Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Chennai
Are you experiencing pain or a bulge in your groin area? It could be an inguinal hernia. This is one of the most common types of hernia. It affects both men and women. Consulting an experienced hernia specialist in Chennai at the earliest is very important. Without proper treatment, it can lead to serious complications.
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is the most trusted choice for inguinal hernia treatment in Chennai. He is a Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Clinical Lead at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai. He also consults at SS Surgical Clinic, Mylapore, Chennai.
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy has over 17+ years of experience in advanced hernia surgeries. He holds MS, DNB (GI Surgery), FMAS, and FMIAS qualifications. He is trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System. He specialises in laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery in Chennai.
He has received the prestigious Travel Grant Award at AHPBA 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. He has co-authored 34 research papers in national and international journals. He has been invited as faculty at multiple international surgical conferences across the world. Patients across Chennai and Tamil Nadu trust him for his expertise and compassionate care.
What is Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when soft tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This weak spot is located in the inguinal canal in the groin area. The inguinal canal is a passage in the lower abdominal wall.
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They account for nearly 75% of all abdominal hernias. They are more common in men than in women. Men have a natural weakness in this area due to the path taken by the testicles during foetal development.
What are the types of inguinal hernia?
There are two main inguinal hernia types:
- Indirect inguinal hernia: This is most common in children and is caused by a congenital defect in the abdominal wall, a persistent opening that does not close during fetal development, or weakness in the inguinal canal.
- Direct inguinal hernia: These inguinal hernia types typically grow in older adults due to muscle weakness or aging.
What are the causes of Inguinal Hernia?
Inguinal hernias develop when there is increased pressure on the abdominal wall combined with a pre-existing weakness. Common causes include:
- Chronic straining during bowel movements or urination
- Heavy lifting without proper technique
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Pregnancy, which puts extra pressure on the abdominal wall
- Previous surgeries in the groin or lower abdomen
- Family history of hernias
- Premature birth, as the inguinal canal may not close completely
What are the Signs & Symptoms of inguinal Hernias?
The symptoms of an inguinal hernia can change from person to person, and some people may not experience any signs at all. However, common symptoms and signs associated with inguinal hernias include:
- The appearance of a bulge or swelling in the groin area
- Feeling of pressure, heaviness, or discomfort in the groin region
- Burning or aching feeling at the site of the hernia
- Weakness or pressure in the groin
- Swelling or enlargement of the scrotum (in males)
- Nausea and vomiting (in severe cases)
Inguinal hernias in newborns:
Inguinal hernias are also seen in newborns and young children. They occur when the inguinal canal does not close properly after birth. Premature babies are at higher risk.
Signs to watch for in newborns include:
- A bulge in the groin or scrotum area
- The baby becomes unusually fussy or cries without reason
- The bulge becomes firm or tender
- Vomiting or poor feeding in the baby
If you notice any of these signs in your child, consult a doctor immediately. Inguinal hernias in newborns need prompt medical attention. Surgery is recommended at the earliest to prevent complications.
How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?
When you visit Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, Chennai for diagnosis or treatment of an inguinal hernia, The inguinal hernia diagnosis process may involve the following steps:
- Medical History: The doctor will inquire about your inguinal hernia symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
- Physical Test: The doctor will examine the groin area while you’re standing and lying down, looking for a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum, which is characteristic of an inguinal hernia.
- Cough Test: You may be asked to cough or strain during the exam to help the doctor detect the hernia more easily.
- Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be advised to confirm the diagnosis or evaluate the extent of the hernia.
