Expert Laparoscopic Hernia Repair — Keyhole Surgery
A hernia is one of the most common surgical conditions — and one of the most treatable. Whether you have a lump in your groin, a bulge around your belly button, or discomfort at the site of a previous surgical scar, the right surgical assessment and repair can provide permanent, reliable relief.
Dr Devesh Kaushal is an upper GI and general surgeon based in Liverpool who specialises in laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair. Using minimally invasive techniques wherever clinically appropriate, Dr Kaushal provides expert hernia surgery with less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars than traditional open repair.
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or gap in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue wall. Most hernias develop in the abdominal wall — where the muscle layer has a natural opening, a point of weakness from a previous surgery, or has gradually weakened over time.
Hernias typically appear as a visible lump or bulge that may be more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining. They do not resolve on their own — and in many cases they enlarge over time. Left untreated, a hernia can lead to serious complications including incarceration (the hernia contents become trapped) or strangulation (the blood supply is cut off) — both of which are surgical emergencies.
Hernia surgery is the only definitive treatment. Trusses, supports, and lifestyle changes do not repair a hernia and do not prevent complications. If you have a hernia — or suspect you do — surgical assessment is recommended. |
▶ Inguinal Hernia |
The most common type of hernia — accounting for approximately 75% of all hernia repairs. Inguinal hernias occur in the groin when abdominal contents push through the inguinal canal. They are significantly more common in men. They may be direct (through a weakened floor of the canal) or indirect (through the internal inguinal ring). Common symptoms: Groin lump, dragging or aching discomfort, worsens with coughing or lifting |
▶ Femoral Hernia |
Femoral hernias occur just below the groin, through the femoral canal. They are more common in women and carry a higher risk of incarceration and strangulation than inguinal hernias. Prompt repair is recommended once diagnosed. Common symptoms: Small lump in the upper inner thigh or groin, sometimes with pain or discomfort |
▶ Umbilical Hernia |
An umbilical hernia develops at or around the belly button (umbilicus), where the abdominal wall naturally closes after birth. In adults, umbilical hernias typically develop due to increased abdominal pressure — from obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or ascites. Most umbilical hernias require repair. Common symptoms: Bulge at the belly button, may be reducible (goes back in when lying down), discomfort on straining |
▶ Incisional Hernia |
An incisional hernia develops through the scar of a previous abdominal surgery. The scar tissue is weaker than normal muscle and can develop a defect over time — particularly after laparotomy (large open abdominal surgery), caesarean section, or bowel surgery. Incisional hernias can be complex to repair, particularly when large. Common symptoms: Bulge along a previous surgical scar, discomfort with activity, visible enlargement over time |
▶ Epigastric Hernia |
Epigastric hernias occur in the midline of the upper abdomen, between the belly button and the breastbone. They develop through small gaps in the linea alba (the fibrous midline structure). Often small but symptomatic. Common symptoms: Small midline upper abdominal lump, point tenderness, worsens on straining |
▶ Hiatus Hernia |
A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Unlike groin or abdominal hernias, a hiatus hernia is not visible externally — it is diagnosed on endoscopy or imaging. Small hiatus hernias are common and managed medically. Large or symptomatic hiatus hernias may require surgical repair (fundoplication). Common symptoms: Acid reflux, heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing |
▶ Parastomal Hernia |
A parastomal hernia develops around a stoma (colostomy or ileostomy) site. The bowel pushes through the weakened abdominal wall alongside the stoma. These hernias can cause significant discomfort and stoma management difficulties. Surgical repair is considered based on symptoms and size. Common symptoms: Bulging around stoma, stoma bag fitting difficulties, discomfort |
Dr Kaushal performs hernia repair using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques wherever clinically appropriate. Here is how the two approaches compare:
Factor | Laparoscopic (Keyhole) | Open Repair |
Incision size | 3–4 small cuts (5–10mm) | One larger incision over hernia |
Pain after surgery | Mild to moderate — less than open | Moderate to significant |
Hospital stay | Day surgery — home same day usually | Overnight or longer for complex cases |
Return to light work | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
Return to heavy work | 4–6 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
Scarring | 3–4 small, fading scars | One visible scar at hernia site |
Recurrence rate | Low — comparable to open with mesh | Low — comparable to laparoscopic |
Bilateral hernias | Excellent — both sides at one operation | Requires two separate incisions |
Best for | Most hernia types, bilateral, recurrence | Very large, complex, or high-risk cases |
In most hernia repairs today — both laparoscopic and open — a synthetic mesh is used to reinforce the repair. Mesh is placed over or behind the hernia defect to provide durable structural support to the abdominal wall.
