Hernias are common and do not heal on their own. Dr. Babu Elangovan repairs all types of abdominal-wall hernia using laparoscopic (keyhole) and open mesh techniques, restoring comfort and preventing complications.
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This weakness is often located in the abdominal wall or the groin. While many hernias begin as small, painless bulges, they do not heal on their own and typically enlarge over time as pressure on the abdominal wall continues.
Understanding your symptoms and seeking timely medical evaluation is key to preventing complications. Dr. Babu Elangovan offers personalized care, guiding patients through diagnostic assessments and explaining the most suitable surgical options to restore abdominal strength and comfort.
Common Types of Hernias We Treat in Chennai
Hernias are classified based on where they occur in the body. Dr. Babu Elangovan treats a wide spectrum of abdominal and groin hernias, including:
Inguinal Hernia: A common groin hernia that occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal.
Umbilical Hernia: A bulge that develops near the belly button, frequently seen in adults due to increased abdominal pressure from chronic coughing, pregnancy, or obesity.
Incisional Hernia: A hernia that forms at the site of a previous surgical scar, where the abdominal muscles have weakened over time.
Ventral Hernia: A swelling that appears along the midline of the abdomen, often referred to as an epigastric hernia when located above the navel.
Hiatus Hernia: A condition where the upper portion of the stomach slips up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, often causing severe acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Advanced Options for Hernia Repair in Chennai
Surgical repair is the only definitive treatment for a hernia. The primary goal of surgery is to safely return the displaced tissue to its proper position and reinforce the weakened muscle wall. Dr. Babu Elangovan performs both minimally invasive and traditional open procedures, tailoring the approach to each patient's unique health profile.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: A keyhole technique performed using small incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments to place a synthetic mesh over the weak spot, resulting in less post-operative discomfort.
Open Mesh Hernia Repair: A traditional approach where a single incision is made over the bulge to repair the defect and secure it with a supportive mesh.
Hiatus Hernia Repair: A specialized procedure to reposition the stomach into the abdomen, tighten the opening in the diaphragm, and perform fundoplication to manage chronic reflux.
When Does a Hernia Require Urgent Medical Attention?
While many hernias can be managed with scheduled, elective surgery, certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency. If the blood supply to the herniated tissue becomes cut off, it can lead to tissue damage or bowel obstruction. This is known as a strangulated or incarcerated hernia.
Seek immediate emergency care if you experience any of the following warning signs:
Sudden Severe Pain: Intense, sharp pain at the hernia site that does not subside.
Inability to Reduce: A bulging lump that cannot be gently pushed back into the abdomen while lying flat.
Nausea and Vomiting: Systemic symptoms that suggest a potential blockage in the digestive tract.
Skin Changes: Redness, dark purple discolouration, or extreme tenderness over the swelling.
Recovery and Returning to Daily Activities
Modern hernia surgery is designed to minimize discomfort and facilitate a smooth recovery. Many laparoscopic procedures are performed on a day-care basis, allowing patients to return home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Patients are encouraged to walk and perform light activities shortly after surgery to promote circulation and prevent stiffness.
While normal daily routines can often be resumed within a week, patients must avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and intense abdominal strain for four to six weeks. This allows the surgical mesh and surrounding tissues to heal securely, minimizing the risk of recurrence.
Patients travel to Dr. Babu Elangovan's Chennai practice from across Tamil Nadu and the wider South India region for expert hernia care. Outstation and international patients are welcomed, and remote video second opinions are available before they travel to Chennai for surgery.
Hernia Surgery — watch & learn
GI & Liver Health Awareness
A general awareness video on gastrointestinal and liver health.
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It commonly develops in the abdomen or groin due to strain, chronic coughing, heavy lifting, or previous surgical incisions.
Can a hernia heal on its own without surgery?
No, hernias do not heal on their own. While some may remain small and cause minimal symptoms for a long time, they generally enlarge over time. Surgery is the only definitive way to repair a hernia and prevent serious complications like strangulation.
What is the difference between laparoscopic and open hernia surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery uses small keyhole incisions and a camera, leading to less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster return to daily activities. Open surgery involves a single larger incision over the hernia. Dr. Babu Elangovan recommends the best approach based on your specific hernia type and medical history.
Why is a mesh used in hernia repair?
A surgical mesh is a medical device used to provide additional support to the weakened muscle wall. Using a mesh significantly reduces the risk of the hernia recurring compared to repairing the defect with sutures alone.
How long is the recovery time after laparoscopic hernia surgery?
Most patients can return home within 24 to 48 hours. Light activities and walking can be resumed almost immediately. However, patients should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and vigorous activities for about four to six weeks to allow the tissues to heal properly.
How much does hernia surgery cost in Chennai?
The cost of hernia surgery in Chennai depends on several factors, including the type of hernia, whether the procedure is open or laparoscopic, the choice of mesh, and the hospital category. Most health insurance policies cover hernia repairs. Our team helps patients with insurance pre-authorisation and financial planning.
Where does Dr. Babu Elangovan consult in Chennai?
Dr. Babu Elangovan consults across Chennai, including Mira Health Care (Adyar), Kauvery Hospital (Alwarpet), Capstone Clinics (Nungambakkam), Kumaran Hospital (Kilpauk) and THANC Hospital (Kilpauk). See the Locations page for days and timings.
How do I book an appointment or a second opinion with Dr. Babu?
Use the Book Appointment button or message on WhatsApp. Share your reports and scans when you book so the consultation is focused. We also arrange remote second opinions for outstation patients before they travel to Chennai.
Hernia Surgery in Chennai
Dr. Babu Elangovan provides comprehensive hernia evaluations and surgical care across Chennai. He consults at Mira Health Care in Adyar, Kauvery Hospital in Alwarpet, Capstone Clinics in Nungambakkam, and Kumaran Hospital and THANC Hospital in Kilpauk, ensuring accessible treatment options for patients throughout the city.
Concerned about hernia surgery?
Request a consultation and choose your preferred hospital. Enquiries reach Dr. Babu’s team and you are directed to the most suitable consulting location.
