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 is an inguinal hernia?
The inguinal canal is a small passage in the lower belly wall, just above the groin crease. In men, the cord that holds the testicle runs through it. In women, a ligament that supports the womb runs through it. When the wall around this passage weakens, fat or bowel pushes out and you see a bulge in the groin. This is a groin hernia, also called jangh ka hernia in many homes.
Body diagram in words: picture a tyre with a thin patch in the side wall. Air pressure pushes the patch outward into a bubble. In your body, belly pressure pushes the soft contents out through the weak patch. The bubble grows when you stand, cough or lift, and shrinks when you lie down.
There are two common kinds:
- Indirect inguinal hernia: the hernia follows the natural canal. It is the most common type, often present from birth as a small opening that shows up later. It can travel down into the scrotum.
- Direct inguinal hernia: the hernia pushes straight through a weak back wall of the groin. It is more common in older men and heavy workers.
You do not need to remember the names. Dr Raman Garg identifies the type during examination or on the camera during surgery, and both are repaired the same way, with mesh. A hernia that has dropped into the scrotum is called a scrotal hernia. It can become very large, but it is still treatable.
Who gets it and what causes it?
Men get groin hernias far more often than women, but women are not safe from them. Common causes and triggers:
- Lifting grain sacks, cement bags, bricks or farm loads day after day
- Long-standing constipation and straining
- A chronic cough from smoking, asthma or old TB
- Straining to pass urine because of an enlarged prostate
- Weak muscles after age 50, or after sudden weight loss
If you are a woman, a groin lump may also be a femoral hernia, which sits slightly lower and is more risky for trapping. Read hernia in women symptoms and our hernia surgery for women page. Men can read inguinal hernia in men: causes and prevention.
Symptoms and when to worry
- A bulge in the groin that appears on standing or coughing and goes back when you lie down
- A dragging, burning or aching feeling that worsens by evening
- A heavy feeling in the groin, or swelling of one side of the scrotum
Not every groin lump is a hernia. It can also be a hydrocele, a lymph node, a lipoma or a muscle pull. See lump in groin: hernia or something else and hernia vs hydrocele.
Go to hospital the same day if: pain becomes sudden and severe, the lump turns hard and will not go back, you vomit, you have fever, the skin turns red or dark, or you pass no gas or stool. This can mean the bowel is trapped. Call +91 82641-60001 at any hour. See emergency hernia surgery.
How Dr Raman Garg diagnoses a groin hernia
Dr Raman Garg examines you standing, asks you to cough, and checks both groins. Usually that is enough. An ultrasound is added when the lump is unclear, when you are a woman with a small lump, or when the hernia is small but painful. A CT scan is kept for complex cases.
| Step | 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 |
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.
Send your reports on WhatsApp to +91 82641-60001 before you travel, and read about hernia diagnosis tests.
Treatment options: watchful waiting, belt or surgery
Honest answer first: hernia ko jad se khatam karne ka tarika sirf operation hai. Exercise, yoga and desi ilaj do not close a groin hernia.
Watchful waiting. If your hernia is small, causes no pain, and you are older or unwell, Dr Raman Garg may let you wait and watch. You must come back if the lump grows, hurts or changes. Watching is a medical decision, not a way to ignore it. Read can hernia heal without surgery.
Hernia belt. A belt holds the lump in for a few hours. It does not repair the wall and can irritate the skin. It costs Rs 400 (starting), Rs 900 (average), Rs 2,500 (maximum). 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.
Surgery. Advised when the hernia hurts, grows, drops into the scrotum, or affects your work. Women with a groin lump usually need surgery early because of the trapping risk. You can choose between laparoscopic hernia surgery and open hernia surgery.
| Open mesh repair | Laparoscopic (TAPP or TEP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts | One 6 to 8 cm cut in the groin | Three small cuts |
| Both sides | Two separate cuts | Same three cuts |
| Hospital | 1 to 2 days | Home within 24 hours for most |
| Desk work | 2 to 3 weeks | About 1 week |
| Cost | Lower | Higher, since equipment and mesh cost more |
The inguinal hernia operation step by step
- Anaesthesia. Keyhole repair is done under general anaesthesia. Open repair can be done under spinal anaesthesia if that suits you better. Read spinal or general anaesthesia.
