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Hernia surgery in Delhi for NRIs from the UK, Australia and UAE

Inguinal (groin), umbilical (navel) and incisional hernias are repaired at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, by Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice), mostly by laparoscopic (keyhole) technique under general anaesthesia. Mesh is used for all inguinal and ventral hernias to reduce the risk of recurrence. Many patients go home the same day or the next day, walk the same day, and return to desk work from the next day or within 48 hours. Cost is an estimate after examination. Insurance facilities available. Our team helps with the paperwork.

Hernias do not heal on their own. For families abroad, the common plan is to have the repair during a visit home, with the consultation done by video before you fly.

Start with your reports

WhatsApp your reports to +91 9217381353 (or call +91 8448830013). OPD Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm IST.

WhatsApp us · Book a consultation · Call +91 9217381353 / +91 8448830013

Which hernia, which plan

  • Inguinal hernia (groin): laparoscopic TEP or TAPP repair with mesh through 3 small incisions. Both sides can be repaired in one session. Discharge the same day or the next day.

  • Umbilical hernia (navel): laparoscopic mesh repair; same-day or next-day discharge.

  • Incisional / ventral hernia (at an old scar): laparoscopic or open repair, as required, with mesh sized for the defect; usually 1 to 2 days in hospital. Larger repairs need a longer stay.

The operation typically takes 45–90 minutes, in the modular operation theatre at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas. Blood tests, ECG and an anaesthesia assessment are done in one pre-op visit.

Before you fly: what to send

  • An ultrasound report of the hernia, if you have one

  • For an incisional hernia: notes from the earlier operation and any CT scan

  • Your medicines (especially blood thinners), allergies and other conditions such as diabetes

  • Photos of the bulge can help the first discussion, but the decision is made after examination

Dr Saurabh Bansal reviews them on a video consultation (chargeable) and gives you a written plan, expected days in Delhi and an estimate.

How long to plan in Delhi

Plan up to about a week in Delhi: consultation and pre-op tests, surgery, and a review before you fly. If you are doing well, you can usually fly 3 to 4 days after a laparoscopic inguinal or umbilical repair; for an incisional hernia, plan about a week. Your surgeon decides when you are fit to fly at the review. Driving is usually possible after about 5–7 days (not while you still need painkillers), and heavy lifting is avoided for 3–4 weeks, which includes lifting heavy suitcases: ask for help with luggage.

For patients in the UK

  • Getting here: non-stop London–Delhi flights take about 9 to 11 hours.

  • Time zone: India is 5 h 30 min ahead in winter (GMT) and 4 h 30 min ahead in British Summer Time; Dr Bansal's afternoon OPD slots are a UK morning.

  • Before you travel: ask your GP practice for the ultrasound report and any earlier operation notes.

  • Flying home: walk the aisle, drink water and follow your surgeon's advice on preventing blood clots on a long flight; your surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly.

  • Back home: video follow-up with Dr Bansal; your GP receives the discharge summary and operation notes.

For patients in Australia

  • Getting here: non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne take about 13 hours; from other cities, plan for a connection.

  • Time zone: India is 4 h 30 min behind Sydney and Melbourne (5 h 30 min in daylight saving) and 2 h 30 min behind Perth.

  • Planning: the long flight and luggage limits after surgery make an extra margin of days sensible; agree your fit-to-fly date with your surgeon before booking the return.

  • Back home: video follow-up; reports shared digitally for your GP.

For patients in the UAE

  • Getting here: Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Delhi takes about 3.5 hours, so an in-person review a few weeks after surgery is practical if needed.

  • Time zone: India is 1 h 30 min ahead of the UAE; OPD hours are 7:30 am–7:30 pm UAE time, and Saturday clinics fall on the UAE weekend.

  • Work: desk work is usually possible within 48 hours, but avoid heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks; tell your surgeon if your job involves lifting.

  • Back home: phone or video follow-up, with reports shared digitally for your doctor in the UAE.

Visa and entry

Visa and entry rules are set by the Government of India and can change, so check the official portals before you book flights.

