Last updated 2026-11-08 · Medically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg · Punjab, India
20+ years | 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries | 1,000+ hernia repairs | Cashless insurance | OPD Mon to Sat 10 AM to 5 PM
What diagnosis means and why tests matter
A hernia is a gap in the belly wall through which fat or bowel pushes out. Think of a bulge in a tyre where the inner layer has weakened. Diagnosis answers four questions: Is it a hernia? What type is it? How big is the gap and what is inside it? Is it safe to wait, or is it urgent?
Most groin and navel hernias are found by examination alone. Tests then confirm the picture and help plan surgery. You do not need every scan. A good surgeon orders only what changes the decision, and that saves you money and time.
Who needs tests and what causes the lump
Anyone with a new lump in the groin, navel or belly, a dragging ache, a swelling in the scrotum, a bulge near a C-section scar, or burning in the chest and upper belly (possible hiatal hernia) should be examined. Lumps can also be a fatty lump, a hydrocele, a swollen gland or a muscle strain, so a proper check matters. Read lump in groin: hernia or something else.
Causes include age-related weakness, heavy lifting, chronic cough, straining with constipation, an enlarged prostate, obesity, pregnancy and past surgery.
Symptoms and when to worry
Common signs are a soft lump that appears on standing or coughing and goes back on lying down, a pulling ache that worsens by evening, and a bulge near the navel. Hiatal hernia may show as acid burning, belching, or food sticking in the chest.
Same-day hospital care is needed for sudden severe pain, a hard lump that will not go back, vomiting, fever, redness over the lump, or no gas or stool. Do not wait for a scan in these cases. Go to the nearest emergency room and then call +91 82641-60001. See hernia symptoms.
How Dr Raman Garg diagnoses a hernia
Step 1: Physical examination
You stand, then lie down. Dr Raman Garg looks for the lump, asks you to cough, and feels the gap with his fingers. He checks both sides, the scrotum in men, and old scars. This step takes about 10 minutes and often answers the main question.
Step 2: Ultrasound
An ultrasound of the groin or abdomen uses sound waves, so there is no radiation. It shows the defect, its size and whether fat or bowel is inside. It is the most common test, and it also separates a hernia from a hydrocele or a gland.
Step 3: CT scan, only when needed
A CT scan is used for obese patients, large or recurring hernias, hernias after earlier surgery, hidden hernias and pain with no clear lump.
Step 4: Endoscopy and barium swallow, for hiatal hernia
Upper GI endoscopy passes a thin camera through the mouth to look at the food pipe and stomach. A barium swallow is an X-ray test after drinking a chalky liquid that shows the stomach sliding above the diaphragm. See hiatal hernia surgery.
Step 5: Blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray
These check fitness for anaesthesia. They include blood count, sugar, kidney and liver tests, an ECG and a chest X-ray. Our in-house laboratory gives quick results.
Test prices in Punjab
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPD consultation | 500 | 700 | 1,000 |
| Ultrasound abdomen or groin | 600 | 1,000 | 1,800 |
| CT scan abdomen (when needed) | 3,500 | 6,000 | 9,000 |
| Pre-operative blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray | 1,500 | 2,500 | 4,000 |
| Upper GI endoscopy | 2,000 | 3,200 | 5,000 |
| Barium swallow | 1,200 | 2,000 | 3,500 |
| Hernia belt (temporary support only) | 400 | 900 | 2,500 |
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on the hernia type, size, number of sides, mesh used and your health.
A typical groin hernia needs the consultation, an ultrasound and pre-operative tests. A hiatal hernia workup adds endoscopy and often a barium swallow. The CT scan is the only costly test, and many patients never need it. A hernia belt is listed because patients ask: it gives temporary support only and is not a treatment.
Treatment options after diagnosis
Once the diagnosis is clear, you have honest choices. A hernia does not close on its own, and tablets or home remedies do not fix the gap. A belt can support the area for a short time. Small hernias without symptoms may be watched. Most symptomatic hernias need repair, either keyhole or open. See laparoscopic hernia surgery, open hernia surgery and hernia types.
The operation in short
If surgery is advised, most patients have a keyhole repair through three small cuts, a soft mesh over the weak spot, and skin sealed with glue, taking about 45 to 90 minutes. Hiatal repair takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Details are on stitchless hernia surgery and day care hernia surgery.
How to prepare for each test
| Test | How to prepare |
|---|---|
| Examination | Wear loose clothes. Bring old reports and medicine strips. |
| Ultrasound | Drink water and keep your bladder full if asked. Arrive without a heavy meal. |
| CT scan | Fast 4 to 6 hours if told. Bring kidney test results. Tell us about allergies and diabetes medicines. |
| Upper GI endoscopy | Fast 6 to 8 hours. Bring a family member. Take BP tablets with a sip of water. |
| Barium swallow | Fast 6 hours. Remove metal items near the chest. Barium may make stool pale for a day. |
| Blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray | Usually fasting for 8 hours for sugar. Tell us about blood thinners. |
For all tests, tell us about pregnancy or chance of pregnancy, kidney disease, and medicines such as blood thinners or diabetes tablets.
