Hernia

India's Certified Centre of Excellence in 3D Mesh Hernia Repair

That bulge you've been ignoring? It won't go away on its own. But the good news is that fixing it is far simpler than you think.

Hernias are one of the most common surgical conditions in the world. At Healing Hands Clinic, we treat them with minimally invasive techniques, advanced mesh technology, and a level of specialisation that most general hospitals simply don't offer.

Whether you've just noticed a small lump, or you've been living with discomfort for months, this page will walk you through everything you need to know — clearly and honestly.

40+
Centres across India
Certified
Centre Of Excellence
by Dr. John Murphy, Ex-President, American Hernia Society
Daycare Surgery
Most patients go home the same day
Negligible
Recurrence rate with 3D Mesh repair

Our Centres In Pune

HOSPITALS
:

Pune Station

Chinchwad

Baner

Wanowrie

Dighi

Chakan

Katraj

Hadapsar

CLINICS
:

Swargate

Undri

Hinjawadi

What Exactly Is a Hernia?

Think of your abdominal wall as a strong protective covering around your internal organs. A hernia happens when there's a weak spot in that wall. When an organ or fatty tissue pushes through it, creating a visible or palpable bulge, we call it a hernia.

It sounds alarming, but hernias are extremely common. They can develop from the strain of heavy lifting, persistent coughing, previous surgery, pregnancy, or simply from a natural weakness in the muscle wall that has been there since birth.

The most important thing to understand

Hernias do not heal on their own. They tend to get larger over time; the larger they get, the more complex the repair. Getting treated early makes everything easier.

How Do You Know If You Have a Hernia?

Not all hernias are painful. Some are simply a bulge you notice while getting dressed. Others cause a dull ache that worsens through the day. Here are the most common signs:

  • A soft bulge or swellingin the groin, abdomen, or around the navel that may appear when you stand or cough, and disappear when you lie down
  • A dull ache or heavinessin the affected area, that worsens after long periods of standing, physical activity, or by evening
  • Discomfortwhen bending, lifting, or coughing
  • A feeling of weakness or pressurein the abdomen or groin
  • In some cases, no symptoms at alland the hernia is discovered only during a routine check-up
WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE CARE

If the bulge becomes hard, painful or cannot be pushed back in — see a doctor at the earliest. This may indicate a strangulated hernia, where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off. This is a surgical emergency.

Types of Hernia We Treat at HHC

Our surgeons are experienced in treating the full spectrum of hernias, from the most common to the most complex.

1. INGUINAL (Groin Hernia)

The most common type, especially in men. A portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall into the inguinal canal (groin area). At HHC, we repair inguinal hernias using Laparoscopic (TEP/TAPP) technique with a 3D mesh — offering precision, minimal pain, and faster recovery.

2. VENTRAL / INCISIONAL (Abdominal Wall Hernia)

A ventral hernia can develop anywhere along the midline of the abdomen. An incisional hernia specifically occurs at the site of a previous surgical scar, where the muscle wall may have weakened. At HHC, we repair both types using 15D Dual Mesh — a premium dual-sided mesh that integrates with surrounding tissue for lasting, recurrence-resistant repair.

3.UMBILICAL (Belly Button Hernia)

Occurs when tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near the navel. Common in infants, but also seen in adults — particularly those who are overweight or have had multiple pregnancies. At HHC, we use 15D Dual Mesh for umbilical hernia repair, providing durable, long-lasting reinforcement from both sides of the abdominal wall.

4. FEMORAL (Upper Thigh Hernia)

Less common than inguinal hernias, femoral hernias occur just below the groin crease and are more frequent in women. They carry a higher risk of complications and are best treated promptly.

How We Repair Hernias at HHC

There is no single approach that works for every hernia. The right technique depends on the type, size, and location of your hernia — as well as your age, fitness, and medical history. At HHC, your surgeon will discuss all options with you and recommend the approach that offers the best long-term outcome for your specific situation.

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Repair — with 3D Mesh

Recommended for: Inguinal (groin) hernias and most bilateral hernias

Our preferred approach for inguinal hernia repair is laparoscopic surgery — performed through key-hole incisions (each less than a centimetre) rather than a single large cut. A tiny camera guides the surgeon with a magnified, high-definition view of the operating field.

The hernia is repaired using a 3D mesh — a specially shaped, three-dimensional mesh that conforms naturally to the body's anatomy. Unlike flat mesh, 3D mesh sits comfortably in the space without needing to be stitched into surrounding tissue, which significantly reduces the risk of chronic post-operative pain.

Technique used : TEP (Total Extra-Peritoneal) or TAPP (Trans-Abdominal Pre-Peritoneal). Your surgeon will advise the most appropriate approach.

  • 3-4 tiny incisions, no large abdominal cuts
  • Significantly less post-operative pain compared to open repair
  • Back to light activity within a few days
  • Particularly advantageous for bilateral (both-sided) hernias, both sides repaired in one procedure
  • Lower risk of nerve injury and chronic groin pain

Open Repair — with FILAPROP Mesh

Recommended for: Specific inguinal hernias where open repair is clinically preferred

In selected cases — including large hernias, recurrent hernias following previous laparoscopic repair, or where anaesthesia considerations make laparoscopic surgery less suitable — we perform open hernia repair.

For open repair, we use Filaprop™ Mesh — a high-quality, lightweight polypropylene mesh with a filament structure designed to minimise the foreign body reaction, reduce stiffness, and promote natural tissue integration. It provides strong, reliable reinforcement while remaining comfortable over the long term.

Technique used: Lichtenstein repair, performed under local, spinal, or general anaesthesia depending on your case.

