A Liverpool Hernia Surgeon Explains
You have noticed a lump in your groin. Or a bulge near your belly button that appears when you stand or cough. Perhaps you have had a dull ache in your lower abdomen for months that you have been putting off investigating. If this sounds familiar, there is a good chance you have a hernia – one of the most common surgical conditions in Australia.
The question most patients ask is: “Do I actually need surgery?” The honest answer is: it depends on the type of hernia, the symptoms, and your individual circumstances. But one thing is certain – every hernia should be assessed by a qualified surgeon so you have the right information to make that decision.
Dr Devesh Kaushal is an upper GI and general surgeon based in Liverpool, South Western Sydney. In this guide, he explains exactly what a hernia is, how to recognise one, the different types, and when surgery is recommended – in plain language, without jargon.
Appointments available within 4-8 weeks depending on urgency Book online 24/7 at drdeveshkaushal.com.au | Call (02) 7906 8312 |
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or defect in the muscle wall that is supposed to contain it. Most hernias occur in the abdominal wall – the layers of muscle and connective tissue that hold your abdominal organs in place.
Think of the abdominal wall like a fabric curtain. If the fabric weakens or develops a tear, whatever is behind it starts to push through. In the case of a hernia, the “fabric” is your abdominal muscle and fascia – and what pushes through is typically a portion of intestine, fatty tissue, or another abdominal organ.
The result is the visible lump or bulge that most patients notice first. In many cases the lump disappears when you lie down – the hernia contents slip back inside. In other cases, the hernia is fixed and irreducible.
Key fact: A hernia will never heal on its own. The muscle weakness or defect that caused it does not repair itself over time. Without surgery, most hernias enlarge – and the risk of serious complications increases. |
Types of Hernia: Which One Do You Have?
There are several common types of hernia – each occurring in a different location and carrying different characteristics. Understanding which type you have is the first step in knowing what treatment is needed.
Type | Location | Most Common In | Complication Risk |
Inguinal | Groin | Men (75% of all hernias) | Moderate |
Femoral | Upper inner thigh / groin | Women | High |
Umbilical | Belly button | Adults with raised abdominal pressure | Moderate |
Incisional | Previous surgical scar | Anyone with prior surgery | Moderate |
Epigastric | Upper midline abdomen | Adults | Low |
Hiatus | Diaphragm (internal – not visible) | Middle-aged and older adults | Varies |
Each type has different characteristics, risks, and treatment approaches. Dr Kaushal assesses the type, size, and contents of your hernia at consultation to determine the most appropriate management plan.
Hernia Symptoms: What Does a Hernia Feel Like?
Hernia symptoms vary widely – from completely asymptomatic (no symptoms at all) to severe pain requiring emergency surgery. Here are the most common symptom presentations, organised by urgency:
1 | Asymptomatic Hernia – No Symptoms Some hernias are discovered incidentally – during a routine examination or imaging performed for another reason. The patient has no pain, no lump they have noticed, and no discomfort. These hernias still require surgical assessment, as the risk of future complications is real. Urgency: See Dr Kaushal within 4-8 weeks for assessment and advice on timing. |
2 | Lump or Bulge – Reducible The most common presentation. A visible lump in the groin, belly button, or abdominal wall that appears when standing, coughing, or straining – and disappears when lying down. It may feel soft or slightly firm. There may be mild aching or a dragging sensation, particularly at the end of the day or after prolonged standing. Urgency: Book a surgical consultation within 4-8 weeks. Surgery is recommended but not urgent. |
3 | Persistent Pain or Discomfort A hernia that causes consistent pain – particularly pain that worsens with activity, coughing, lifting, or prolonged standing – is symptomatic and warrants prompt surgical review. Pain suggests the hernia contents are intermittently catching or the defect is enlarging. Urgency: See Dr Kaushal promptly – within 2-4 weeks. Symptomatic hernias should be repaired. |
4 | Hernia That Will Not Go Back In (Irreducible) An irreducible or incarcerated hernia is one where the hernia contents cannot be pushed back through the defect. The lump is firm, fixed, and may be tender. This is a serious development – incarceration can progress to strangulation if not treated urgently. Urgency: See a surgeon urgently – within days. Do not wait to see if it resolves. |
5 | Severe Pain, Redness, or Vomiting – EMERGENCY A hernia that is hard, acutely tender, red or discoloured, and associated with severe pain, nausea, or vomiting may be strangulated – meaning the blood supply to the trapped bowel or tissue has been cut off. This is a life-threatening surgical emergency. Urgency: Call 000 or present to the nearest emergency department IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait. |
Signs of a Strangulated Hernia – Emergency: • Sudden, severe pain at the hernia site • Hernia that is hard, red, or warm to touch • Nausea and vomiting • Inability to pass wind or open bowel (bowel obstruction) • Fever with hernia pain Present to emergency immediately. Strangulation requires urgent surgery. |
What Causes a Hernia? Risk Factors Explained
Hernias develop when there is a combination of muscle weakness and increased pressure on the abdominal wall. Understanding your risk factors helps explain why you have developed a hernia – and what steps may reduce the risk after repair.
