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 a hernia is, in plain words
Your belly wall is made of muscle and tough tissue. Behind it sit your bowel and fat. When one spot in that wall weakens, a little fat or a loop of bowel pushes through and sits under the skin. That is a hernia, or hernia ki bimari as many families say. You see it as a lump. It may appear slowly over months, or suddenly after one heavy lift.
What pushes it out? Lifting grain bags or cement, a long-standing cough, straining with constipation, straining to pass urine with an enlarged prostate, pregnancy, extra weight, smoking, and the scar of an earlier operation such as a C-section. Some people are born with a weaker spot.
One fact matters most: a hernia does not heal on its own. The gap only grows with time. A belt hides the lump for a while but repairs nothing. The hernia symptoms page lists every sign to watch.
Hernia types and where to read about each
The type decides the technique, so it helps to know which one you have.
| Type | Where it sits | Who gets it often | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inguinal | Groin | Men of all ages, farmers, labourers | Inguinal hernia surgery |
| Femoral | Just below the groin crease | Women, older adults | Femoral hernia surgery |
| Umbilical (naabhi ka hernia) | Belly button | Women after pregnancy, overweight adults | Umbilical hernia surgery |
| Incisional | Old surgical scar | After C-section or belly surgery | Incisional hernia surgery |
| Ventral or epigastric | Front belly wall | After surgery, or from lifting | Ventral hernia surgery |
| Hiatal | Where food pipe meets stomach | Reflux sufferers, older adults | Hiatal hernia surgery |
| Recurrent | Same spot as an earlier repair | After a repair that failed | Recurrent hernia surgery |
| Large or complex | Wide wall defect | Many past operations | Complex hernia surgery |
| Sports hernia | Deep groin, no visible lump | Athletes | Sports hernia treatment |
| Obstructed or strangulated | Any site, blood supply at risk | Neglected hernias | Emergency hernia surgery |
An overview is on the hernia types page. Women have their own page: hernia surgery for women. Both sides at once: bilateral hernia surgery.
Who needs surgery, and who can wait
Ask three questions. Does it hurt? Is it growing? Does it stop you working?
Operate soon if the lump hurts, grows, limits your work or has ever got stuck. Femoral hernias should not be left alone. Adult umbilical hernias do not close by themselves, and incisional hernias tend to enlarge.
Watching can be reasonable if a groin hernia in a man is small, painless and does not trouble daily life. A surgeon should still examine you and set a review date. A pregnant woman with a navel hernia is usually advised to wait until after delivery, unless it becomes an emergency.
Go to the nearest emergency room today if you get sudden severe pain, a hard lump that will not go back in, vomiting, fever, redness over the lump, or no gas or stool.
Hernia without surgery? Honestly, only watching and support, never a cure. Read can a hernia heal without surgery and does a hernia belt work.
How Dr Raman Garg diagnoses a hernia
He examines you standing and lying down, asks you to cough, and presses gently on the lump. An ultrasound confirms most hernias. A CT scan is added only for large, scar or confusing cases. Hiatal hernias may need an upper GI endoscopy or barium swallow.
| 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 |
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.
See the hernia diagnosis tests page for what each test shows.
How the repair is done: laparoscopic and open techniques
Every repair has the same goal: put the contents back, then strengthen the wall. The route to the spot is the difference.
| Technique | What it means | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| TAPP | Keyhole route from inside the belly; mesh laid behind the muscle | Groin hernias, both sides at once, recurrent groin hernias |
| TEP | Keyhole route outside the belly cavity; mesh in the same layer | Groin hernias |
| IPOM | Keyhole; mesh placed inside against the belly wall | Navel, ventral and incisional hernias |
| Open mesh repair | One cut of 6 to 8 cm; mesh over or behind the defect | Some large hernias, selected patients |
| Open suture repair | Stitches only, no mesh | Small defects chosen carefully |
Keyhole repair uses 3 small cuts and a camera, and the skin is closed with skin glue, so there is no stitch removal visit. Open repair uses one 6 to 8 cm cut and 1 to 2 days in hospital. Read more on laparoscopic hernia surgery, TAPP and TEP repair, open hernia surgery and stitchless hernia surgery. The blog on TAPP versus TEP compares the two keyhole routes. Beware of the phrase laser hernia surgery: it is not a real method, as explained in laser hernia surgery truth.
People say hernia removal, but the lump is not cut out like a boil. The contents go back and the wall is strengthened. Hernioplasty means repair with mesh. Herniorrhaphy means stitches only.
