Abdominal Hernia Treatment | PAX Medicus Medical Tourism

Abdominal Hernia Treatment

An abdominal hernia is a relatively common condition, diagnosed in around 25% of men and 3% of women. It occurs when abdominal organs such as the intestines, peritoneum, or stomach move outside their normal position through natural or acquired openings in the abdominal wall.

Abdominal hernias may be congenital or acquired and often require surgical repair to prevent complications and recurrence. As a medical tourism agency, we help you access specialist diagnostics and modern hernia surgery at trusted partner hospitals abroad.

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What Is an Abdominal Hernia?

An abdominal hernia is a relatively common condition, diagnosed in around 25% of men and 3% of women. It occurs when abdominal organs – such as the intestines, peritoneum, or stomach – move outside their normal anatomical position through natural or acquired openings in the abdominal wall.

Abdominal hernias are classified into two main types:

  • Congenital hernias – caused by natural anatomical openings that failed to close, such as umbilical or indirect inguinal hernias.
  • Acquired hernias – resulting from weakened abdominal muscles or fascia, often linked to increased intra-abdominal pressure from pregnancy, sneezing, chronic constipation, or previous surgical procedures (for example direct inguinal, femoral, or incisional hernias).

What Are the Causes of Abdominal Hernias?

Abdominal hernias develop when the anterior abdominal wall becomes weakened. This may be due to developmental abnormalities during foetal life, age-related tissue weakening, previous injuries or surgeries, defects in the fascia, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, sneezing, constipation, or pregnancy.

Factors that increase the risk of developing an abdominal hernia include:

  • Age
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Physically demanding work or heavy lifting
  • Competitive sports
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Previous abdominal surgeries, especially with postoperative wound infection
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Past abdominal injuries or trauma
  • Smoking
  • Diseases that weaken connective tissue
  • Conditions causing increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as chronic cough, constipation, or frequent urination
  • Weakness of the transversalis fascia
  • Steroid therapy
  • Ascites
What Are the Causes of Abdominal Hernias
What Are the Causes of Abdominal Hernias
What Are the Causes of Abdominal Hernias

What Are the Types of Abdominal Hernia?

Common types of abdominal hernia include:

  • Inguinal hernia – the most common type, particularly in men, where the hernia sac protrudes into the groin. In children it is congenital, while in adults it is always acquired.
  • Femoral hernia – more common in women, involving the displacement of abdominal organs or their fragments into the upper inner thigh area.
  • Umbilical hernia – displacement of abdominal organs under the skin through an incompletely closed umbilical ring and abdominal wall. This type is common in newborns but can also occur in adults as a paraumbilical hernia.
  • Linea alba hernia – protrusion of the peritoneal sac and separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, the tendinous line from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis.
  • Incisional hernia – occurs when abdominal organs protrude through a scar from previous abdominal surgery, where the wall has been weakened.
  • Hiatal hernia – disruption in the anatomy of the digestive system, where part of the stomach moves through the oesophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the chest.

How Is an Abdominal Hernia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a thorough physical examination. The doctor may feel a lump, bulge, or thickening in the abdomen, groin, or thigh. Patients often report discomfort, a pulling sensation, or pain that worsens during physical exertion, coughing, sneezing, or bowel movements. Imaging tests may include abdominal ultrasound and, in some cases, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis, particularly when assessing hiatal or internal hernias.

How Is an Abdominal Hernia Treated?

Most abdominal hernias require surgical repair, with the exception of umbilical hernias in children, which often resolve on their own by the age of three.

Surgical methods include:

  • Tension repair – tissue is sutured to close the hernia opening.
  • Tension-free repair – special surgical mesh is used to reinforce the hernia defect, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence.

Hernia repair can be performed using open (classical) surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery. Depending on the size and location of the hernia, the procedure is carried out under local or general anaesthesia and typically lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Minimally invasive techniques use 3–5 small incisions, each less than one centimetre in diameter. Through these, the surgeon inserts miniature surgical instruments and an endoscope, which transmits images from inside the body to a monitor. The hernia is dissected and, if necessary, mesh is placed to repair the defect and strengthen the abdominal wall.

The use of laparoscopy or robotic surgery results in:

  • Smaller incisions and less trauma to surrounding tissues
  • Reduced postoperative pain
  • Lower risk of infection, complications, and blood loss
  • Lower risk of hernia recurrence
  • Faster recovery and quicker return to everyday and professional activities

What Is the Cost of Abdominal Hernia Surgery?

The cost of abdominal hernia repair depends on several factors, including:

  • The type and location of the hernia
  • The surgical method used (open, laparoscopic, or robotic)
  • The severity and size of the hernia
  • The need for mesh reinforcement
  • The type of anaesthesia (local or general)

All details of the procedure and available options are discussed with the patient and the treating surgeon during the qualification consultation.

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Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.

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