Laparoscopic Hernia Repair in Singapore
Understand hernia symptoms, the risks of strangulation and incarceration and when open or keyhole hernia surgery may be required.
Dr Thng Yongxian
Medical Director, Senior Consultant General Surgeon
Hernia Surgery Specialist
MBBS • MMed • MRCS (IRE) • FRCSED • FAMS
Table of Contents
- What Is a Hernia
- Symptoms of a Hernia
- Causes and Risk Factors of Hernias
- How Are Hernias Diagnosed
- When Is Hernia Surgery Needed
- Hernia Treatment Without Surgery
- What Is Hernia Surgery
- Is Hernia Surgery Safe
- Types of Hernia Treated with Surgery
- How to Prepare for Hernia Surgery
- Hernia Surgery Options and Techniques
- Keyhole vs Open Hernia Surgery
- Hernia Surgery Recovery Time and Aftercare
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview: Hernia repair is a surgical operation to correct a weakness in the muscle wall where tissue or an organ pushes through. The weakened area is repaired and reinforced using surgical mesh. Timely treatment can help reduce the risk of complications such as incarceration and strangulation.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when fatty tissue or part of an internal organ, such as the bowel, pushes through a weakness or opening in the surrounding muscle or tissue. Most hernias develop in the abdomen or groin, often appearing as a lump or bulge that may become more noticeable when coughing, straining or standing.
Some hernias remain small with few symptoms, while others can become larger or increasingly uncomfortable. In some cases, the hernia can become incarcerated, meaning it becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back in. If its blood supply is cut off, this is known as strangulation and requires urgent medical treatment.
A hernia surgeon can assess the type and severity of the hernia and advise whether monitoring or surgical repair is appropriate.
Symptoms of a Hernia
Common signs of a hernia include:
- A visible bulge or lump in the groin or abdomen that may disappear when you lie down
- Aching, discomfort or a dragging sensation at the bulge
- Pain that worsens when you cough, bend or lif
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the groin
When to seek urgent medical attention: Seek prompt medical care if you develop sudden severe pain, nausea or vomiting, redness around the hernia, or a bulge that becomes firm and cannot be pushed back in. These may be signs of an incarcerated or strangulated hernia, which can require urgent treatment
Types of Hernia
Hernias are classified according to where they develop. The most common types include inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional and hiatal hernias. The appropriate treatment depends on the type of hernia, its size, symptoms and individual circumstances.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin when tissue, often part of the intestine or fatty tissue, pushes through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall. It is the most common type of hernia and occurs more frequently in men.
Umbilical (Navel) Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs around the belly button when tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall.
While commonly seen in infants, umbilical hernias can also develop in adults and may require surgical repair if they cause symptoms or increase in size.
Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia develops in the upper thigh, just below the groin. It is less common than an inguinal hernia and occurs more frequently in women.
Because femoral hernias have a greater risk of becoming trapped or strangulated, surgical repair is often recommended.
Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia develops through a weakened area at or near the site of a previous abdominal surgical incision. It can occur months or even years after the original operation and may gradually become larger or more noticeable
Hiatal (Hiatus) Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upwards through an opening in the diaphragm and into the chest. Unlike abdominal wall hernias, hiatal hernias develop internally and require a different approach to assessment and treatment.
Other Types of Hernia
Other hernias include ventral, epigastric, recurrent and bilateral hernias. Some can be more complex to repair, particularly larger or recurrent hernias, and may require an individualised surgical approach.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hernias
A hernia develops when muscle weakness meets pressure on the abdominal wall. Common factors include:
- Weak abdominal wall
- present from birth or developing with age
- Heavy lifting or straining
- especially with poor form
- Chronic cough or constipation
- repeatedly raising pressure inside the abdomen
- Obesity or pregnancy
- sustained load on the abdominal muscles
- Prior abdominal surgery
- the scar can become a weak point where an incisional hernia forms
- Family history
- may point to weaker connective tissue
How Are Hernias Diagnosed?
A hernia is usually straightforward to diagnose. It often starts with a physical examination, and a scan may be used when the diagnosis is not clear or when planning repair.
- Physical Examination
- The surgeon feels for a bulge and may ask you to stand or cough so it is easier to feel
- Ultrasound
- A non-invasive scan that can confirm a hernia and show what is inside it
- CT Scan
- A detailed view of the abdominal wall, useful for large, complex or recurrent hernias and for planning repair
- MRI
- Occasionally used to look at soft tissue in more detail or when other scans are not conclusive
When Is Hernia Surgery Required?
Not every hernia needs an operation straight away, but most will eventually require surgical repair. Your surgeon will usually recommend repair when:
- The hernia causes pain or discomfort or interferes with daily life
- The hernia is growing or changing shape
- The hernia becomes incarcerated (trapped), or is at risk of becoming strangulated
- The hernia becomes strangulated, a life-threatening emergency where blood supply is cut off and immediate surgery is needed
A small, painless hernia may be watched rather than operated on right away. The decision depends on your symptoms, the size of the hernia and your general health.