Mesh, explained simply
Mesh is a soft, light net of medical-grade material. The surgeon places it over the weak spot. Over the next weeks your own tissue grows into it, and the wall becomes stronger than stitches alone can make it. For most adult hernias, mesh lowers the chance of the hernia coming back.
Most people never feel it. Problems are uncommon but real: infection, a fluid collection, or lasting pain in a few patients. Ask the mesh type and size before surgery. See mesh hernia repair and the blog is hernia mesh safe.
The operation step by step
- Anaesthesia. Keyhole repair is usually under general anaesthesia. Some open repairs can be done under spinal anaesthesia.
- Three small cuts. One for the camera and two for instruments. The belly is gently filled with gas to create working space.
- Find and free the sac. The hernia sac and its contents are gently drawn back inside.
- Close or bridge the gap. Small defects may be stitched; the wall is then covered with mesh.
- Place and fix the mesh. Sized to the defect with a generous overlap.
- Close the skin with glue. No stitches to remove.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentBefore surgery checklist
- Send reports on WhatsApp so tests are not repeated.
- Stop smoking and tobacco at least 2 weeks before.
- Keep sugar and blood pressure under control.
- Tell us every tablet you take, especially blood thinners.
- Follow fasting instructions exactly.
- Bring photo ID, your insurance card and a family member.
- Wear loose, front-open clothes.
Day of surgery timeline
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Admission, vitals check, consent and anaesthesia talk |
| Before operation | Final check by Dr Raman Garg and the anaesthetist |
| Operation | About 45 to 90 minutes for groin and navel repairs; hiatal repair 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Recovery room | Short observation, pain medicine |
| A few hours later | First walk, sips of water, light food |
| Within 24 hours | Discharge with medicines, wound care and lifting plan |
Your recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Same day | Walk within hours |
| Next day | Home within 24 hours for most keyhole patients |
| Week 1 | Desk work or shop counter after about 1 week |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Driving after 1 to 2 weeks. Wound check by visit, phone or video |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | No heavy lifting until cleared |
| Weeks 8 to 12 | Farm and labour work, after clearance |
Open repair: 1 to 2 days in hospital and desk work after 2 to 3 weeks. Read hernia surgery recovery for the full guide.
Risks, in plain words
Every operation carries risk. A good surgeon tells you before you sign.
- Common and minor: soreness, bruising, mild swelling, and a gas ache in the belly or shoulder for a day or two.
- Less common: fluid at the site, wound infection, bleeding, trouble passing urine for a few hours, and numbness or nagging pain near a cut.
- Rare: injury to bowel, blood vessels or cord structures, mesh infection, or a reaction to anaesthesia.
- Recurrence: a hernia can come back. Smoking, high sugar, extra weight and early lifting raise the chance. Good technique and following instructions lower it.
Call the same day for fever, spreading redness, discharge from a wound, repeated vomiting, trouble passing urine or swelling that keeps growing.
Hernia operation cost in Punjab
| 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 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, both sides | 70,000 | 1,05,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Umbilical hernia repair, open with mesh | 30,000 | 48,000 | 75,000 |
| Umbilical or paraumbilical hernia, laparoscopic (IPOM) | 55,000 | 80,000 | 1,20,000 |
| Epigastric or ventral hernia repair | 50,000 | 78,000 | 1,15,000 |
| Femoral hernia repair | 45,000 | 70,000 | 1,00,000 |
| Incisional hernia repair | 70,000 | 1,05,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Recurrent hernia repair (redo) | 70,000 | 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 |
| Hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication | 90,000 | 1,30,000 | 2,00,000 |
| Emergency (obstructed or strangulated) hernia surgery | 70,000 | 1,10,000 | 1,80,000 |
| 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. Keyhole costs more than open but returns you to work 1 to 2 weeks earlier. See the full hernia surgery cost in Punjab page and cost in a big city versus Bathinda.
Insurance and cashless
BGCI is empanelled with almost all major insurers and TPAs: 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 details on WhatsApp.
- The insurance desk checks cover and waiting period.
- The desk arranges pre-authorisation.
- You are admitted and treated cashless for the approved amount.
Hernia ka operation ayushman card se hota hai? 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 for precise keyhole repair.
- Advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy suite for reflux and bowel checks.
- Fully equipped in-house diagnostic laboratory for quick pre-operative tests.
- Comfortable patient rooms for rest.