Before surgery checklist
- All reports and films in one folder.
- Sugar, BP, heart and thyroid history written down.
- No tobacco, as it slows healing.
- Insurance card, ID and a family member with you.
- A list of past operations, including C-section.
How to read your report
Reports use medical words. Here are the common ones in plain language.
| Report wording | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Defect or hernial sac | The gap or pouch in the belly wall |
| Neck of sac, with size in cm | The width of the opening. Wider opening, bigger repair |
| Reducible | The lump goes back. Less urgent |
| Irreducible or incarcerated | The lump will not go back. Needs urgent review |
| Strangulated | Blood supply is cut off. Emergency |
| Omentum or fat in sac | Only fat is inside |
| Bowel loop in sac | The intestine is inside. Needs more care |
| Indirect or direct | The inguinal hernia type, based on the point of weakness |
| Sliding hernia (hiatal) | The stomach slides up into the chest and back |
| Gastro-oesophageal junction above diaphragm | A hiatal hernia is present |
| Hydrocele, lipoma, lymph node | Something other than a hernia |
A report saying "no hernia seen" does not always rule out a hernia, because a small gap may hide when you lie still. If your lump shows on standing, tell the ultrasound doctor to scan you standing and while you cough. Dr Raman Garg reads the image together with your examination, not on its own.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentWhat to WhatsApp before you travel
Online pre-arrival consultation is open to NRI and out-of-town patients. Send these to +91 82641-60001:
- Your name, age, town and a phone number.
- A clear photo of the lump standing and one lying down.
- Ultrasound or CT report, and images if you have them.
- A list of medicines, allergies, and illnesses such as sugar, BP, heart or kidney.
- Details of past operations, including C-section or earlier hernia repair.
- Insurance policy card, if any.
Dr Raman Garg reviews and replies on which tests you still need, whether surgery is advised, and the estimated range. This saves you a trip when a visit is not required yet.
Risks and how they are handled
Examination and ultrasound carry no risk. CT uses radiation and sometimes contrast dye, so we ask about kidney health and allergies and use CT only when it helps. Endoscopy may cause throat soreness or bloating. Barium can cause constipation, so drink more water. Blood tests may leave a small bruise. Tell the team if you feel unwell during any test.
Cost of surgery after diagnosis
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open inguinal hernia repair with mesh, one side | 30,000 | 45,000 | 65,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP or TEP), one side | 50,000 | 75,000 | 1,10,000 |
| Umbilical hernia repair, open with mesh | 30,000 | 48,000 | 75,000 |
| Hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication | 90,000 | 1,30,000 | 2,00,000 |
| Standard mesh (polypropylene), add-on | 3,000 | 8,000 | 15,000 |
| Composite, 3D or IPOM mesh, add-on | 15,000 | 25,000 | 40,000 |
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on the hernia type, size, number of sides, mesh used and your health.
Published ranges from Mohali and Chandigarh hospitals put open inguinal mesh repair at about Rs 25,000 to 60,000 and laparoscopic repair at about Rs 45,000 to 1,20,000. See the full hernia surgery cost in Punjab page.
Insurance and cashless treatment
BGCI is empanelled with almost all major insurance companies and TPAs for cashless treatment, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Digit Insurance, Care Health Insurance, Vidal Health TPA, ICICI Lombard, Raksha TPA, Future Generali, SBI General Insurance, Oriental Insurance, Liberty General Insurance, IFFCO Tokio, Cholamandalam MS, Medi Assist TPA, and almost all other major insurers and TPAs.
- Send your policy card and reports on WhatsApp.
- The insurance desk checks your cover.
- Pre-authorisation is arranged before admission.
- The desk completes claim paperwork after discharge.
For Ayushman Bharat, call us with your card details and our insurance desk will tell you the same day how your card can be used. See hernia surgery insurance.
Facilities at BGCI
- Modern laparoscopic operation theatre.
- Advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy suite for upper GI endoscopy and bowel checks.
- Fully equipped in-house diagnostic laboratory, so blood tests are done under one roof.
- Comfortable patient rooms.
- 24/7 emergency care support on +91 82641-60001.
- Cashless insurance desk.
- Stitchless laparoscopic technique with skin glue, with no stitch removal visit.
- Same-day walking and discharge within 24 hours for most keyhole repairs.
- One surgeon from consultation to follow-up.
- Online pre-arrival consultation for NRI and out-of-town patients, and follow-up by phone or video.
See the hernia hospital in Punjab page.
Why patients choose Dr Raman Garg
Dr Raman Garg is a Surgical Gastroenterologist and Laparoscopic Hernia Surgeon with 20+ years of experience, 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries and 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs. He holds an MBBS from Government Medical College, Patiala, MS General Surgery from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, and DNB Surgical Gastroenterology from Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, with a Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery and training in Seoul, South Korea. He is registered with the Dubai Health Authority and is a member of IAGES and AMASI. As a surgical gastroenterologist, he reads both the hernia and the stomach picture. See Dr Raman Garg.
