeon remains next to the patient for assistance.
7. The hernia defect is identified and the contents are reduced.
8. The defect is closed.
9. Mesh is placed and fixed.
10. The robotic instruments are removed.
11. The gas is let out.
12. The robotic ports are removed and the incisions are closed.
13. The patient recovers from anaesthesia.

Open inguinal hernia surgery

Open repair may be recommended in certain patients depending on the hernia and individual circumstances.

1. It can be done under spinal, local or general anaesthesia.
2. A 7–8 cm incision is made and deepened over the groin area.
3. The hernia sac is isolated, ligated and divided.
4. The defect is closed.
5. Mesh is placed and fixed.
6. The incision is closed in layers.

Inguinal hernia mesh: side effects and safety

• Many patients have a fear of the mesh used in hernia surgery and of post-operative groin pain.
• Most of the time the mesh used in inguinal hernia surgery is safe and does not cause any major side effects.
• The mesh used is usually lightweight, macroporous and biocompatible, causing no side effects.
• Because the mesh is lightweight, it does not cause a heavy sensation after surgery.
• Newer fixation techniques have reduced the chance of chronic pain.
• Very rarely the mesh can become infected, due to poor sterility, uncontrolled diabetes or immunosuppressive medicines.

No-mesh inguinal hernia surgery — the Desarda technique

Some patients do not want mesh used in groin hernia surgery. In such patients the defect in the inguinal hernia is closed and reinforced with the patient's own external oblique aponeurosis. This is called the Desarda technique. Dr. Kumaragurubaran uses this technique in selected patients.

TAPP versus TEP hernia surgery

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery has two approaches.

TAPP — transabdominal preperitoneal

The peritoneal cavity is entered and the preperitoneal plane is reached by creating a peritoneal flap. It is considered safe where there is a history of previous surgeries, and is ideal for large, complex and bilateral hernias.

eTEP — extended totally extraperitoneal

The peritoneal cavity is not entered and the mesh is placed in the extraperitoneal plane.

• No adhesions
• Especially suitable for bilateral inguinal hernia
• Avoids entry into the abdomen, minimising risk to the internal organs

Groin hernia operation price in Chennai — inguinal hernia surgery cost

The cost of inguinal hernia surgery depends on the size and type of the hernia, the technique used, the type of mesh and other factors.

Hernia specialist hospital

Dr. Kumaragurubaran at Billroth Hospitals specialises in inguinal hernia surgery in Chennai, performing laparoscopic, robotic and open hernia surgery with state-of-the-art operation theatres, advanced 4K laparoscopic systems, a new-generation robotic system and round-the-clock availability of all specialists.

Best doctor for inguinal hernia surgery in Chennai

Since a hernia cannot heal on its own, and a chance of recurrence is always there if the hernia is not addressed correctly the first time, it is always safer to consult a hernia expert such as Dr. Kumaragurubaran. This gives long-lasting results, early recovery and prevents recurrence.

Choosing the right doctor for inguinal hernia surgery in Chennai involves considering surgical experience and expertise in selecting the most appropriate treatment technique. Dr. Kumaragurubaran has over 28 years of surgical experience in keyhole hernia surgery and treatment, and has performed more than 30,000 procedures, including over 20,000 laparoscopic surgeries.

Why choose Dr. Kumaragurubaran for your inguinal hernia repair in Chennai?

• 28+ years of experience in inguinal hernia surgery and treatment
• 28+ years in laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery
• 30,000+ procedures, including 20,000+ laparoscopic surgeries
• Day-care inguinal hernia surgery
• Expertise in recurrent inguinal hernia repair
• Robotic inguinal hernia surgery expertise
• Expertise in eTEP for bilateral inguinal hernia
• Mesh-less Desarda technique
• Inguinal hernia surgery under local anaesthesia

His approach

• Accurate diagnosis — understanding the location, size and characteristics of the inguinal hernia before recommending treatment.
• Appropriate surgical technique — selecting open or laparoscopic repair according to the patient's condition and surgical requirements.
• Minimally invasive expertise — with 28+ years of expertise, offering laparoscopic surgery for appropriately selected inguinal hernia patients.
• Individualised treatment — considering symptoms, previous surgery, overall health and the specific characteristics of the hernia.

Book a consultation with your expert hernia surgeon to discuss your inguinal hernia and the available treatment options.