Results may vary depending on the type of procedure and each patient’s overall condition.

• Advantages of this procedure:
• Less post-operative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster return to regular diet
• Faster return to normal activity
• Improved physical appearance

Most patients can go home on the same day. Few patients stay overnight for pain or social/familial reasons. Patients with large or complex hernia may have to be warded for a few days, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

In NUH, most hernias are operated under General Anaesthesia (GA). Local Anaesthesia (LA) can also be an option for patients who are not suitable for GA.

The only treatment for hernia is surgery to repair the hernia defect in the muscle. By not undergoing surgery, the hernia defect may increase in size and a portion of the intestine or fat inside the abdomen may pass through the defect and get trapped. This may lead to blockage or strangulation of the intestine. Patients may also get a sudden onset of abdominal pain, distention of abdomen, persistent vomiting and constipation.

Most hernias need to be repaired surgically to treat symptoms and prevent complications (e.g. strangulation of intestine). Truss or abdominal binder are just temporary measures while awaiting surgery.

Most patients notice a bulge over the abdomen. Some patients may experience pain over the swelling particularly while straining, and/or during physical activity. Most hernias are diagnosed by routine clinical examinations. In some cases, an ultrasound or a CT scan can be performed (i.e. large hernia, complex hernia, recurrent hernia, obese patient etc).