Inguinal (Groin) Hernia Surgery in South Delhi

At THE CLINICS, inguinal hernias are repaired by Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice), mostly by laparoscopic (keyhole) mesh repair. Femoral hernias and inguinal hernias that have come back after an earlier repair (recurrent hernias) are also treated. Surgery is done at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.

At a glance

Laparoscopic TEP, TAPP or eTEP repair, or open repair where it suits you better
Mesh used for all inguinal hernias, to reinforce the weak area
Both sides can be repaired in one operation through the same small cuts
Femoral hernias and recurrent inguinal hernias are also repaired
General anaesthesia, usually 45–90 minutes
Home the same day or the next day; desk work usually after about 72 hours
Insurance facilities available. Cost is an estimate after examination.

Signs of an inguinal hernia

A bulge in the groin or scrotum that gets bigger when you stand, cough or strain, and may go back when you lie down
A dragging, heavy or aching feeling in the groin, often worse by the end of the day
Discomfort when lifting, bending or exercising
Swelling on both sides (a bilateral hernia)

Not every groin swelling is a hernia. The surgeon examines you and, if needed, asks for an ultrasound to confirm it.

When is surgery advised?

Surgery is the only treatment that repairs an inguinal hernia. Belts and trusses can only hold it in for a while. Dr Bansal usually advises a planned repair, because a hernia that grows is harder to fix and can get trapped. If the hernia is small and causes no symptoms, he will discuss whether surgery can wait.

Hernia that suddenly becomes painful: an emergency

If the bulge becomes painful, hard or dark, will not go back, or comes with vomiting, the hernia may be trapped (incarcerated or strangulated). This needs urgent surgery. THE CLINICS has no emergency department. In an emergency go to the nearest hospital or call 112.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair at THE CLINICS

TEP (totally extraperitoneal): the mesh is placed in the layer between the muscles and the lining of the abdomen, without entering the abdominal cavity
TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal): the surgeon enters the abdomen with a camera, lifts the lining and places the mesh behind it
eTEP (extended view TEP): a version of TEP that gives the surgeon more working space, used for selected hernias
Open repair with mesh: through one cut in the groin, where keyhole surgery does not suit you

Keyhole repair uses 3 small cuts of 0.5–1 cm for a camera and instruments, in the modular operation theatre with 4K laparoscopy. The hernia is pushed back and a mesh is fixed over the weak area. Dr Bansal explains which method suits you after examining you.

Laparoscopic vs open repair

Cuts: laparoscopic, 3 small holes of 0.5–1 cm; open, one 5–10 cm cut
Both sides: laparoscopic, in one operation; open, often two separate cuts
Back to desk work: laparoscopic, usually after about 72 hours; open, usually a little longer
Anaesthesia: laparoscopic, general; open, as advised by the anaesthetist

Femoral hernia

A femoral hernia is a groin hernia that appears just below the groin crease, where the thigh meets the body. It is less common than an inguinal hernia and is seen more often in women. A femoral hernia has a higher chance of getting trapped, so a planned repair is usually advised soon after it is diagnosed. It is repaired with mesh, usually by laparoscopic surgery, which lets the surgeon check and cover the inguinal and femoral openings in the same operation.

Recurrent inguinal hernia

A recurrent hernia is one that has come back after an earlier repair. The repair is usually done through a different route from the first operation, for example laparoscopic repair after an earlier open repair, so that the surgeon works through tissue that has not been operated on before. Bring the notes of your previous operation if you have them. Dr Bansal explains the plan after examining you.

Recovery after inguinal hernia surgery

Walking: the same day
Home: the same day or the next day
Desk work: usually after about 72 hours, depending on comfort
Driving: usually after about a week, once painkillers have stopped
Lifting weights and gym: after about 3 weeks

You get written instructions on wound care, medicines and follow-up before you go home.

Cost and insurance

You get a written estimate after the consultation. It depends on whether one or both sides need repair, the method, the mesh and the length of stay. Insurance facilities available. Our billing team helps with the paperwork. More on insurance and costs.

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. Founder and Director, THE CLINICS MISC. Repairs groin and abdominal wall hernias by open and laparoscopic methods (TEP, TAPP, eTEP, IPOM plus, component separation). View profile

Where you are treated

Surgery is done at THE CLINICS MISC, H2, Hauz Khas Main Road, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016: a DGHS-approved hospital with 6 beds and a modular operation theatre. OPD consultations also at THE CLINICS, G-32, Green Park Main Market Road, New Delhi 110016 (+91 84488 30013). OPD Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm.

Frequently asked questions

Can an inguinal hernia go away without surgery?

No. An inguinal hernia does not heal on its own. A belt or truss may hold it in for a while, but only surgery repairs the weak spot. Dr Saurabh Bansal advises whether you need surgery now or can plan it.

Which is better for inguinal hernia: TEP, TAPP or open repair?

Each has its place. TEP and TAPP are keyhole methods with 3 small cuts, and both sides can be fixed together. Open repair suits some patients, for example when general anaesthesia is not advised. The surgeon recommends a method after examining you.

Is mesh used in inguinal hernia surgery?

Yes. At THE CLINICS mesh is used for all inguinal hernia repairs, to reinforce the weak area and lower the chance of the hernia coming back.

Do you treat femoral and recurrent groin hernias?

Yes. Femoral hernias and inguinal hernias that have come back after an earlier repair are both repaired at THE CLINICS with mesh, usually by laparoscopic surgery. For a recurrent hernia, the repair is usually done through a different route from the first operation.

Can both sides be repaired at the same time?

Yes. With laparoscopic repair, hernias on both sides can be repaired in one operation through the same small cuts.

How soon can I go back to work after groin hernia surgery?

Most people walk the same day and go home the same day or the next day. Desk work is usually possible after about 72 hours, driving after about a week, and lifting weights after about 3 weeks.

Is inguinal hernia surgery covered by insurance?

Insurance facilities available. Cover depends on your policy, and you get a cost estimate after examination. Our billing team helps with the paperwork.

Book a consultation

Consultation fee: ₹1,500. A one-time registration fee of ₹100 applies on your first visit.

Call +91 92173 81353 or +91 83683 75734 (Hauz Khas) or +91 84488 30013 (Green Park) · WhatsApp chat · Request a call back · OPD Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm

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

An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin, where tissue from inside the abdomen pushes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal. It is the most common type of hernia and is more common in men. It does not heal on its own, and it tends to get bigger with time.

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