  • Performed under spinal or local anaesthesia in suitable cases
  • Well-established technique with excellent long-term outcomes
  • FILAPROP Mesh : lightweight, flexible, and well-tolerated by the body

Ventral & Umbilical Hernia Repair — with 15D Dual Mesh

Recommended for: Umbilical, paraumbilical, epigastric, and incisional hernias

Hernias of the abdominal wall — including those at or near the navel, along the midline, or at the site of a previous scar — require a repair that supports the abdominal wall from the inside as well as the outside. For these cases, we use 15D Dual Mesh.

15D Dual Mesh is a dual-sided composite mesh — one side is designed to integrate firmly with the abdominal wall tissue, while the other side is smooth to prevent adhesion to internal organs. This design provides durable, recurrence-resistant repair while being safe to place against the bowel and other abdominal contents.

Technique used: Laparoscopic or open placement, chosen based on hernia size and your anatomy.

  • Dual-sided design: strong integration on one side, organ-safe on the other
  • Excellent long-term durability — significantly reduces recurrence risk
  • Used in both laparoscopic (IPOM) and open repair approaches
  • Particularly suited for larger defects and recurrent ventral hernias
Why Does the Choice of Mesh Matter?

Mesh is at the heart of every modern hernia repair. It reinforces the weakness in the abdominal wall and dramatically reduces the chance of the hernia coming back. But not all meshes are the same, and the right choice matters.

At HHC, we choose the mesh based on your hernia, not convenience.

3D Mesh for laparoscopic inguinal repair. FILAPROP for open repair. 15D Dual Mesh for ventral and umbilical repair.
Each is chosen for a reason — to give you the best outcome for your specific anatomy.

3D Mesh:The three-dimensional shape allows the mesh to sit naturally in the anatomical space without sutures, reducing the tension and friction that cause chronic pain.
15D Dual Mesh:The dual surface — rough on one side for tissue bonding, smooth on the other to prevent organ adhesion — makes it uniquely suited for repairs where mesh contacts the abdominal cavity.
FILAPROP Mesh:The lightweight, filament structure means less stiffness and better tolerance by the body over the long term — patients feel more "natural" after recovery.

What to Expect — Before, During & After Surgery

Before Your Surgery

  • A thorough consultation with your surgeon to confirm the type and extent of the hernia (clinical examination + ultrasound if needed)
  • A pre-anaesthesia assessment to ensure you're fit for the procedure
  • You'll be asked to fast for 6–8 hours before the surgery

On the Day

  • Most hernia repairs are single day procedures — you arrive in the morning and go home the same evening or within 24hrs
  • The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes under general or spinal anaesthesia
  • You'll be moved to a recovery area after surgery, where our nursing team monitors you closely
  • Most patients feel comfortable enough to walk short distances within a few hours

After Surgery – Your Recovery

  • Mild soreness for the first few days that is managed easily with prescribed pain relief medication
  • Most patients return to light desk work within 3–5 days
  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 3–4 weeks
  • A follow-up appointment is scheduled at 1 week to check your wound and progress
  • Most people feel completely back to normal within 4–6 weeks
Every patient's recovery is individual. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on your procedure and your lifestyle.
Why Choose Healing Hands Clinic for Hernia Repair?

Certified Centre of Excellence in 3D Mesh Hernia Repair

Recognised by Dr. John Murphy — Ex-President, American Hernia Society

Specialised, not generalWe perform hernia surgeries every week — not occasionally. Specialisation matters.
Mesh matched to your herniaWe don't use a one-size-fits-all approach — the right mesh for your anatomy, every time.
Minimally invasive firstWe opt for laparoscopic repair wherever clinically suitable — less pain, faster return to life.
Day-care surgeryMost patients go home the same day, without an overnight hospital stay.
NABH-accredited facilityIndia's first NABH-accredited proctology clinic — meeting the highest standards in patient safety.
40+ cities across IndiaWhether you're in Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or beyond — expert hernia care is accessible.
Honest, unhurried consultationWe take the time to explain your condition fully, discuss all options, and answer every question.
Frequently asked questions

No. Hernias do not heal on their own. They may remain stable for a while, but they typically enlarge over time and can sometimes cause serious complications like strangulation (where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off). Surgery is the only definitive treatment for a hernia.

The procedure itself is done under anaesthesia, so you won't feel pain during surgery. Afterward, most patients experience mild to moderate soreness for a few days, which is well controlled with prescribed pain relief medication. Laparoscopic repair generally causes noticeably less post-operative pain than open surgery.

Recurrence rates with modern mesh repair are very low, especially when the mesh is matched correctly to the hernia type and the surgery is performed by an experienced specialist. Choosing the right technique and mesh, and following post-operative guidance on lifting and activity, both make a significant difference.

Most patients return to light desk-based work within 3–5 days of surgery. If your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity, your surgeon will advise waiting 3–4 weeks before resuming those tasks fully.

Laparoscopic repair generally offers less post-operative pain, smaller incisions, and a faster return to activity, and is particularly advantageous for bilateral hernias. However, it isn't suitable for every case — very large or complex hernias may still be better served by open repair. Your surgeon will recommend the best option for your specific situation.

In some cases, particularly open repairs for smaller hernias, local anaesthesia is an option. Laparoscopic repair generally requires general or spinal anaesthesia for the surgeon to work safely and comfortably. Your surgeon and anaesthesia team will assess what's appropriate based on your health and the type of repair.

Yes. Bilateral hernias are one of the situations where laparoscopic repair with 3D mesh is particularly advantageous — both sides can be repaired in a single procedure, through the same small incisions, without the need for two separate surgeries.
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