Open Inguinal Hernia Repair In Singapore

Inguinal hernias are a common health issue in Singapore, affecting thousands every year. They can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender but are more prevalent among men due to the male anatomy. If you suspect you have an inguinal hernia, contact us to learn more about treatment options.

Dr Jonathan Foo Shuo Min

Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Tan Yu-Meng

Director, Consultant General Surgeon

What is Inguinal Hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. It can cause pain and discomfort in the area, as well as other symptoms. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can become larger and potentially cause further complications. Treatment is available to repair the hernia and reduce any potential risks.

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias can present a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some common signs and symptoms include:

A bulge in the groin area that may become more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining
Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when lifting, bending, or coughing
A feeling of heaviness or dragging sensation in the groin
Swelling or tenderness in the scrotum (in men)

In some cases, inguinal hernias may not cause any symptoms and are discovered during a routine physical examination. Consult with a specialist if you suspect you have an inguinal hernia, as untreated hernias can lead to further complications.

Causes and risk factors of Inguinal Hernia

There are several causes and risk factors associated with inguinal hernias. Some of the most common causes include:

Increased pressure in the abdomen

Activities that increase pressure in the abdominal cavity, such as lifting heavy objects, straining during bowel movements, or persistent coughing, can contribute to the development of an inguinal hernia.

Weakness in the abdominal wall

Some people are born with a weak abdominal wall, making them more susceptible to developing inguinal hernias. Age and certain medical conditions can also lead to a weakened abdominal wall.

Hereditary

A family history of inguinal hernias may increase your risk of developing one.

Premature birth and low birth weight

Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight have a higher risk of developing inguinal hernias later in life.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women may experience increased pressure in their abdominal cavity, which can weaken the abdominal wall and lead to hernia development.

Diagnosis of Inguinal Hernia

Diagnosing an inguinal hernia typically involves a physical examination by a doctor. During the examination, the doctor will inspect the groin area for a bulge, usually while the patient is standing. The doctor may also ask the patient to cough or strain to observe any changes in the bulge. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasounds or CT scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

What is Open Inguinal Hernia Repair?

Open inguinal hernia repair, also known as open inguinal hernia surgery, is a surgical procedure to repair an inguinal hernia. The surgeon makes an incision in the groin area, pushes the protruding intestine back into the abdominal cavity, and strengthens the weakened abdominal wall with stitches or a mesh. This method has been used for decades and is considered a safe and effective way to treat inguinal hernias.

The Open Inguinal Hernia Repair Procedure

The open inguinal hernia repair procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, although local anaesthesia and sedation can be used in some cases. The surgeon begins by making a single incision in the groin area, approximately 3 to 5 centimetres long. The protruding intestine is then pushed back into the abdominal cavity, and the weakened area of the abdominal wall is repaired.

There are two primary methods used to repair the abdominal wall during open inguinal hernia surgery:

Suture repair: The surgeon stitches the edges of the healthy tissue together to close the defect in the abdominal wall. This method is generally used for smaller hernias.
Mesh repair: A synthetic mesh is placed over the weakened area of the abdominal wall and sewn in place. The mesh reinforces the abdominal wall and helps prevent the hernia from recurring.

Once the repair is complete, the incision is closed with stitches, staples, or surgical glue. The entire procedure typically takes about one to two hours.

Open Inguinal Hernia Surgery Recovery Time

Recovery time from open inguinal hernia surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and the complexity of the hernia. Generally, most patients can return to their daily activities within two to four weeks following the surgery. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and recommendations for a smooth and speedy recovery.

While it’s not uncommon for patients to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the groin area after the surgery, these symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication and recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage pain and discomfort.

Recovery Tips after Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

To ensure a smooth and speedy recovery after open inguinal hernia repair, consider the following tips:

Make sure to get enough rest and avoid strenuous activities during the first few weeks following the surgery. Gradually increase your activity levels as recommended by your surgeon.

Adhere to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, including wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions.

Your surgeon may recommend wearing an abdominal binder or support garment to help reduce swelling and provide support to the surgical area.

Refrain from lifting heavy objects for at least six weeks after the surgery to prevent straining the abdominal wall.

Comparing Open Inguinal Hernia Repair To Other Hernia Repair Methods

In addition to open inguinal hernia repair, there are other hernia repair methods available, such as laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and robotic-assisted hernia repair. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of repair method depends on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the size and complexity of the hernia, and the surgeon’s expertise.

Open inguinal hernia repair is a time-tested method that has been used for decades. It’s usually recommended for patients with larger or more complex hernias, as well as those who have had previous abdominal surgeries. The open approach offers a lower cost and a shorter operating time compared to laparoscopic and robotic-assisted methods. Do note that open inguinal hernia repair may have a slightly longer recovery time and a higher risk of postoperative pain compared to minimally invasive techniques.

Costs And Insurance Coverage For Open Inguinal Hernia Repair In Singapore

The cost of open inguinal hernia repair in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon’s expertise, the hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed, and whether the procedure is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

Most insurance shield plans in Singapore cover the cost of hernia surgery, including open inguinal hernia repair. Check with your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.

Our clinics are under the following

insurance panels

For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.

Dr Jonathan Foo Shuo Min

Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Jonathan Foo has expertise in managing various General Surgical and Colorectal conditions. He excels at advanced endoscopic, open and minimally invasive (“key-hole”) techniques, as well as robotic surgery.

Dr Foo is a specialist Colorectal surgeon with comprehensive training in other minimally invasive(laparoscopic) General Surgical conditions such as hernia repair and gallbladder surgery.

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, NUS) 2002
MRCSEd (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) 2007
MMed (Master of Medicine in Surgery) 2008
Further Advanced Training At the Minimally Invasive Colorectal Unit in Portsmouth, UK

Dr Foo firmly believes that every surgical procedures must be customized to the individual in order to achieve an optimal outcome for his patients.

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Dr Tan Yu-Meng

Director, Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Tan continues to be one of few surgeons in Asia who perform specialized surgery for peritoneal malignancies in Asia.

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, First Class Honors & Distinction at the University of London) 1994
RCSEd (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh) 1999
Further training in advanced HPB surgery and liver transplantation at the world renowned Liver Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Further training in living donor liver transplantation in Japan.

With his interest in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary-pancreatic (GI-HPB) surgery and the treatment of cancer, Dr Tan joined the department of surgical oncology at the National Cancer Centre in 2003 as a consultant.

Dr Tan’s interest in the management of peritoneal surface malignancies was part of his effort in leading a multidisciplinary team from NCC to Washington Cancer Institute to adopt the techniques and protocols of peritonectomy and HIPEC (Sugarbaker procedure) from Dr Paul Sugarbaker in 2009.

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Open Inguinal Hernia Repair In Singapore