Mesh-related complications — such as chronic pain, mesh migration, or infection — are uncommon but do occur. The risk is significantly reduced by using appropriate mesh materials, correct surgical technique, and selecting the right approach for each patient. Dr Kaushal discusses mesh use, its benefits, and any specific considerations with every patient before surgery.
In selected small hernias — particularly small umbilical or epigastric hernias — primary suture repair without mesh may be appropriate. Dr Kaushal will advise you on the most suitable approach for your specific situation.
Not all hernias require immediate surgery — but all hernias should be assessed by a surgeon so that an informed decision about timing can be made. Dr Kaushal recommends prompt surgical review if you experience any of the following:
See Dr Kaushal Soon | ⚠ Emergency — Go to Hospital Now |
• A visible lump or bulge in the groin, belly button, or abdomen • Discomfort or aching that worsens with activity • A hernia that is enlarging over time • Difficulty with stoma management due to parastomal bulge • Diagnosed hernia on imaging without yet having a surgical review • Heartburn and reflux not responding to medication (hiatus hernia) | • Hernia that will not go back in (irreducible / incarcerated) • Severe, sudden pain at the hernia site • Hernia that becomes hard, red, or tender • Nausea and vomiting with a hernia • Signs of bowel obstruction — bloating, inability to pass wind or stool These may indicate strangulation — a surgical emergency requiring immediate care. |
1 | Consultation & Assessment Dr Kaushal reviews your symptoms, medical history, and any existing imaging. A clinical examination confirms the hernia type, size, and reducibility. The most appropriate surgical approach — laparoscopic or open — is discussed, along with expected outcomes and recovery. All questions are answered before any decision is made. |
2 | Pre-Operative Preparation Pre-operative blood tests and an anaesthetic review are arranged as needed. You will be given specific fasting instructions — usually nil by mouth from midnight. Discuss any blood thinning medications with Dr Kaushal’s rooms in advance. Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery. |
3 | The Surgery Laparoscopic hernia repair is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes depending on the hernia type and complexity. Three to four small incisions (5–10mm) are made. The hernia defect is identified and reduced. A mesh is positioned to reinforce the abdominal wall. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. |
4 | Recovery at Hospital Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning. Pain is managed with oral medication — most patients describe discomfort as mild to moderate, well controlled with prescribed analgesia. You need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you overnight. |
5 | Recovery at Home — Weeks 1–2 Rest at home for the first few days. Walk regularly — gentle movement aids healing and reduces the risk of blood clots. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg. Keep wounds dry and covered for the first 48 hours. Shower carefully after 48 hours. Return to light desk-based work is typically possible within 1 to 2 weeks. |
6 | Full Recovery — Weeks 4–6 Return to manual work, heavy lifting, gym, and strenuous physical activity at 4 to 6 weeks — once cleared by Dr Kaushal at follow-up. The hernia defect has been repaired and mesh integrated by this point. Most patients are completely back to normal life. |
Phase | Timeframe | Key Milestones |
Day of Surgery | Day 0 | Discharged same day or next morning. Oral pain medication. Responsible adult driver required. |
Early Recovery | Days 1–7 | Rest, gentle walking, wounds dry & covered, avoid lifting > 5kg, light diet. |
Return to Light Work | Weeks 1–2 | Desk work and driving resume when comfortable — usually 7–14 days. |
Gradual Activity | Weeks 2–4 | Increasing activity, light exercise, short walks extended. |
Full Recovery | Weeks 4–6 | Manual work, gym, heavy lifting — once cleared by Dr Kaushal. |
Long-term | 6+ Weeks | No restrictions. Scars continue to fade. Normal life fully resumed. |
