From Diagnosis to Recovery: Hernia Treatment and Surgery Explained

While hernias can sometimes be painless or seem minor, they can progress to more serious complications such as incarceration or strangulation, where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off, requiring urgent surgical intervention.

The only definitive treatment for a hernia is surgery, typically involving a mesh repair, as hernias do not resolve on their own.

In this article, we’ll explore the hernia treatment options available in Singapore, the associated costs, and what to expect during recovery.

Types of Hernia

Hernia Location	Common Types
Groin region	Inguinal hernia – the most common type, especially in men Femoral hernia – more frequently seen in women
Front of abdomen	Umbilical or periumbilical hernia – occurring around the belly button Ventral (incisional) hernia – often forming at the site of a previous surgery Spigelian hernia – occurring along the edge of the rectus abdominis muscle

What Does Hernia Surgery Aim to Resolve?

The goal of hernia surgery is to return the displaced tissue to its proper position, reinforce the weakened muscle or connective tissue, and prevent future complications such as obstruction or strangulation.

Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, this is achieved through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy or robotic-assisted repair.

Surgical mesh is often used to reinforce the area and reduce the chance of recurrence.

Hernia Symptoms: When to Seek Evaluation

You may need hernia surgery if:

The hernia is enlarging or causing pain
You experience symptoms such as discomfort, pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements
You have a hernia that is incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated (cutting off blood supply) — this requires prompt surgery
Your doctor recommends it based on your health status, hernia type, and risk factors

Some hernias may be monitored over time if they are small and asymptomatic, but patients may benefit from earlier intervention, especially if the hernia starts to interfere with daily life or physical activity.

Types of Hernia Surgery

There are several surgical techniques used to treat hernias, depending on the type and complexity:

Open Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy or Hernioplasty)

A single incision is made over the hernia site.
The protruding tissue is pushed back into place.
The muscle wall is stitched and often reinforced with surgical mesh (hernioplasty).
Typically recommended for: Large or complex hernias (such as hiatal hernias and incisional hernias), or for emergency hernia surgeries.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Multiple small incisions are made.
A laparoscope (camera) and tools are inserted to repair the hernia from within, usually using mesh.
Benefits: Less scarring and faster recovery.
Typically recommended for: Bilateral hernias, recurrent hernias, or patients seeking faster return to normal activity.

Robotic-Assisted Hernia Surgery

A type of minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon controls robotic arms with high precision.
May reduce post-op pain and allow more intricate repairs.
Typically recommended for: Complex or recurrent hernias, especially in hard-to-reach locations.

What Do I Need to Take Note of Before Surgery?

Before surgery, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking medication. You’ll likely be asked not to eat or drink for at least 6–8 hours before surgery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly, as this is crucial for anaesthesia safety.

If you smoke, try to stop at least a few days before surgery, as smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications. Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before the procedure, and lose excess weight if recommended by your doctor.

It’s advisable to arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of surgery, especially to assist with transportation and post-operative care.

Recovery Process after Hernia Surgery

Recovery from hernia surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery performed, the size and location of your hernia, and your overall health.

A hernia repair is typically considered a day surgery, meaning you can go home on the same day unless otherwise advised by your surgeon. You may feel drowsy or groggy from the anaesthesia, so it’s important to have someone accompany you home. Some tightness near the incision site is normal.

Here’s a general recovery timeline to expect:

Recovery Stage	Guidance
The first few days following surgery	You will be required to change your surgical dressings regularly as advised by your care team. Gentle walking is permitted, but you should prioritise bed rest in the initial recovery period. When it comes to meals, you are advised to eat light, as some bloating or constipation may occur following surgery.
After one week	You may return to work after one week, provided your job is desk-bound and does not involve physical exertion. During this period, it is important to avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything heavier than 5 to 10 kilograms. You should also wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid pressure on the surgical site.
Week four onwards	Most patients can gradually resume normal daily activities, including light exercise. If healing has progressed well, you may begin to reintroduce moderate physical activity, but continue to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous movements until cleared by your surgeon. Listen to your body—discomfort or tightness near the surgical site may still occur, especially with increased activity. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms, consult your doctor promptly.

Does Hernia Repair Last a Lifetime?

Hernia repairs are typically long-lasting, especially with proper surgical technique and mesh reinforcement. However, no repair is 100% guaranteed to be permanent. Recurrence rates are low, typically under 5–10%, but they can increase with poor surgical technique, inadequate healing, obesity, smoking, or resuming heavy lifting or strenuous activity too soon after surgery. To reduce your risk of recurrence, consider the following:

Choose your surgeon wisely
Avoid heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks
Maintain a healthy weight
Treat chronic cough or constipation that increases abdominal pressure
Quit smoking — it impairs healing and increases the risk of recurrence
Engage in gentle core strengthening once cleared by your doctor

If you notice a new bulge near your surgical site, persistent pain or pressure, redness, swelling, or nausea and/or vomiting, see your doctor immediately.

Is Hernia Surgery Considered a Major Procedure?

Hernia repair is generally considered a minor to moderate surgical procedure. In most cases, it is performed as day surgery or may require a short hospital stay, depending on the surgical technique used and the patient’s overall condition.

With advances in minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, hernia repair today typically involves a shorter operating time, less post-operative pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

These innovations have contributed to making hernia surgery one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide.

However, laparoscopic repair comes with a steeper learning curve and is typically performed by more experienced or senior surgeons.

Because of this, even though hernia surgery is common, it remains crucial to choose a qualified hernia specialist, especially if you’re considering a minimally invasive repair.

How Much Does Hernia Surgery Cost in Singapore?

Type of Hernia Repair	Surgeon Fees in SGD
Inguinal Hernia	$3,600 to $6,000
Bilateral Hernia	$5,600 to $9,000
Umbilical Hernia	$4,900 to $9,000
Incisional Hernia	$4,900 to $9,000
Femoral Hernia	$3,600 to $6,000
Hiatal Hernia	$9,300 to $14,700

The fees listed above follow MOH’s benchmark guidelines for private hospitals and reflect only the surgeon’s professional fees. They do not include additional charges such as prevailing GST, hospital fees, or consumable costs.

Is Hernia Repair Covered by Insurance or MediSave?

Yes, MediSave and insurance can typically be used to offset a portion of your hernia repair treatment, depending on your individual or corporate health plan.

In some cases, our staff can assist with pre-authorisations to help ensure minimal out-of-pocket expenses before the procedure. For a clearer understanding of your coverage and financing options, contact us to discuss further.

Noticed a Bulge or Discomfort? Speak to Our Hernia Specialists Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a hernia, it’s best to consult a doctor early. Timely repair not only helps prevent complications but also supports a smoother recovery and better long-term outcomes.

At VEC Specialists, your care is in the hands of surgeons with extensive experience in both complex and minimally invasive hernia repairs.

We take a patient-first approach, with every treatment plan tailored to your unique condition, lifestyle, and recovery goals. From diagnosis to post-surgical care, we prioritise your comfort, safety, and overall well-being, so that you can return to daily life with confidence and peace of mind.

Have questions or think you may need hernia surgery? Book a consultation with us today.

References:

Sørensen L. T. (2012). Wound healing and infection in surgery. The clinical impact of smoking and smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960), 147(4), 373–383. https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2012.5
Cheong, K. X., Lo, H. Y., Neo, J. X., Appasamy, V., & Chiu, M. T. (2014). Inguinal hernia repair: are the results from a general hospital comparable to those from dedicated hernia centres?. Singapore medical journal, 55(4), 191–197. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2014051

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