Hernia Treatment and Surgery in Punjab

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Symptoms, urgency and treatment options differ by hernia type and patient health. Dr. Raman Garg, Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda, has 20+ years of experience and has performed 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs.

People considering hernia repair can ask about open and laparoscopic approaches, likely benefits, risks, alternatives and recovery. Incision size, recurrence risk and recovery depend on the hernia, technique, facility and individual health; these should be discussed during a consultation.

Types of Hernia We Treat

Inguinal Hernia: Symptoms and Care

Most common type — groin area. More frequent in men. Tissue pushes through inguinal canal. Repaired with TEP or TAPP laparoscopic technique.

Umbilical Hernia: Symptoms and Care

At the navel/belly button. Common in adults with obesity or previous pregnancies. Laparoscopic repair with mesh.

Incisional Hernia: Assessment and Care

Occurs at site of previous surgery. Can be large. Laparoscopic repair preferred to avoid another large incision.

Femoral Hernia: Symptoms and Care

Below inguinal ligament, more common in women. Higher strangulation risk. Prompt surgical repair recommended.

Hiatal Hernia: Symptoms and Care

Part of stomach pushes through diaphragm. Causes severe GERD. Treated with laparoscopic fundoplication.

Epigastric Hernia: Assessment and Care

Small fatty hernia above navel. Usually small, simple repair.

Sports Hernia: Assessment and Care

Groin injury in athletes with abdominal/thigh pain. Specialized surgical repair.

Obturator Hernia: Assessment and Care

Rare hernia through obturator foramen. Common in elderly thin women. Complex repair.

Hernia Warning Signs

Go to emergency immediately if you have a hernia and notice:

Hernia becomes hard, tender, and cannot be pushed back (irreducible/incarcerated)
Overlying skin turns red or blue (strangulated hernia — surgical emergency!)
Sudden severe pain at the hernia site
Nausea, vomiting, inability to pass stools/gas
Fever with hernia pain

Laparoscopic vs Open Hernia Repair

Parameter	Laparoscopic	Open Surgery
Incision size	3 tiny cuts (5–10mm)	1 cut (4–8cm)
Post-op pain	Minimal	Moderate to severe
Hospital stay	Same day / 1 day	2–3 days
Return to work	5–10 days	3–4 weeks
Recurrence rate	<1–2%	3–5%
Both sides (bilateral)	Both repaired at once	Two separate operations
Wound infection	Very low	Higher risk

Cities in Punjab We Serve

Patients from these cities and districts regularly visit Dr. Raman Garg's clinic in Bathinda for hernia surgery:

Bathinda Ludhiana Amritsar Patiala Jalandhar Sangrur Mansa Barnala Faridkot Muktsar Ferozepur Fazilka Mohali Ropar Fatehgarh Sahib Kapurthala Gurdaspur Pathankot Hoshiarpur Nawanshahr

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hernia surgery necessary?

Hernia cannot heal on its own. Surgery is the only permanent cure. All symptomatic hernias and hernias at risk of complications (strangulation) should be repaired surgically. Waiting increases risk of emergency surgery.

What is the advantage of laparoscopic hernia repair?

Laparoscopic hernia repair uses 3 tiny incisions instead of one large cut — less pain, faster recovery (back to work in 1–2 weeks), lower infection risk, and lower recurrence rates. Both inguinal hernias can be repaired in one operation.

How long does hernia surgery take?

Laparoscopic hernia repair typically takes 30–60 minutes under general anaesthesia. Most patients go home the same day or within 24 hours.

Can hernia come back after surgery?

Recurrence risk after laparoscopic mesh repair is very low — less than 1–2%. Using mesh significantly reduces recurrence compared to tissue-only repair.

Hernia Treatment in Punjab