Hernia Surgery
A patient guide, Lucknow

A hernia is a bulge where tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, often in the groin or around the navel. Hernias do not heal on their own and can get bigger. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, surgeons repair hernias with keyhole (laparoscopic), robotic-assisted or open mesh surgery.

NABH-accredited hospital GI & laparoscopic surgeons Keyhole surgery 24×7 emergency surgery

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About hernia

Hernia and its repair

A hernia often causes a lump that is more noticeable on standing or coughing, and may ache. Surgery pushes the tissue back and strengthens the weak area, usually with a mesh. Keyhole repair uses small cuts; open repair uses one cut over the hernia. Your surgeon will advise which suits you.

  • Examination and ultrasound when needed
  • Laparoscopic, robotic-assisted or open repair
  • Mesh repair to reduce recurrence
  • Day care or short stay for most
  • Emergency surgery for a stuck hernia

Laparoscopic

Small cuts, quick recovery.

Robotic

For selected complex hernias.

Open

One cut over the hernia.

Mesh

Strengthens the weak area.

300Bed multispeciality hospital
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Symptoms

Signs of a hernia

See a surgeon if you have:

A bulge in the groin or navel

More visible on standing or coughing.

Aching or heaviness

Worse at the end of the day.

A lump at an old scar

Incisional hernia.

Heartburn

With a hiatus hernia.

A hernia that becomes painful, hard and cannot be pushed back, with vomiting, may be stuck (strangulated). This is an emergency — call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Types

Types of hernia we treat

Tap a card to read more.

Inguinal hernia

In the groin

Who

Most common, especially in men.

Repair

Laparoscopic (TEP/TAPP) or open mesh repair.

Stay

Usually day care or 1 day.

Umbilical & paraumbilical hernia

Around the navel

Who

Adults and children.

Repair

Open or laparoscopic, often with mesh.

Stay

Usually 1 day.

Incisional hernia

At an old surgical scar

Repair

Laparoscopic, robotic or open mesh repair.

Planning

CT scan for large hernias.

Stay

1 to 3 days.

Femoral hernia

Lower groin

Who

More common in women.

Note

Higher risk of getting stuck; repair is advised.

Repair

Open or laparoscopic.

Hiatus hernia

Stomach pushing into the chest

Symptoms

Heartburn and regurgitation.

Treatment

Medicines; surgery for selected patients.

With

Gastroenterology team.

Gastroenterology

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Diagnosis

How a hernia is diagnosed

Usually by examination.

Examination

Standing and lying down.

Ultrasound

If the diagnosis is unclear.

CT scan

For large or complex hernias.

Fitness check

Before surgery.

Plan

Approach discussed.

Keyhole or open?

Tap to compare.

Surgery

What to expect

Here is what usually happens.

The operation

Usually 1 to 2 hours, under general or spinal anaesthesia.

Mesh repair for mostDay care or short stayPain relief

After

  • Walking the same day
  • Normal diet
  • Support when coughing

Stay

  • Day care to 2 days
  • Follow-up in 1 to 2 weeks
  • Wound check
Your journey

From consultation to recovery

Step 1

Consultation

Examination.

Step 2

Tests

Ultrasound if needed.

Step 3

Plan & estimate

Approach and costs.

Step 4

Surgery

1 to 2 hours.

Step 5

Home

Day care to 2 days.

Step 6

Follow-up

Wound check.

Myths & facts

Common beliefs about hernia

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“A hernia belt will cure it.”

Tap to flip
Fact

A belt may ease discomfort but does not repair the hernia.

Myth

“Hernia surgery means long bed rest.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most people walk the same day and return to desk work within 2 weeks.

Myth

“A hernia that does not hurt can be ignored.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Hernias tend to grow and can get stuck; get advice early.

Our doctors

Meet our surgeons

Dr. Praveen Sharma, General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Charak Hospital Lucknow
General & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Praveen Sharma

MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), advanced training in laparoscopic surgery

Gallbladder, hernia, appendix and laparoscopic surgery. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Dr. (Prof.) Ashok Kumar, Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology

Dr. (Prof.) Ashok Kumar

MBBS, MS, M.Ch (Surgical Gastroenterology), FRCS, FACS

Colorectal and pelvic floor surgery, HPB and pancreatic surgery, and GI cancer surgery. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Dr. Manish Sharma, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Surgical Gastroenterologist

Dr. Manish Sharma

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)

Laparoscopic GI surgery, gallbladder and bile duct surgery, hernia and proctology. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.

Practical help

Preparing, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Ultrasound or CT reports if any
  • A list of medicines
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the type of hernia, keyhole or open approach, mesh used and length of stay. Ask for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Does every hernia need surgery?

Most hernias in adults are repaired, as they tend to grow. Your surgeon will advise.

Is mesh safe?

Mesh is widely used to strengthen the repair and lower recurrence. Your surgeon will discuss the options.

How long will I stay?

Usually day care to 2 days.

When can I lift weights?

Usually after 4 to 6 weeks.

What are the risks?

Infection, bleeding, pain and recurrence. Your surgeon will explain your own risk.

Is it covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover this treatment for eligible patients. Our insurance desk can check your cover.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

Inguinal herniaA hernia in the groin.
TEP / TAPPTypes of laparoscopic groin hernia repair.
MeshA surgical net that strengthens the repair.
Strangulated herniaA stuck hernia with reduced blood supply — an emergency.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Talk to our specialists

Book a consultation. Call 0522-666-4444.

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Minimal Access/Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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