- Cuts. Keyhole: three small cuts near the navel and sides. Open: one cut in the groin crease.
- Finding the hernia. The sac and its contents are gently pulled back. Cord structures are protected.
- Mesh. A flat mesh covers all weak points of the groin, with a wide margin. Read mesh hernia repair.
- Closure. The lining or muscle layers are closed and the gas is released.
- Skin glue. Cuts are sealed with skin glue, so no stitches need removal.
Most groin repairs take about 45 to 90 minutes. The two keyhole methods, TAPP and TEP, are compared in TAPP vs TEP hernia repair.
Before surgery checklist
- Bring all old reports and a list of your medicines
- Tell us about blood thinners, sugar and BP tablets
- Stop smoking 2 weeks before if you can, and treat any cough
- No food or drink 6 to 8 hours before, as advised
Day of surgery timeline
- Operation: about 45 to 90 minutes.
- Recovery: you wake within an hour, and most keyhole patients walk within hours.
- Discharge: home within 24 hours for most keyhole repairs; open repair needs 1 to 2 days.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentRecovery timeline
| Time | Keyhole repair | Open repair |
|---|---|---|
| Same day | Walk, drink, light meals | Walk with support |
| Week 1 | Desk work | Rest at home |
| Week 2 to 3 | Driving | Desk work |
| Week 4 to 6 | Lifting begins slowly | Lifting begins slowly |
| Week 8 to 12 | Farm and labour work | Farm and labour work |
Mild groin ache or bruising for a few days is normal. Follow-up is by phone or video. See hernia surgery recovery and pain after hernia surgery.
Risks and how they are handled
Possible problems include bruising, swelling of the scrotum for a few days, fluid collection, short-term urine difficulty, infection, long-lasting groin pain in a few patients, and rarely the hernia returning. Anaesthesia risks depend on your age and health.
We keep these low with a modern laparoscopic theatre, careful mesh placement, protection of cord and nerves, and one surgeon from consultation to follow-up. Call Dr Raman Garg directly if something looks wrong at home.
Cost of inguinal hernia surgery in Punjab
Hernia operation kitna aata hai? The table gives typical ranges. Mohali and Chandigarh hospitals publish open inguinal mesh repair at about Rs 25,000 to 60,000 and laparoscopic repair at about Rs 45,000 to 1,20,000.
| Procedure | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open inguinal hernia repair with mesh, one side | 30,000 | 45,000 | 65,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal repair (TAPP or TEP), one side | 50,000 | 75,000 | 1,10,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal repair, both sides | 70,000 | 1,05,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Recurrent hernia repair (redo) | 70,000 | 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 |
| 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.
If you have hernias on both sides, keyhole repair fixes both through the same cuts. See bilateral hernia surgery and the full hernia surgery cost in Punjab table.
Insurance and cashless treatment
BGCI is empanelled with almost all major insurers and TPAs for cashless treatment: 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 cover and arranges pre-authorisation.
- You are admitted and treated; the desk files the claim.
- At discharge the approved amount is settled directly.
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
A good hernia hospital should offer a modern laparoscopic theatre, a lab, emergency support and an insurance desk. BGCI offers:
- Modern laparoscopic operation theatre
- Advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy suite
- Fully equipped in-house diagnostic laboratory
- Comfortable patient rooms
- 24/7 emergency care support on +91 82641-60001
- Cashless insurance desk
- Stitchless laparoscopic technique with skin glue
- 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, with 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, one of the leading hernia surgeons in Punjab, with 20+ years of experience, 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries and 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs. He was among the first surgeons in Bathinda to perform laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery, and is the first surgical gastroenterologist in the Malwa belt of Punjab.
MBBS (Government Medical College, Patiala); MS General Surgery (Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana); DNB Surgical Gastroenterology (Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai); Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery; advanced laparoscopy training in Seoul, South Korea. Registered with the Dubai Health Authority as Physician Specialist, Gastrointestinal Surgery. Member, IAGES and AMASI.
