Specialist Hernia Surgery in Perth
Common hernias, symptoms to watch for, and what surgery and recovery typically looks like.
Mr Stein provides comprehensive assessment and surgery for a wide range of hernias, with a focus on relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and restoring the strength of the abdominal wall.
You may benefit from specialist review if you have a lump, pain, or swelling in the abdomen or groin, or symptoms that worsen with physical activity or straining.
Following assessment, treatment may include watchful waiting for selected patients or surgical repair using minimally invasive or open techniques, depending on the type and complexity of the hernia.
What is a Hernia?
Hernias develop when a weakness in the abdominal wall allows tissue or organ to protrude through. This weakness can be caused by repeated strain over time, a congenital weakness present from birth, genetic predisposition, or previous injury or abdominal surgery.
A common symptom is a visible lump or bulge, often more noticeable when coughing, lifting, or straining. Some hernias are deeper and may not be easily seen, particularly femoral hernias. Other signs may include pain, discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, or swelling.
Treatment for Hernias
A hernia will not heal on its own and is likely to enlarge over time. While not every case requires immediate surgery, painful, enlarging, or symptomatic hernias are usually recommended for repair. Early assessment helps determine the most appropriate treatment and may reduce the risk of future complications or emergency surgery.
Our Surgical Approach
Where appropriate, Mr Stein’s preferred technique is laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. This minimally invasive approach uses small incisions to repair the hernia and reinforce the abdominal wall with a surgical mesh. For many patients, laparoscopic repair offers less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery. However, the most appropriate surgical approach depends on the type of hernia, its complexity, and other contributing factors.
For large, complex, or recurrent hernias, traditional (open) repair may be recommended. This approach allows direct access to the hernia and may use stitches, surgical mesh, or a combination of both to strengthen the abdominal wall. Open repair is sometimes the safest and most effective option for achieving a durable repair.
Hernia Complications
Most hernias are not immediately dangerous and many remain stable for some time. However, hernias do not heal on their own and often gradually enlarge, increasing the risk of complications. Serious problems can occur if part of the bowel becomes trapped or the blood supply is compromised. Recognising the warning signs and seeking medical attention can prevent further problems and may reduce the need for emergency surgery.
An incarcerated hernia occurs when the hernia becomes trapped and can no longer be pushed back into the abdomen. This may cause persistent pain, swelling, or tenderness. If the hernia contains bowel, incarceration can lead to a bowel obstruction.
A bowel obstruction occurs when part of the intestine becomes blocked, preventing food, fluid, and gas from passing normally through the digestive tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and an inability to pass wind or open the bowels. Without prompt treatment, this can lead to serious complications.
Pressure from a prolonged bowel obstruction can cause the wall of the intestine to tear (perforate). This allows bowel contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to severe infection (peritonitis), which requires emergency surgery.
A strangulated hernia occurs when the blood supply to the trapped tissue or bowel is cut off. Without blood flow, the affected tissue can rapidly become damaged and die (gangrene). This is a life-threatening surgical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms Requiring Emergency Assessment
- A bulge that suddenly becomes painful, firm, tender, or changes colour (reddish purple or dark).
- A bulge that can no longer be gently pushed back in.
- Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth of the skin around the bulge.
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain, particularly with any nausea, vomiting, or an inability to pass wind or bowel motions.
- Fever or chills.
Commonly Treated Hernias
Learn the common signs of a hernia and when to seek surgical advice.
Ventral
Hernia
A ventral hernia develops through the front of the abdominal wall, often near the belly button. They typically enlarge over time, often causing discomfort or a noticeable bulge and interfering with daily tasks. Surgical repair is usually required to prevent progression.
Incisional
Hernia
An incisional hernia develops through a weakness in the abdominal wall at the site of a previous operation. They are common following abdominal surgery and often range from small asymptomatic defects to large, painful and more complex hernias.
Umbilical
Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs in or around the belly button (umbilicus), often enlarging gradually over time. While they commonly resolve without treatment in children, they do not heal on their own in adults, therefore surgical repair is often required.
Inguinal (Groin)
Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (inguinal) canal and is the most common type of hernia. It may be direct or indirect, depending on how it develops, and often becomes more painful or visible with increased abdominal pressure such as lifting, coughing, or straining.
Femoral (Groin)
Hernia
A femoral hernia develops in the femoral canal, just below the groin. Although less common than inguinal hernias, they have a higher risk of becoming trapped or strangulated. Prompt surgical repair is generally recommended to prevent serious complications.
Parastomal
Hernia
A parastomal hernia develops around an existing stoma due to weakness in the abdominal wall. They commonly disrupt stoma appliance fitting which can increase the risk of leakage. Surgical repair is typically recommended if stoma function is affected.
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