Treatment Options For Inguinal Hernia:
Surgery is the most effective and permanent treatment for an inguinal hernia. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy offers three surgical options:
- Open Hernia Surgery: Open surgery is the traditional method. The surgeon makes a single incision near the groin. The hernia is gently pushed back and the weak spot is repaired using stitches or a mesh. It is a well-proven procedure. It is often preferred for emergency cases or strangulated hernias. Recovery takes slightly longer compared to minimally invasive options.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery in Chennai: Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon makes small incisions and uses a tiny camera to guide the repair. A mesh is placed to strengthen the weak area. Benefits include:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery time
- Minimal pain and scarring
- Lower risk of recurrence
- Quick return to daily activities
- Robotic Hernia Surgery in Chennai: Robotic hernia surgery uses the advanced da Vinci Surgical System. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System. This gives greater precision, enhanced 3D vision, and better control during surgery. Benefits include:
- Higher surgical accuracy
- Minimal blood loss
- Reduced risk of complications
- Faster recovery
- Ideal for complex or recurrent hernias
All surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy carefully evaluates every patient before recommending the most suitable surgical option.
What happens if the Inguinal hernia is untreated?
If an inguinal hernia is left untreated, it can potentially lead to different difficulties. Here are some probable consequences of untreated inguinal hernias:
- Incarceration: An incarcerated hernia happens when the herniated tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. This can lead to necessary pain, discomfort, and swelling at the hernia site.
- Strangulation: A strangulated hernia is a severe complication that happens when the blood supply to the herniated tissue is compromised. This can result in tissue death and lead to a medical crisis.
- Bowel obstruction: If a portion of the intestine becomes trapped or twisted within the hernia, it can lead to a complete or partial blockage of the bowel. This can cause indications such as intense abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and the inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
- Increased size and discomfort: Over time, an untreated inguinal hernia may gradually increase in size.
What are the complications of Inguinal hernia?
Complications of inguinal hernia repair surgery may include:
- Surgical Site Infection: Infections at the incision site can occur, ranging from superficial to deep incisional infections.
- Mesh Difficulties: Mesh migration and erosion, where the surgical mesh used to repair the hernia may move from its original place or cause tissue erosion.
- Recurrence: Despite surgery, hernias can sometimes recur, necessitating further therapy.
- Chronic Pain: This may be experienced in some cases due to nerve damage, scar tissue formation, or other factors.
- Urinary Symptoms: In rare cases, surgery for inguinal hernia repair may lead to genitourinary complications, such as urinary retention or other urinary symptoms.
Why choose Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for Inguinal Hernia Care in Chennai?
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is one of the most trusted hernia specialists in Chennai. Here is why patients choose him:
- MS, DNB (GI Surgery), FMAS, FMIAS – highly qualified and specially trained
- Over 17 years of experience in advanced hernia surgeries
- Expert in open, laparoscopic hernia surgery in Chennai and robotic hernia surgery in Chennai
- Trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System
- Co-authored 34 research papers in national and international journals
- Received the Travel Grant Award at AHPBA 2019, Seoul, South Korea
- Invited as faculty at AMASICON 2020 and Sri Lankan Surgical Society Annual Conference 2020
- Presented 7 research papers at the 13th IHPBA World Congress, Geneva, Switzerland
- Also practises as a gastroenterologist in Chennai for complete GI care
- Provides personalised treatment plans for every patient
- Transparent process with clear communication before and after surgery
- Consults at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, Teynampet, Chennai and SS Surgical Clinic, Mylapore, Chennai.
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy believes every patient deserves the best care. His focus is on safe surgery, fast recovery, and long-term results.
Book An Appointment:
If you are diagnosed with an Inguinal Hernia and looking for the best care then consult with Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at SS Surgical Clinic, chennai. Feel Free to Book an appointment online and call us at 9677231111 .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Surgery is the only permanent solution for an inguinal hernia. It does not go away on its own and can become dangerous if left untreated.
Yes. Laparoscopic hernia surgery in Chennai is very safe. It is minimally invasive with faster recovery and fewer complications compared to open surgery.
Most patients resume light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery after laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery takes about 2 to 4 weeks.
Yes. Inguinal hernias are common in newborns and young children, especially premature babies. Early surgical treatment is recommended.
Both are minimally invasive. Robotic surgery offers greater precision with 3D vision and flexible robotic arms. It is ideal for complex or recurring hernias.
The risk of recurrence is very low when mesh repair is performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy.
Yes. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy offers advanced robotic hernia surgery in Chennai at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, Teynampet.
You can call 96772 31111 or visit www.drsrivatsan.com to book your consultation.