Patients come from all Punjab districts, Haryana, Rajasthan and abroad. Meet him on the Dr Raman Garg page, or see hernia surgery in Bathinda.
Patients we see from your area
About road distance from BGCI: Mansa 50 km, 1 hour | Talwandi Sabo 30 km, 45 minutes | Faridkot 65 km, 1 hour 20 minutes | Barnala 70 km, 1 hour 30 minutes. All towns: areas we serve.
How to book
- Call or WhatsApp +91 82641-60001 (or +91 99885-03800) and send your reports.
- Visit OPD Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Sunday is emergency only.
- Dr Raman Garg examines you and gives your plan and cost range.
- Pick your date; cashless paperwork is handled for you.
Address: Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Power House Road, Near Street No. 10, Bathinda, Punjab 151001, India. Email: bgcibathinda@gmail.com. Emergency care support 24/7. Reach us by road, by bus from the main bus stand, or by train to Bathinda Junction. Book appointment.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentRelated pages
Laparoscopic hernia surgery | Umbilical hernia surgery | Femoral hernia surgery | Hernia surgery in Punjab
Medically 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
What is the treatment for inguinal hernia?
Surgery with mesh is the treatment. Dr Raman Garg repairs the groin wall by keyhole or open method. Belts and exercise do not close the gap. Small painless hernias in older patients may be watched on medical advice. Most keyhole patients go home within 24 hours.
Inguinal hernia ka operation kitne ka hota hai?
Ek taraf ka laparoscopic operation Rs 50,000 se 1,10,000 tak hota hai, average Rs 75,000. Open mesh repair Rs 30,000 se 65,000 tak. Dono taraf ka keyhole operation Rs 70,000 se 1,60,000. Final kharcha jaanch ke baad tay hota hai, aur cashless insurance se madad mil sakti hai.
What is the difference between direct and indirect inguinal hernia?
An indirect hernia follows the natural canal and can reach the scrotum. A direct hernia pushes through a weak back wall of the groin. Both look like a groin bulge and both are repaired with mesh. Dr Raman Garg identifies the type during examination or on camera.
Can an inguinal hernia go away on its own?
No. The muscle gap does not close by itself. Rest may ease pain for a while, but the bulge returns. Only surgery repairs it. If it is small and painless, Dr Raman Garg may let you watch it, but a growing or painful hernia needs an operation.
Hernia da operation kinna chir lagda hai?
Operation lagbhag 45 ton 90 minute da hunda hai. Keyhole wich mareez kai ghante vich chalan lag janda hai te 24 ghante de andar ghar chala janda hai. Daftar da kam ek hafte baad, bhaari kam 4 ton 6 hafte baad.
Can women get inguinal hernia?
Yes. Women get groin hernias less often than men, but they do occur, sometimes after pregnancy or surgery. A small lump may be a femoral hernia, which traps easily. Keyhole repair suits women well because the scars are tiny. Book a check if you notice a groin lump.
How should I treat a scrotal hernia?
A hernia that drops into the scrotum needs surgery, not a belt. The gap is repaired with mesh, often by keyhole. Large scrotal hernias may need more time, and Dr Raman Garg plans this after examination. Do not delay if the swelling becomes hard or painful.
Which doctor is best for hernia operation in Punjab?
Choose a surgeon with high hernia volume, a modern laparoscopic theatre and clear follow-up. Dr Raman Garg has done 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs over 20+ years and sees patients from all Punjab districts at BGCI Bathinda.
When can I lift weights after a groin hernia repair?
Light work starts in week 1. Heavy lifting starts slowly at 4 to 6 weeks. Farm and labour work, such as loading sacks, is safe at 8 to 12 weeks. Dr Raman Garg adjusts this for your job. See return to heavy work after hernia surgery.
Does insurance cover inguinal hernia surgery?
Many policies cover it cashless at BGCI, including Niva Bupa, Care Health and ICICI Lombard. The insurance desk arranges pre-authorisation. 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.