Enquire About Hernia Treatment
Notice symptoms of a hernia? Consult our hernia surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
Can a Hernia Be Treated Without Surgery?
Surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. However, for some hernias that are small and not causing symptoms, a period of monitoring may be appropriate.
Addressing factors that increase abdominal pressure, such as a chronic cough or constipation, may also help reduce strain on the weakened area. These measures can help manage symptoms but do not close the defect or make the hernia go away.
- Support truss or binder worn over the area to hold the tissue and relieve discomfort
- Weight management to lower pressure on the weakened area
- Dietary adjustments, useful for hiatal hernias, such as smaller meals and avoiding reflux triggers
- Activity changes to avoid heavy lifting that could enlarge the hernia
A hernia managed this way should still be reviewed, because it can grow or become trapped over time.
How Is Hernia Surgery Carried Out?
Hernia surgery, also called hernia repair or herniorrhaphy, fixes the weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue where the tissue has pushed through.
The surgeon returns the protruding tissue to its correct position and reinforces the area, in most cases with a surgical mesh that strengthens the wall and lowers the chance of the hernia coming back.
Dr Thng Yongxian performs hernia repair using open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques, matched to the type and size of the hernia and your overall health.
Is Hernia Surgery Safe?
Hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed operations and has a strong safety record in experienced hands. Most repairs are done as day surgery, with a quick return to normal activity.
As with any operation, there are some risks, such as infection, bleeding or the hernia coming back, and these are uncommon.
Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to your case and the steps taken to keep them low.
How to Prepare for Hernia Surgery
Medical Evaluation
A review of your general health and anaesthetic risk, which may include blood tests, imaging and a discussion of any existing conditions.
Medication Review
Tell your surgeon about all medicines and supplements you take, especially anything that affects bleeding. Some may need to be paused before surgery.
Fasting
You will usually be asked to fast for several hours before surgery, generally from midnight, to reduce the risk of aspiration under anaesthesia.
Hernia Surgery: Types and Approaches
Open Hernia Repair
An incision is made over the hernia to return the protruding tissue to its proper position and repair the weakened abdominal wall.
The repair is often reinforced with surgical mesh and may be suitable for larger or more complex hernias.
Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Hernia Repair
Several small incisions are made and a camera is used to guide the repair, with mesh typically placed to reinforce the weakened area.
This minimally invasive approach may offer less postoperative discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities in suitable cases.
Robotic Hernia Repair
A form of minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon controls robotic instruments from a console, providing a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical area.
It may be considered for certain complex or recurrent hernias.
Emergency Hernia Surgery
Emergency surgery may be necessary when a hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated. The aim is to release the trapped tissue, assess its viability, restore blood flow where possible and repair the hernia.
Keyhole vs Open Hernia Surgery
Open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair each have different considerations for recovery, scarring and suitability.
| Open Repair | Laparoscopic (Keyhole) | Robotic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | One cut, 6 to 8 cm | Several small cuts, about 1 cm | 3 to 4 small cuts |
| Post-op discomfort | More | Less | Less than open |
| Recovery | Longer | Quicker | Similar to keyhole |
| Scarring | Larger scar | Minimal | Minimal |
| Often suited to | Large or complex hernias | Bilateral or recurrent hernias | Complex or recurrent cases |
The most appropriate approach depends on the type, size and location of the hernia, whether it is recurrent, and your overall health. Your hernia surgeon will assess these factors and recommend a suitable approach.
Hernia Surgery Recovery Time and Aftercare
Recovery after hernia repair varies depending on the type of hernia, the surgical approach and your general health. Minimally invasive repair may allow an earlier return to normal activities in suitable cases.
- Same day: Many hernia repairs are performed as day surgery, allowing you to return home the same day. Gentle walking is usually encouraged soon after surgery.
- First few days: Some pain, soreness, swelling or bruising around the surgical area is expected. Pain relief can help keep you comfortable while gentle movement is encouraged.
- Week 1 to 2: Many people can gradually return to everyday activities and desk-based work. You should only resume driving when you can safely perform an emergency stop and are no longer affected by pain or medication.
- Weeks 2 to 6: Activity can usually be increased gradually according to your recovery. Follow your surgeon's advice on lifting, exercise and more strenuous activities.
- 6 weeks and beyond: Many people can progressively return to strenuous exercise and manual work, although recovery time varies according to the type of repair and individual circumstances.
Aftercare pointers: Keep the wound clean and follow the wound-care instructions provided by your surgical team. Take pain relief as directed, stay mobile and avoid constipation by drinking enough fluids and eating fibre-rich foods.
Attend your scheduled follow-up so your recovery and wound healing can be assessed.
