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Dr Sujit Singh Gill
Consultant Vascular & General Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Hernia repair surgery is a common procedure used to treat hernias that may cause pain, discomfort, or affect daily activities. Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, treatment may involve either open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery to repair the weakened tissue and reduce the risk of complications.
At The Vascular & General Surgery Centre, Dr Sujit Singh Gill provides personalised assessment and treatment for a range of hernia conditions.
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle or connective tissue (fascia). This often appears as a visible lump or bulge beneath the skin, particularly when standing, coughing, lifting, or straining.
Hernias can develop in different parts of the body, most commonly in the groin or abdominal wall. Depending on the type of hernia and the symptoms experienced, treatment may be recommended to prevent complications and relieve discomfort.
Hernias can develop when a weakness in the muscle or connective tissue is combined with increased pressure within the abdomen. Some people are born with a weakness that makes them more susceptible to hernias, while others develop them later in life due to aging, injury, or repeated strain on the abdominal wall.
| Cause Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Congenital | Present from birth due to a weakness in the abdominal wall that developed before birth. Symptoms may appear later in life. |
| Acquired | Develops over time due to ageing, injury, previous surgery, or repeated strain on the abdominal wall. |
Common risk factors include:
Symptoms can vary depending on the type, size, and location of the hernia. While some hernias may cause little or no discomfort initially, others can become increasingly noticeable or painful over time.
Common signs and symptoms of a hernia include:
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Persistent digestive symptoms such as reflux, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, or difficulty swallowing may warrant further evaluation.
Call +65 6736 2302 to arrange an assessment with Dr Sujit Singh Gill.
Hernias can occur in different parts of the body depending on where the weakness develops in the muscle or connective tissue. The most common types of hernia affect the groin and abdominal wall, although less common forms can occur in other areas.
| Hernia Type | Common Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Inguinal Hernia | Groin | The most common type of hernia. Occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall near the groin. More common in men. |
| Femoral Hernia | Upper thigh / groin | Develops when tissue pushes through a weak spot near the femoral canal. More common in women and may carry a higher risk of complications. |
| Umbilical Hernia | Belly button | Occurs when tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel. Common in infants but can also occur in adults. |
| Epigastric Hernia | Upper abdomen | Appears between the belly button and breastbone, often as a small lump caused by tissue pushing through the abdominal wall. |
| Incisional Hernia | Previous surgical site | Develops when tissue protrudes through a weakened area of scar tissue following abdominal surgery. |
| Perineal Hernia | Pelvic floor/perineum | A rare hernia occurring between the anus and genitals, sometimes associated with pelvic surgery or injury. |
| Diaphragmatic Hernia | Diaphragm | Occurs when abdominal organs move through an opening in the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. |
Diagnosing a hernia typically begins with a consultation and physical examination. In many cases, a hernia can be identified based on symptoms and examination findings alone, although imaging tests may sometimes be required to confirm the diagnosis or assess the hernia in greater detail.
Your surgeon will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and whether activities such as coughing, lifting, or straining make them worse. Your medical history, lifestyle, and any previous abdominal surgeries may also be discussed.
The affected area will be examined for signs of a bulge or swelling. You may be asked to stand, cough, or strain, as this can make the hernia more noticeable and help determine its size and location.
If the diagnosis is unclear or additional information is needed, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be recommended. These scans can help assess the size, location, and complexity of the hernia and identify any potential complications.
The most appropriate treatment for a hernia depends on its type, size, symptoms, and risk of complications. While some small hernias may be monitored, surgery is often recommended when a hernia causes symptoms, affects daily activities, or is at risk of becoming more serious.
Your surgeon may recommend hernia repair if:
In certain cases, particularly when a hernia is small and not causing symptoms, a watchful waiting approach may be appropriate. Your surgeon will assess your condition and discuss the most suitable treatment plan based on your individual circumstances.
While many hernias develop gradually and may cause only mild discomfort initially, some can lead to complications that require urgent medical care.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
These symptoms may indicate that a portion of the intestine has become trapped within the hernia (incarcerated hernia) or that its blood supply has been compromised (strangulated hernia). Prompt evaluation and treatment are important to prevent serious complications.
If you are experiencing a persistent bulge, discomfort, or symptoms that affect your daily activities, an assessment with Dr Sujit Singh Gill can help determine whether treatment is necessary.
Call +65 6736 2302 to schedule an appointment.
Hernia repair surgery is the most common treatment for hernias that cause symptoms, increase in size, or carry a risk of complications. The procedure aims to return the protruding tissue to its proper position and strengthen the abdominal wall defect.
Depending on the type of hernia, its location, and individual patient factors, hernia repair may be performed using either an open or laparoscopic (keyhole) approach.