FRACS Qualified Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons — the highest surgical qualification in Australia and New Zealand. | 15+ Years Experience Extensive experience in laparoscopic hernia repair including inguinal, umbilical, incisional, and complex hernias. |
Minimally Invasive First Laparoscopic keyhole repair wherever clinically appropriate — less pain, faster recovery, smaller scars. | UK Advanced Training Advanced surgical training at University Hospital Coventry — specialist upper GI and general surgical expertise. |
Active Researcher Published in Annals of Surgery and leading international surgical journals — patients benefit from latest evidence-based techniques. | Local Liverpool Care Expert hernia surgery right here in Liverpool — no need to travel to the city for specialist surgical care. |
Not always — but all hernias should be assessed by a surgeon. Small, asymptomatic hernias in patients with significant medical risk may be monitored rather than repaired. However, most hernias that are causing symptoms, enlarging, or at risk of complications should be repaired. A hernia will not resolve on its own, and the risk of complications increases over time without repair.
For most patients, laparoscopic repair offers significant advantages — less post-operative pain, faster return to normal activities, smaller scars, and a lower risk of wound complications. For bilateral inguinal hernias (both groins), laparoscopic repair is particularly advantageous as both sides can be repaired through the same small incisions in a single operation. Dr Kaushal will recommend the most appropriate approach for your specific hernia type and circumstances.
Hernia recurrence can occur after any type of repair — but modern techniques using mesh have significantly reduced recurrence rates. Inguinal hernia recurrence rates with mesh repair are typically 1–3%. Factors that increase recurrence risk include obesity, smoking, heavy manual work resumed too early, and chronic cough or straining. Dr Kaushal advises on all modifiable factors before your surgery.
This depends on the type of work you do. For desk-based or office work, most patients return within 1 to 2 weeks. For light physical work, allow 2 to 3 weeks. For heavy manual labour, lifting, or construction — allow 4 to 6 weeks after laparoscopic repair and 6 to 8 weeks after open repair. Dr Kaushal will provide specific advice based on your procedure and your occupation.
Yes. Hernia repair attracts a Medicare rebate with a valid GP or specialist referral. If you have private hospital cover, your insurer contributes to hospital fees. The level of out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific policy and cover level. Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms for a clear breakdown of expected costs before proceeding.
Yes — and for bilateral inguinal hernias, laparoscopic repair is particularly advantageous. Both hernias can be repaired through the same small incisions in a single procedure, under one anaesthetic, with one recovery period. This is generally preferred over two separate operations.
Appointments with Dr Kaushal are available within 4 to 8 weeks depending on clinical urgency. For hernias with urgent features — such as pain, irreducibility, or rapid enlargement — please call directly on (02) 7906 8312 so the team can prioritise your booking. Book online at drdeveshkaushal.com.au.
If you have a hernia — or suspect you might — do not wait for it to enlarge or become complicated. Dr Devesh Kaushal provides expert, minimally invasive hernia repair for patients across Liverpool and South Western Sydney.
Whether your hernia is in the groin, belly button, abdominal wall, or at a previous surgical scar — Dr Kaushal will assess it thoroughly, explain your options clearly, and recommend the most appropriate repair for your individual situation.
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Contact Dr Devesh Kaushal Liverpool Consulting Rooms Phone: (02) 7906 8312 Email: [email protected] Book Online: drdeveshkaushal.com.au Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Operating at: Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool | Campbelltown Public Hospital | Campbelltown Private Hospital | The George Hospital Appointments available within 4–8 weeks depending on urgency | Book online 24/7 | Medicare & Private Health Insurance Accepted |