Concerned About a Hernia?
Consult our hernia surgeon for guidance on your symptoms, treatment options and making informed decisions about your care.
Restore Comfort in Your Everyday Life
A hernia can affect your comfort, movement and everyday activities. Whether you have recently noticed symptoms, have been monitoring a hernia or are considering surgery, an assessment can help you understand your condition and the options available for repair.
Have questions or concerns about a hernia? Contact us today and take the next step towards getting it assessed.
The specialist leading your care
Dr Thng Yongxian
Senior Consultant General Surgeon, Hernia Repair Specialist
20+ Years of Experience
MBBS (SG) • MMed (Surg) • MRCS (Ire) • FRCSEd (Gen) • FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a general and hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon at Precision Surgical Centre, Singapore. He subspecialises in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, as well as minimally invasive surgery for hernias, gallbladder conditions and gastrointestinal conditions. To date, he has performed more than 6,000 procedures across general, abdominal wall and HPB surgery.
His surgical experience includes leadership in complex HPB and minimally invasive surgery. As the former Clinical Lead for his institution’s HPB Surgery department, Dr Thng helped advance the use of laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques in complex HPB surgery.
He completed a clinical fellowship at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
Committed to value-driven care, Dr Thng has contributed to national efforts to improve surgical outcomes and reduce patient costs. He remains active in education and research, having trained future surgeons and presented internationally.
Minimally Invasive Hernia Surgery
Experience in keyhole and laparoscopic abdominal procedures.
Focused on Patient Safety
Timely Access to Care
Credentialed at major private hospitals with coordinated scheduling.
Support with Insurance Pre-Authorisations
Help with documentation and insurance processes where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Most hernia repairs are day surgery, and keyhole repairs in particular are minimally invasive. Open repair of a large hernia is more involved, and your surgeon will tell you what to expect for your case.
How long does hernia surgery take?
A straightforward hernia repair usually takes around 30 to 90 minutes. The exact time depends on the type of hernia and the technique used.
Is hernia surgery painful?
You will not feel pain during surgery because of anaesthesia. Some soreness afterwards is normal and is managed with pain relief, usually improving within a week.
How long does it take to recover from hernia surgery?
Many people return to desk work within one to two weeks and to strenuous activity by around four to six weeks. Keyhole repairs tend to recover faster than open repairs.
Is hernia mesh safe?
Mesh is widely used and reinforces the repair to lower the chance of recurrence. Complications are uncommon, and your surgeon will discuss whether mesh is right for you.
Will my hernia come back after surgery?
The aim of repair is a permanent fix, and recurrence is uncommon. Following aftercare advice, such as avoiding early heavy lifting, helps keep the risk low.
Is hernia surgery claimable under MediSave or insurance?
Hernia repair is usually MediSave claimable and can be covered by MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan. Coverage depends on your plan and hospital choice, so check the details before admission.
Can I live with a hernia without surgery?
A small painless hernia may be monitored, but it will not heal on its own and can grow over time. Delaying carries a risk of the hernia becoming trapped, which is an emergency.
How much does hernia surgery cost in Singapore?
The cost of hernia repair depends on the type of hernia and the complexity of the case, since each type needs a different surgical approach. Based on MOH fee benchmarks, typical surgeon fees before GST are:
Inguinal hernia repair: $3,600 to $6,000
Femoral hernia repair: $3,600 to $6,000
Bilateral hernia repair: $5,600 to $9,000
Umbilical hernia repair: $3,000 to $4,900
Incisional hernia repair: $4,900 to $9,000
Hiatal hernia repair: $9,300 to $14,700
These ranges cover the surgeon fee only and do not include consultation, hospital or consumable charges. Hernia repair is usually claimable under MediSave and Integrated Shield Plans, and our team can help with insurance pre-authorisation before your procedure. For a full breakdown, see our guide to hernia surgery cost in Singapore.
Corporate & Personal Insurance Plans
Our Clinic Location
@ Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block
Precision Surgical Centre @ Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block
- 6A Napier Road, #03-32 Gleneagles Annexe Block Singapore 258500
- (65) 9838 5827
- (65) 9838 5827
- gleneagles@precisionsurgicalcentre.com
-
Mondays to Fridays: 9.00am - 5.00pm
(Lunch: 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
Saturdays: 9.00am - 1.00pm
Sundays & PH: Closed
Need help navigating your health?
If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to understand your treatment options, contact us today.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. Inguinal Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy). mayoclinic.org
- Cleveland Clinic. Hernia Repair Surgery. my.clevelandclinic.org
- NHS. Inguinal Hernia Repair. nhs.uk/conditions/inguinal-hernia-repair
- British Hernia Society. Patient Information on Hernia Repair. britishherniasociety.org
- Ministry of Health Singapore. Fee Benchmarks for Common Surgical Procedures. moh.gov.sg