Hernia Surgery in Ranchi

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue, usually part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall that normally holds it in. It shows up as a bulge, often in the groin or around the navel. Hernias do not heal on their own, and over time they can grow larger or cause complications. The General Surgery department at Santevita Hospital, Ranchi, lists hernia repair, including simple, obstructed and strangulated hernias, by open or laparoscopic approach. This page explains the types of hernia, symptoms and warning signs, treatment options, how laparoscopic and open repair compare, and what recovery looks like.

Types of hernia

• Inguinal hernia: A bulge in the groin. It is the most common type and is seen more often in men.
• Femoral hernia: A bulge just below the groin, more often in women.
• Umbilical hernia: A bulge at or near the navel, seen in children and in adults.
• Incisional hernia: A bulge at the site of an earlier surgical scar.
• Epigastric hernia: A bulge in the middle of the upper abdomen, between the navel and the breastbone.
• Hiatal hernia: Part of the stomach moves up through the diaphragm, which can cause acid reflux.

Risk factors include a weak abdominal wall, straining during heavy lifting or constipation, a chronic cough, pregnancy, obesity, and earlier abdominal surgery. Managing constipation, quitting smoking and keeping a healthy weight can help lower the chance of a hernia or of its return.

Symptoms and warning signs

Many hernias begin as a soft bulge that may be more visible when you stand, cough or strain, and may disappear when you lie down. Other symptoms include:

• A dull ache, pulling or heaviness at the site
• Discomfort when lifting, bending or exercising
• A bulge that slowly grows larger

A surgeon can usually diagnose a hernia by examination. An ultrasound is sometimes done to confirm it, and a CT scan may be needed for complex or recurrent hernias.

Seek emergency care at once if:

• The bulge becomes hard, tender or cannot be pushed back
• There is severe pain, redness or a dark colour over the bulge
• There is vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or you cannot pass gas or stool

These can be signs of an obstructed or strangulated hernia, where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is at risk. It needs urgent treatment. Call 073600 33390 or go to the emergency department.

Treatment options

Your surgeon decides after examining you, and sometimes after an ultrasound or other imaging.

• Watchful waiting: A small hernia that causes no symptoms may be observed carefully, with regular follow-up. This is a choice for selected patients only.
• Surgery: Surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. The weak spot is closed, and a mesh is often placed to strengthen it. Surgery is usually advised when the hernia causes symptoms, grows larger or is at risk of complications.
• Emergency surgery: An obstructed or strangulated hernia needs urgent surgery.

A hernia belt may give temporary support, but it does not repair a hernia.

Before surgery: the anaesthesia team checks your fitness for surgery, and you may need blood tests and an ECG. Stop smoking before surgery, tell the team about all your medicines, especially blood thinners, and follow the fasting instructions.

Risks: these include bleeding, infection, pain at the site, a collection of fluid, difficulty passing urine for a short time, injury to nearby structures, problems related to mesh, and return of the hernia. Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to you.

Cost: the charges depend on the type and size of the hernia, the method of surgery, the room category and stay, and any additional care. Call 073600 33390 for an estimate after evaluation. Cashless approval depends on your insurer.

Laparoscopic vs open repair

Hernias can be repaired by open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. The choice depends on the type and size of the hernia, earlier surgeries, your health and the surgeon's judgement.

Neither approach is better for every patient. Your surgeon will explain which one suits you and why.

Recovery

Recovery depends on the type of hernia, the method of repair and your general health. The following is a general guide. Both before surgery and during recovery, the nursing team and your surgeon explain each step and answer your questions.

• Day of surgery: Rest, with pain relief and monitoring. Many patients go home within a day or two.
• First week: Walk short distances regularly. Keep the wounds clean and dry. Avoid lifting and straining.
• Weeks two to four: Return to desk work and light activity as your surgeon advises.
• Four to six weeks: Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are resumed gradually, only after your surgeon agrees.

To protect the repair, avoid constipation by eating fibre and drinking water, stop smoking, keep a healthy weight, and lift with care. Contact the hospital if you have fever, increasing pain, redness or swelling, or discharge from a wound.

Our surgeons

Dr. R. K. Maroo, Dr. R. S. Das and Dr. R. P. Shrivastva are listed as Specialists - General Surgery at Santevita Hospital. You can see their profiles and the OPD schedule on the Find a Doctor and OPD Schedule pages of this website. The method of surgery is chosen by the treating surgeon after evaluation. Surgery takes place in the hospital's operation theatre complex, with 24x7 critical care and emergency services available.

Frequently asked questions

Does a hernia always need surgery?

A hernia does not heal on its own. A small hernia without symptoms may be observed under a surgeon's guidance, but a hernia that causes symptoms or keeps growing usually needs repair.

How long is recovery?

Many people return to light activity and desk work within one to two weeks, and to strenuous activity after four to six weeks. Your surgeon will guide you.

Can a hernia come back?

A hernia can return in some patients. Following your surgeon's advice on lifting, weight and constipation lowers the chance.

Is hernia surgery done with a mesh?

A mesh is often used to strengthen the repair. Your surgeon will explain whether it is advised in your case.

Is hernia surgery done under general anaesthesia?

It depends on the type of hernia and the method. Open repair may be done under local, spinal or general anaesthesia, and laparoscopic repair usually needs general anaesthesia. The anaesthesia team will advise you.

When is a hernia an emergency?

A hard, painful bulge that cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting or a swollen abdomen, needs emergency care at once.

Consult our General Surgery team

To consult the General Surgery department or ask about OPD timings, call Santevita Hospital, Ranchi, on 073600 33390. The same number can be used for emergencies.