Muscle Weakness Factors | Increased Abdominal Pressure |
• Ageing – natural weakening of muscle and connective tissue • Previous abdominal surgery – scar tissue is weaker than muscle • Congenital weakness – some people are born with a natural weakness in the inguinal canal • Smoking – reduces collagen quality and impairs wound healing • Connective tissue disorders | • Heavy lifting – especially with poor technique • Chronic cough – from smoking, asthma, or lung disease • Obesity – excess abdominal fat increases wall pressure • Chronic constipation and straining • Pregnancy – particularly multiple pregnancies • Ascites – fluid accumulation in the abdomen |
Do You Need Hernia Surgery? Understanding Your Options
This is the question most patients want answered – and the honest answer is: it depends on several factors. Here is how Dr Kaushal approaches this decision with each patient:
Surgery is strongly recommended when:
- The hernia is symptomatic – causing pain, discomfort, or limiting your activities
- The hernia is enlarging over time
- The hernia is incarcerated (irreducible) or has been incarcerated in the past
- The hernia contains bowel or other significant abdominal content
- It is a femoral hernia – high strangulation risk regardless of symptoms
- The hernia is affecting your quality of life
- You are fit enough for surgery
Watchful waiting may be considered when:
- The hernia is completely asymptomatic AND small AND the patient is elderly or has significant surgical risk
- It is a small inguinal hernia in a man with no symptoms and no wish for surgery
Important: Watchful waiting is only appropriate after proper surgical assessment confirms the hernia is truly low risk. Deciding to “wait and see” without seeing a surgeon first means you do not have the information to make that decision safely. All hernias – regardless of symptoms – should be assessed by a qualified surgeon. |
What Happens If a Hernia Is Not Treated?
Many patients delay seeing a surgeon because their hernia is not causing significant pain. But leaving a hernia untreated carries real risks that increase over time:
Enlargement: Most hernias grow larger over time. A small, easily repaired hernia becomes a larger, more complex surgical challenge – with higher complication rates and longer recovery. |
Incarceration: The hernia contents become trapped and cannot be reduced. This causes pain and may prevent the bowel from functioning normally. |
Strangulation: The blood supply to the trapped bowel is cut off. This is a surgical emergency causing bowel death (necrosis) within hours. Mortality risk increases dramatically with emergency surgery compared to elective repair. |
Bowel obstruction: If bowel is trapped in the hernia, it may become obstructed – causing vomiting, abdominal distension, and the inability to pass wind or stool. |
Progressive impact on daily life: Untreated hernias affect the ability to exercise, work, lift, and participate in normal activities – often with a gradual worsening that patients adapt to but that significantly reduces quality of life. |
Hernia Repair in Liverpool: An Overview
When surgery is recommended, Dr Kaushal performs hernia repair using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques wherever clinically appropriate. Laparoscopic repair uses three to four small incisions (5-10mm) and a tiny camera, offering significant advantages over traditional open repair.
Surgery | Recovery | Long-Term |
• 45-90 minutes under general anaesthesia • 3-4 small incisions (5-10mm) • Mesh placed to reinforce repair • Dissolvable stitches • Day surgery – home same day | • Mild to moderate pain – well managed • Return to light work: 1-2 weeks • Return to driving: 7-10 days • Full activity: 4-6 weeks • Scars fade over 6-12 months | • Low recurrence rate with mesh • No long-term restrictions • Complete return to all activities • Normal quality of life • One-time procedure in most cases |
Why Choose Dr Kaushal as Your Hernia Specialist in Liverpool?
- FRACS qualified – Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- 15+ years of specialist experience including laparoscopic hernia repair
- Minimally invasive keyhole approach for most hernia types
- Advanced surgical training at University Hospital Coventry, UK
- Published researcher – patients benefit from latest evidence-based techniques
- Liverpool consulting rooms – expert hernia surgery without travelling to the CBD
- Both public and private patients welcome
- Medicare rebates and private health insurance accepted
- Appointments available within 4-8 weeks depending on urgency
Frequently Asked Questions - Hernia Surgery Liverpool
How do I know if I have a hernia?
The most common sign is a visible lump or bulge – typically in the groin, at the belly button, or along a previous scar – that appears when you stand, cough, or strain and may disappear when you lie down. You may also notice aching or discomfort at the site. The only way to confirm a hernia and determine its type is a clinical examination by a surgeon. If in doubt, book an assessment.
Can I exercise with a hernia?
Light exercise such as walking is generally fine with a small, asymptomatic hernia. However, heavy lifting, strenuous gym work, or exercises that significantly increase abdominal pressure (such as heavy squats or deadlifts) can worsen a hernia and increase the risk of incarceration. Dr Kaushal will advise you on appropriate activity levels after your assessment.
Will a truss or hernia support belt fix my hernia?
No. A truss or support belt may hold the hernia in place and provide some comfort – but it does not repair the underlying defect and it does not prevent complications. Prolonged truss use without surgical repair is associated with worse surgical outcomes when repair is eventually performed. Surgery is the only definitive treatment for a hernia.
Is hernia surgery safe?
Laparoscopic hernia repair is a well-established, commonly performed procedure with an excellent safety profile. Serious complications are uncommon. As with all surgery, risks exist – including bleeding, infection, nerve injury, hernia recurrence, and anaesthetic risks. Dr Kaushal discusses all risks and benefits in detail at your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Is hernia surgery covered by Medicare in Australia?
Yes. Hernia repair attracts a Medicare rebate with a valid GP or specialist referral. If you have private hospital cover, your insurer also contributes. Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms on (02) 7906 8312 for a clear outline of expected costs before your procedure.
How do I book a hernia consultation in Liverpool?
You can book online at drdeveshkaushal.com.au or call (02) 7906 8312 during office hours. A GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates. Appointments are available within 4 to 8 weeks depending on urgency. For hernias with urgent features – pain, irreducibility, or rapid enlargement – please call directly so the team can prioritise your booking.
Book Your Hernia Consultation in Liverpool Today
If you have noticed a lump, bulge, or unexplained abdominal discomfort – do not put off getting it assessed. Dr Devesh Kaushal provides expert, compassionate hernia care for patients across Liverpool and South Western Sydney.
A hernia assessment takes one appointment. From there, Dr Kaushal will explain exactly what you have, whether surgery is recommended, and what your recovery will look like – so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
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 |
A hernia does not fix itself – but with theright surgery, most patients are back to normal life within weeks.