Umbilical, Ventral and Incisional Hernia Surgery in South Delhi

At THE CLINICS these hernias are repaired by Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice), by keyhole or open methods with mesh, including hernias that have come back after an earlier repair. Surgery is done at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.

At a glance

Umbilical, paraumbilical, epigastric, incisional and recurrent ventral hernias
Laparoscopic eTEP or IPOM plus repair, component separation for larger defects, or open repair
Mesh used for all ventral hernias, sized for the defect
Hospital stay usually 1–2 days; about 2–3 days after component separation or with a tummy tuck
Can be combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) when there is loose skin or a muscle gap
Insurance facilities available. Cost is an estimate after examination.

Signs of an umbilical or incisional hernia

A bulge at or around the navel, in the upper midline of the abdomen, or along an old operation scar
The bulge grows when you cough, strain or stand, and may go back when you lie down
Pulling or aching discomfort at the bulge
Constipation or discomfort after meals with larger hernias

An ultrasound or CT scan is often used to measure the hernia and the gap in the muscle before planning the repair.

Hernia that suddenly becomes painful: an emergency

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

Repair options at THE CLINICS

Laparoscopic eTEP repair: the mesh is placed behind the muscle through small cuts, outside the abdominal cavity
Laparoscopic IPOM plus: the gap is closed with stitches and a mesh is placed on the inside of the abdominal wall
Component separation: the muscle layers are released to close larger gaps, with mesh
Open repair with mesh, for example through the cut of a combined tummy tuck

The method depends on the size and position of the hernia, earlier operations and your health. Dr Bansal explains the options after examining you and your scan.

Epigastric hernia

An epigastric hernia is a bulge in the midline of the upper abdomen, between the navel and the breastbone. It is often small but can be painful, and some people have more than one. It is repaired with mesh, by keyhole or open surgery depending on its size, and can be repaired in the same operation as an umbilical hernia or a gap between the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).

Recurrent ventral or incisional hernia

A hernia that has come back after an earlier repair can be operated on again. A CT scan shows the size of the gap and any mesh from the earlier operation. The method, such as laparoscopic repair, component separation or open repair with mesh, is planned for your case. Bring the notes of your previous operation if you have them.

Hernia repair with a tummy tuck

Women after pregnancy or a C-section, and people after large weight loss, often have loose skin or a gap between the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) as well as the hernia. In that case Dr Bansal and plastic surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Kaler can plan the hernia repair and the abdominoplasty as one operation.

The operation and hospital stay

The repair is done under general anaesthesia in the modular operation theatre at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas. The usual stay is 1 to 2 days, or about 2 to 3 days after component separation or a combined tummy tuck.

Recovery

Walking: the same day
Desk work: usually within 3–7 days, depending on the size of the repair
Driving: usually after about a week, once painkillers have stopped
Lifting after umbilical hernia repair: weights after about 3 weeks
Lifting after incisional hernia repair: light weights from the second week (about 10–15 kg in the first month), a gradual increase, and heavy weights after 3 months

Cost and insurance

You get a written estimate after the consultation. It depends on the size of the hernia, the method, the mesh and the length of stay. Insurance facilities available. More on insurance and costs.

Your doctors

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

Dr Anil Kumar Kaler: Plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. MBBS, MS, DNB. DMC Reg. No. 76657. 9 years of experience. Joins the plan when a hernia repair is combined with a tummy tuck. 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

What is the difference between umbilical, epigastric, ventral and incisional hernia?

All are bulges in the front of the abdomen. Umbilical hernias are at the navel, epigastric hernias are in the upper midline between the navel and the breastbone, and incisional hernias form at an old operation scar. 'Ventral hernia' is the general term for all of them.

Is mesh needed for an umbilical or incisional hernia?

At THE CLINICS mesh is used for all ventral hernias, including umbilical and incisional hernias, to lower the chance of the hernia coming back. The mesh is sized for the gap.

Can an incisional hernia after a C-section be repaired with keyhole surgery?

Often, yes. Depending on its size, it can be repaired by laparoscopic eTEP or IPOM plus, or open with mesh. It can also be combined with a tummy tuck. Dr Saurabh Bansal advises after examining you and your scan.

Can a hernia that came back after an earlier repair be operated on again?

Yes. Recurrent umbilical, ventral and incisional hernias are repaired at THE CLINICS. A CT scan shows the gap and any earlier mesh, and the method is planned for your case.

How long is the hospital stay?

Usually 1 to 2 days, or about 2 to 3 days after component separation or a combined tummy tuck.

When can I lift weights after ventral hernia surgery?

After umbilical hernia repair, usually after about 3 weeks. After incisional hernia repair, light weights from the second week (about 10–15 kg in the first month), then a gradual increase, and heavy weights after 3 months.

Is umbilical or incisional hernia surgery covered by insurance?

Insurance facilities available. Cover depends on your policy, and you get a cost estimate after examination.

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.

A ventral hernia is a bulge in the front of the abdomen. It is called an umbilical hernia when it is at the navel and an incisional hernia when it forms at the scar of an earlier operation, such as a C-section, an appendix or a gallbladder operation. An epigastric hernia is a bulge in the midline of the upper abdomen, between the navel and the breastbone. These hernias are common after pregnancy, with weight gain, and after abdominal surgery.

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