Patients we see from your area
Patients come to BGCI, Bathinda, Punjab, India by road, by bus from the main bus stand, or by train to Bathinda Junction. You can often get your ultrasound done in your own town and WhatsApp it to us first.
- Hernia surgery in Mansa, about 50 km, 1 hr
- Hernia surgery in Sirsa, about 95 km, 2 hr
- Hernia surgery in Patiala, about 125 km, 2 hr 30 min
- Hernia surgery in Faridkot, about 65 km, 1 hr 20 min
- Hernia surgery in Barnala, about 70 km, 1 hr 30 min
- Hernia surgery in Malout, about 60 km, 1 hr 15 min
See all areas we serve.
How to book
- Call or WhatsApp +91 82641-60001 (or +91 99885-03800).
- Send your photo and any report.
- Visit OPD Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Power House Road, Near Street No. 10, Bathinda, Punjab 151001. Sunday is emergency only.
- Dr Raman Garg examines you and orders only the tests you need.
- Emergency care support is available 24/7 on +91 82641-60001.
Email: bgcibathinda@gmail.com. Or use book an appointment.
Related pages
Stitchless hernia surgery | Day care hernia surgery | Hiatal hernia surgery | Hernia surgery in Bathinda | Hernia surgery in Punjab | Hernia FAQs
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentMedically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg. Last updated: 8 November 2026. This page is general information; your plan is set after Dr Raman Garg examines you.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if I have a hernia?
Look for a soft lump in the groin, navel or belly that grows on standing or coughing and goes back when you lie down, often with a dragging ache. A doctor confirms it by examination and, if needed, an ultrasound. Do not rely on home checks alone.
Which test is best for hernia?
A physical examination by an experienced surgeon, followed by an ultrasound, is enough for most groin and navel hernias. CT is added for unclear, large or recurring hernias. Endoscopy and barium swallow are used for hiatal hernia. Dr Raman Garg chooses tests that change your plan.
Hernia ki jaanch kaise hoti hai?
Pehle doctor aapko khade hokar aur letkar dekhta hai aur khaansi karwa kar lump check karta hai. Phir ultrasound hota hai. Zaroorat padne par CT scan, endoscopy ya barium swallow karte hain. Operation se pehle khoon ki jaanch, ECG aur chest X-ray bhi hote hain.
Can an ultrasound miss a hernia?
Yes, sometimes, especially a small hernia that hides when you lie still. Ask for the scan to be done standing and while coughing. If the report says no hernia but the lump is clear, Dr Raman Garg examines you and may repeat the scan or order a CT.
How much does an ultrasound for hernia cost in Punjab?
An abdomen or groin ultrasound typically costs Rs 600 to Rs 1,800, with an average near Rs 1,000. The OPD consultation is Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on the hernia type, size, number of sides, mesh used and your health.
Hernia di jaanch layi ki karna painda hai?
Pehlan Dr Raman Garg tuhanu khade ho ke te late ke dekhde ne. Phir ultrasound hunda hai. Lod hove ta CT scan, endoscopy jaan barium swallow karde ne. Tusi apni report WhatsApp te +91 82641-60001 te bhej ke ghar baithe hi salah le sakde ho.
Do I need a CT scan before hernia surgery?
Not always. Most groin and navel hernias are planned with examination and ultrasound. A CT scan helps in large, recurring, post-surgery or unclear cases, and in obese patients. Dr Raman Garg orders it only when it will change how he operates.
Is an endoscopy needed for hernia?
Only for suspected hiatal hernia, acid reflux or swallowing problems. Groin and navel hernias do not need endoscopy. At BGCI, the endoscopy suite is in the same building, so tests and surgical planning happen under one team.
How should I prepare for a barium swallow?
Fast for about 6 hours, wear clothes without metal near the chest, and bring your reports. You drink a chalky liquid while X-rays are taken. Drink plenty of water afterwards, because barium can cause constipation and pale stool for a day.
What should I WhatsApp to Dr Raman Garg?
Send a photo of the lump standing and lying, your ultrasound or CT report and images, medicine list, illnesses, past operations and insurance card to +91 82641-60001. Dr Raman Garg reviews it and tells you which tests are still needed before you travel.
Which blood tests are done before hernia surgery?
Typically blood count, sugar, kidney and liver function, clotting tests, along with an ECG and a chest X-ray. They check fitness for anaesthesia. The in-house laboratory at BGCI gives quick results, and the usual range is Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 in Punjab. Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on the hernia type, size, number of sides, mesh used and your health.
When is a hernia an emergency?
When the lump becomes hard and will not go back, pain turns sudden and severe, or you have vomiting, fever, redness, or no gas or stool. Go to the nearest emergency room at once, then call BGCI on +91 82641-60001. Do not wait for a scan.