- 24/7 emergency care support on +91 82641-60001.
- Cashless insurance desk for forms and approvals.
- Stitchless technique with skin glue and same-day walking.
- One surgeon from consultation to follow-up.
- Online pre-arrival consultation for NRI and out-of-town patients.
- Follow-up by phone or video.
The hernia hospital in Punjab page gives a checklist you can use for any hospital.
Which doctor treats a hernia?
A surgeon. A hernia is a physical gap, and only an operation closes it. A physician can order tests and prescribe tablets for pain or reflux, but cannot repair the wall. Look for a laparoscopic surgeon or surgical gastroenterologist who does hernia repairs often.
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 (Government Medical College, Patiala), MS General Surgery (Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana) and DNB Surgical Gastroenterology (Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai). Read his full Dr Raman Garg profile.
Patients we see from your area
BGCI is on Power House Road, Near Street No. 10, Bathinda, Punjab 151001, India. Local plan: hernia surgery in Bathinda. Nearby: Mansa (about 50 km), Muktsar (about 55 km), Faridkot (about 65 km), Barnala (about 70 km), Sirsa (about 95 km), Patiala (about 125 km) and Amritsar (about 220 km). Every town is listed on areas we serve.
How to book
Call or WhatsApp +91 82641-60001 or +91 99885-03800. OPD is Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday is emergency only, and emergency care support is available 24/7. Share your ultrasound report first. Book an appointment online.
Related pages
Hernia surgery cost in Punjab, hernia hospital in Punjab, Dr Raman Garg, NRI patients, day care hernia surgery, frequently asked questions.
This page is general information; your plan is set after Dr Raman Garg examines you.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is hiranya or harniya the same as hernia?
Yes. Many people in Punjab search for a hernia as hiranya, harniya or hirniya, and a hiranya operation simply means hernia surgery. The medical word is hernia. The cure is the same: a repair by a surgeon, not a tablet or a belt.
What is the cause of a hernia?
A hernia happens when pressure inside the belly pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. Heavy lifting, long-term cough, constipation, straining to pass urine, pregnancy, obesity, smoking and old surgical scars are the usual triggers. Some people are born with a weaker area.
What does hernia pain feel like?
Most people feel a dull ache, pulling or burning at the lump, worse on standing, coughing or lifting and better when lying down. Some hernias cause no pain. Sudden sharp pain with a hard lump is different and needs same-day emergency care.
What are the 5 warning signs of a hernia?
A lump that grows on standing or coughing, a dragging ache near it, pain when lifting or straining, a lump that no longer goes back in, and nausea or vomiting with pain. The last two are urgent. Any of the five deserves a surgeon's examination.
Hernia ka operation kaise hota hai?
Keyhole repair is done under general anaesthesia through 3 small cuts. The surgeon pushes the contents back, places a soft mesh over the weak spot and closes the skin with glue. It takes about 45 to 90 minutes for groin and navel hernias, and most patients go home within 24 hours.
How much does hernia surgery cost in Punjab?
Typical 2026 costs run from about Rs 30,000 for open inguinal repair to Rs 1,10,000 for one-side keyhole repair, with Rs 75,000 as the average for keyhole. Both sides, scar hernias and hiatal repairs cost more. Dr Raman Garg confirms the range after examination.
Is hernia 100% curable?
Surgery repairs the hernia in most patients, but no honest surgeon promises 100%. A hernia can return, especially after smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, weight gain or early heavy lifting. Mesh repair by an experienced surgeon, plus the lifting rules, gives the best chance.
How long is hernia surgery?
Most keyhole repairs for groin and navel hernias take about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on type, size and whether both sides are repaired. Hiatal repair takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. You typically walk within hours and go home within 24 hours.
Hernia da ilaj bina operation ho sakda hai?
No. The muscle gap does not close by itself, and exercises, belts or homeopathy do not cure it. A small, painless hernia can sometimes be watched under a surgeon. If it grows, hurts or gets stuck, surgery is the treatment.
What is hernioplasty, and is it the same as hernia removal?
Hernioplasty is hernia repair with mesh, and it is what people usually mean by hernia removal. The lump is not cut out. The contents return to their place and the weak wall is reinforced so the hernia does not come back.
Can Ayushman card be used for hernia operation?
Call us with your card details and our insurance desk will tell you the same day how your card can be used. BGCI is also empanelled with almost all major private insurers and TPAs, and the desk arranges pre-authorisation for cashless treatment.