The abdominal wall is a layered structure of muscle and connective tissue that holds your internal organs in place. When a weakness develops in that wall — whether from a previous incision, a naturally thin area, or a gap through which structures normally pass — the pressure of everyday activity can push tissue or bowel through it, creating a hernia. Hernias are very common: about 1 in 4 men will develop a groin hernia at some point in their life. The important thing to know is that hernias do not fix themselves. Most will gradually enlarge over time and eventually need a surgical repair.
Inguinal hernia (groin hernia): the most common type, where tissue pushes through a gap in the lower abdominal muscles near the groin. Femoral hernia: similar location but slightly lower — more common in women. Umbilical hernia: a bulge at the belly button (navel). Incisional hernia: occurs through a previous surgical scar — the scar tissue is weaker than the original muscle. Epigastric hernia: in the upper middle of the abdomen. Hiatal hernia: where the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm — this is managed differently and is not usually visible from outside (see GORD / Reflux).
The most common symptom is a lump you can see or feel — in your groin, at your belly button, or near a previous scar. You might notice an aching or dragging feeling, especially when you stand, lift something, or cough. The lump often flattens when you lie down, which is a reassuring sign. If a hernia becomes strangulated — meaning the blood supply to the contents gets cut off — you will develop severe, constant pain along with nausea and vomiting. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgery.
In most cases your doctor or surgeon can diagnose a hernia simply by examining you. If the hernia is not obvious on examination, or if a complex repair is being planned, an ultrasound or CT scan may be arranged to get a clearer picture.
Surgery is the only way to permanently fix a hernia — it cannot heal on its own. For older patients with very small hernias and no symptoms, a "watch and wait" approach is sometimes reasonable, though there is always a small risk of the hernia becoming an emergency. For most people, keyhole (laparoscopic) repair is the recommended approach: it involves smaller incisions, less pain afterwards, and a faster return to normal life compared with open surgery. A mesh patch is typically used to reinforce the repair. More complex hernias — such as those through old scars — are planned individually.
Mr Nguyen performs the great majority of hernia repairs using keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic techniques — including the eTEP (extended totally extraperitoneal) and robotic TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal) approaches for groin hernias. These methods are associated with less pain, a quicker recovery, and an earlier return to work and daily activities. For more complex hernias involving previous scars or significant abdominal wall weakness, Mr Nguyen operates at Warringal Private Hospital and Epworth Eastern with access to the full range of mesh options. Most patients go home the same day as surgery — but there is absolutely no rush. If you need or prefer an overnight stay, that is always available.
Any new or growing lump in your groin or abdomen is worth having checked. If a hernia suddenly becomes very painful, feels hard, and you cannot push it back in — especially if you feel sick or are vomiting — go to the emergency department immediately. This may mean the hernia has become strangulated and needs urgent surgery.
Your GP will refer you to Mr Nguyen, and most patients are seen within one to two weeks. At the consultation, Mr Nguyen will examine the hernia and discuss whether watchful waiting or repair is the right approach — not all hernias need immediate surgery. If an operation is recommended, it is done laparoscopically as a day case, and most people are back to light activity within a week or two. A follow-up appointment is arranged after the procedure to confirm recovery is on track.
Most people go home the same day. Because most hernia repairs are done using keyhole surgery, you will have much less pain than with traditional open surgery, and going home on the day is comfortable and safe as long as you have someone at home to help you. If you would feel better staying overnight — or if you need to — that is always an option. There is no pressure to leave before you feel ready.
Unfortunately, no. A hernia cannot heal without surgery. The hole in the muscle wall will not close on its own, and most hernias slowly get bigger over time. Leaving it also carries a small risk of it becoming a surgical emergency.
For most hernia repairs, a small synthetic mesh patch is used to reinforce the weak area — think of it like a patch on the inside of a worn trouser knee. Mesh repairs have much lower recurrence rates than simply stitching the hole closed. Mesh used in hernia surgery has a long and safe track record.
After keyhole repair, most people are back to a desk job within 1–2 weeks and fully active again within 4–6 weeks. The exact timeline depends on what kind of hernia you have, the technique used, and the physical demands of your work — Mr Nguyen will give you a personalised guide at your consultation.
Both groin hernias can be repaired at the same time through the same keyhole incisions — so you only need one anaesthetic and one recovery.
Mr Ba Nguyen consults at his rooms in Heidelberg and operates at Warringal Private Hospital, Heidelberg, and Epworth Eastern, Box Hill. A GP or specialist referral is required.