  • Indian passport holders (most NRIs) do not need a visa.

  • OCI cardholders hold a multiple-entry lifelong visa for visiting India, so no separate medical visa is needed.

  • British, Australian and UAE passport holders can apply for an e-Medical visa online, only at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Apply at least 4 days before arrival; applications open up to 120 days ahead. You upload your passport bio page and a letter from the treating hospital in India, on its letterhead, giving your name, nationality, passport number and tentative admission date. Up to two e-Medical Attendant visas can be granted against one e-Medical visa.

  • UAE nationals who have held an Indian e-Visa or regular visa before may be eligible for visa on arrival; check the official portal first.

  • Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders complete the online e-Arrival card within 72 hours before arrival (boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app).

THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas is licensed by DGHS Delhi under the Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act and registered with FRRO, so we can issue a visa invitation letter for an Indian medical visa once your treatment is planned. Visa decisions are made by the Government of India; we cannot promise approval. More detail: International patients.

Do not fly with a painful, stuck hernia

If a hernia suddenly becomes painful, hard or darkened, or you are vomiting and cannot push the bulge back, this is a surgical emergency. Do not wait for a planned trip: go to the nearest hospital where you are. THE CLINICS has no emergency department.

Your surgeon

Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice. National Board certified general, gastrointestinal and minimal access surgeon. FALS; International Clinical Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan. Founder and Director, THE CLINICS MISC. OPD: THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas, Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm; THE CLINICS Green Park, Mon–Sat 6–8 pm. View profile

Robotic surgery is not offered at THE CLINICS; hernia repair is laparoscopic or open.

Cost and insurance

Cost is an estimate after examination. Insurance facilities available. Our team helps with the paperwork. The estimate depends on the type and size of hernia, whether one or both sides are repaired, and the length of stay. All major credit cards are accepted.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have hernia surgery in Delhi during a visit from the UK, Australia or the UAE?

Yes. Send your ultrasound report on WhatsApp (+91 9217381353) for a video consultation with Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC 37887). Surgery is done at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, mostly by laparoscopic technique with mesh.

How many days should I plan in Delhi?

Plan up to about a week. If you are doing well, you can usually fly 3 to 4 days after a laparoscopic inguinal or umbilical repair; for an incisional hernia, plan about a week. Many patients go home from the clinic the same day or the next day.

Can both sides of an inguinal hernia be repaired in one trip?

Yes. With laparoscopic repair, both sides can be repaired in a single operation through the same small incisions.

When can I fly home after hernia surgery?

If you are doing well, usually 3 to 4 days after a laparoscopic inguinal or umbilical repair, and after about a week for an incisional hernia. Your surgeon confirms you are fit to fly at the review. On a long flight, walk the aisle, drink water and follow the advice you are given on preventing blood clots.

Can I lift my suitcase after surgery?

Avoid heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks, which includes heavy luggage. Ask family or airport staff for help.

Is mesh used?

Yes, for all inguinal and ventral hernias, to reduce the risk of recurrence. A hernia can still come back; the risk depends on its size and type, your weight, smoking, coughing and heavy straining.

What if my hernia becomes painful before my trip?

A hernia that becomes suddenly painful, hard or darkened, or comes with vomiting, needs urgent care. Go to the nearest hospital where you are; do not wait to travel.

What follow-up is there after I return home?

Follow-up can often be done by phone or video; depending on your case, it may be included or charged from the second visit, and we tell you in advance. Your discharge summary and operation notes are shared digitally for your GP.

Related pages

Start with your reports

WhatsApp your reports to +91 9217381353 (or call +91 8448830013). OPD Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm IST.

WhatsApp us · Book a consultation · Call +91 9217381353 / +91 8448830013

Cost is an estimate after examination. Insurance facilities available. Our team helps with the paperwork.

THE CLINICS MISC: H2, Hauz Khas, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016. OPD Mon–Sat 9 am–9 pm. Round-the-clock nursing care for admitted patients.

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation.

THE CLINICS has no emergency department. In an emergency go to the nearest hospital or call 112.

Content prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by THE CLINICS medical team.

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