Open hernia repair involves making an incision over the affected area to access the hernia directly. The protruding tissue is returned to its proper position, and the affected area is repaired. In many cases, a surgical mesh may be used to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive technique performed through several small incisions. Specialised instruments and a camera are used to repair the hernia from within the abdomen. Similar to open surgery, surgical mesh may be used to strengthen the repair and support long-term healing.
| Feature | Open Hernia Repair | Keyhole Hernia Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Single incision over the hernia | Several small incisions |
| Surgical Approach | Direct access to the hernia through the incision | Uses specialised instruments and a camera to repair the hernia internally |
| Recovery | Recovery may take longer depending on the procedure and patient | Often associated with a quicker return to normal activities |
| Scarring | Larger scar at the incision site | Smaller scars due to smaller incisions |
| Suitable For | Certain primary or complex hernias | Selected patients and hernia types |
| Mesh Reinforcement | Commonly used | Commonly used |
The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as the type of hernia, previous surgeries, anatomy, overall health, and surgeon assessment.
Preparing for hernia surgery can help support a smoother procedure and recovery. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your medical condition and the type of surgery planned.
Before your procedure, you may be advised to:
Following your surgeon's preoperative instructions carefully can help ensure that your surgery proceeds safely and as planned.
Hernia repair surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure. The operation is commonly performed as a day surgery procedure, allowing many patients to return home on the same day.
During the surgery, the protruding tissue is returned to its proper position, and the defective muscle of the abdominal wall is repaired. Depending on the type of hernia and surgical approach used, a surgical mesh may be placed to reinforce the repair and help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Recovery following hernia surgery varies depending on the type of hernia, surgical approach, and individual patient factors. Most patients are able to return home on the same day and resume light activities within a relatively short period.
Mild pain, bruising, swelling, or discomfort around the surgical site are common and typically improve with time. Pain relief medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Many patients are able to return to light daily activities, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided.
Activity levels can usually be increased gradually as recovery progresses, following your surgeon's advice.
Your surgeon may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing, assess your recovery, and address any concerns.
You will also receive instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and when it is safe to resume normal activities. Following these instructions carefully can help support a smooth recovery.
While some hernias may cause only mild symptoms initially, they generally do not resolve on their own and may enlarge or become more troublesome over time. Early assessment can help determine the type of hernia, evaluate the risk of complications, and identify the most appropriate treatment approach for your individual needs.
At The Vascular & General Surgery Centre, patients receive personalised assessment and treatment for a wide range of hernia conditions. Dr Sujit Singh Gill is a Consultant Vascular & General Surgeon who provides evaluation and surgical treatment for hernias, taking into account the type of hernia, symptoms, and overall health of each patient.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a hernia or would like to discuss your treatment options, contact us to arrange a consultation.
If left untreated, a hernia may gradually increase in size and become more symptomatic over time. In some cases, complications such as bowel obstruction, incarceration (when tissue becomes trapped), or strangulation (when blood supply is compromised) may occur and require urgent medical treatment.
Hernias generally do not heal on their own. While some small hernias may not cause symptoms initially, the weakness in the abdominal wall typically remains. Your surgeon may recommend monitoring certain hernias, but surgical repair is often the only definitive treatment.
Not always. In some cases, particularly when a hernia is small and not causing symptoms, a watchful waiting approach may be appropriate. However, surgery remains the most effective treatment for repairing the hernia and reducing the risk of future complications.
Although hernia repair is generally successful, recurrence can occur in some cases. Factors such as the type of hernia, surgical technique, wound healing, and individual patient factors may influence the likelihood of recurrence.
Hernia repair surgery is generally considered safe, but as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. These may include infection, bleeding, reactions to anaesthesia, fluid accumulation (seroma), injury to surrounding tissues, and hernia recurrence. Your surgeon will discuss the risks relevant to your individual condition before surgery.
The cost of hernia repair surgery in Singapore depends on several factors, including the type of hernia, surgical approach, hospital fees, and the complexity of the procedure. A detailed cost estimate can be provided after a consultation and assessment of your condition.
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Sujit Singh Gill is a Consultant Vascular & General Surgeon with over 25 years of specialist experience in the diagnosis and surgical management of hernia conditions. He provides treatment for common and complex hernias, including inguinal, femoral, umbilical, epigastric, and incisional hernias.
Dr Gill obtained his medical degree and Master of Medicine (Surgery) from the National University of Singapore, completed further surgical training at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, Australia, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. With a patient-centred approach to care, he focuses on careful assessment and personalised treatment recommendations based on each patient's condition and individual needs.
The Vascular & General Surgery Centre
Unit 18-05, Paragon Medical Suites, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6736 2302
Fax: +65 6736 4186
Whatsapp : +65 8866 7837
Email: enquiry@tvgsc.sg
24-hour Answering Service : +65 6535 8833
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