If you or your family member has been diagnosed with a hernia, one common question is: Laparoscopic hernia surgery vs open surgery – which is better? With modern medical advances, patients today have safer and more comfortable options for hernia treatment in Hyderabad. Choosing the right method depends on the type of hernia, your health condition, and the surgeon’s expertise.
At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, patients receive advanced hernia treatment under the guidance of Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, a leading hernia specialist in Hyderabad with 18+ years of experience and expertise in both open and laparoscopic hernia surgery. This guide explains the differences in simple words to help you make the right decision.
What Is Hernia Surgery?
A hernia happens when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak area in the muscle wall. Common types include inguinal, umbilical, incisional, femoral, and hiatal hernias.
Hernias do not heal on their own. Over time, they may increase in size and cause pain or serious complications. Surgery is the only permanent treatment.
Patients searching for a hernia hospital near me or hernia treatment in Hyderabad usually want safe surgery, quick recovery, and minimal pain.
What Is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is also known as “Keyhole Surgery” or “Minimally Invasive Hernia Surgery.” It is a modern method where large cuts are avoided.
How Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Is Performed?
In this method, the surgeon makes 3 to 4 tiny holes (about 0.5 cm to 1 cm) in your abdomen. A special camera (laparoscope) is inserted so the doctor can see inside on a TV screen. Long, thin instruments are used to fix the hernia and place a mesh from the inside.
Types of Hernias Treated with Laparoscopy:
This method is excellent for:
- Inguinal Hernia (Groin hernia)
- Umbilical Hernia (Belly button hernia)
- Recurrent Hernia (Hernia that came back after open surgery)
- Bilateral Hernia (Hernia on both sides)
Advantages of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery:
- Less Pain: Because the cuts are tiny, it is often called painless hernia treatment.
- Faster Recovery: You can walk on the same day.
- Small Scars: Cosmetically better results.
- Quick Return to Work: Best for office goers and IT professionals.
What Is Open Hernia Surgery?
Open hernia surgery is the traditional way of fixing hernias. It has been used for many years and is still very effective in specific situations.
How Open Hernia Surgery Is Done?
The surgeon makes a single larger cut (incision) directly over the hernia bulge (about 3 to 4 inches). The protruding organ is pushed back, and the muscle wall is stitched or reinforced with a mesh.
When Open Hernia Surgery Is Recommended?
While laparoscopy is popular, open surgery is better for:
- Large or Complicated Hernias: If the hernia is huge, open surgery gives the doctor better access.
- Emergency Cases: If the intestine is stuck or rotting (strangulated hernia), open surgery allows the doctor to remove the damaged part safely.
- Patients who cannot undergo General Anesthesia: Open surgery can be done under local anesthesia (numbing only that area).
Advantages of Open Hernia Surgery:
- Can be done under local anesthesia.
- Suitable for patients with severe heart or lung issues who cannot tolerate the gas used in laparoscopy.
- Slightly lower cost in smaller nursing homes (though overall costs vary).
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery vs Open Hernia Surgery – Key Differences
Procedure Comparison:
- Surgical approach: Laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts; open surgery uses a single large cut.
- Anaesthesia: Laparoscopy usually needs general anaesthesia, while open surgery may use spinal or local anaesthesia.
Pain, Recovery & Hospital Stay:
Laparoscopic surgery causes less pain and faster recovery. Most patients go home within 24 hours. Open surgery may need a longer hospital stay and rest.
Scarring & Cosmetic Outcome:
Laparoscopic surgery leaves very small scars. Open surgery results in a visible scar.
Risk of Infection & Complications:
The risk of infection is lower with laparoscopic surgery due to smaller wounds.
Hernia Recurrence Rates:
With experienced surgeons like Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, both methods have low recurrence rates. A surgeon’s skill matters more than the technique.
Which Is Better – Laparoscopic or Open Hernia Surgery?
There is no single “best” answer. It depends on your body and lifestyle.
- Best Option for Working Professionals: If you have a desk job or work in IT in Hitech City or Gachibowli, laparoscopic hernia surgery is usually better. You can return to work in 5 to 7 days.
- Best Choice for Elderly Patients: For older patients with heart problems, Open Surgery under local anesthesia might be safer because general anesthesia (required for laparoscopy) can be risky for them.
- Best Surgery for Recurrent Hernia: If you had open surgery before and the hernia came back, laparoscopic repair is the gold standard. It allows the surgeon to work on a fresh tissue plane, avoiding old scars.
- Surgeon Expertise & Patient Factors: The success of the surgery depends heavily on the surgeon’s skill. You need a specialist who is an expert in both. Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, with 18+ years of experience, evaluates every patient individually at Hills Gastro & Onco Care to decide the safest approach.
Recovery After Laparoscopic vs Open Hernia Surgery:
Recovery is the main concern for most patients.
Recovery Time Comparison:
- Laparoscopic: You feel normal within 1 week. Heavy lifting can be resumed after 3-4 weeks.
- Open: You may feel soreness for 2 weeks. Heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks.
Return to Work & Normal Activities:
- Driving: You can drive after 3-5 days with laparoscopy, compared to 10-14 days with open surgery.
- Office Work: Laparoscopic patients often login to work from home within 3 days.
Post-Surgery Care & Lifestyle Tips:
- Eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.
- Walk daily to improve blood flow.
- Avoid lifting heavy weights (buckets, gas cylinders) strictly for the first month.
Cost Comparison – Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Vs Open Surgery:
Many patients ask about the hernia surgery cost in Hyderabad.
Cost of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery:
Laparoscopic surgery usually costs slightly more than open surgery. This is because it uses specialized technology (camera systems) and tackers to fix the mesh. However, since the hospital stay is shorter and you get back to work faster, many find it financially worth it.
Cost of Open Hernia Surgery:
The surgical equipment cost is lower for open surgery. However, if you stay in the hospital longer due to pain, the room charges might balance out the difference.
Factors Affecting Hernia Surgery Cost:
- Type of Mesh: Standard vs. Advanced lightweight mesh.
- Hospital Choice: Best hospitals for hernia surgery in Hyderabad, like Apollo or specialized clinics like Hills Gastro & Onco Care, offer different packages.
- Insurance: Most health insurance policies cover both surgeries.
Risks & Complications of Both Procedures:
Every surgery has some risk, but hernia surgery is generally very safe.
Common Surgical Risks:
- Open: Wound infection, blood collection (hematoma).
- Laparoscopic: Injury to nearby organs (very rare with experts), shoulder pain due to gas (resolves in 24 hours).
How Modern Techniques Reduce Complications?
Experienced surgeons use advanced 3D mesh and precise techniques to ensure the repair is tension-free. This significantly drops the complication rate.
When Should You Consult a Hernia Specialist?
Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable.
Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore:
- Painful bulge in the abdomen or groin
- Pain while lifting or coughing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hernia is not going back inside
Importance of Early Diagnosis & Treatment
Early treatment prevents emergency surgery and complications.
Consult Hernia Specialist Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu:
If you are looking for the Best hernia surgeon in Hyderabad, consider consulting Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu.
With over 18 years of experience, Dr. N. S. Babu is a leading Surgical Gastroenterologist in Hyderabad. He serves as the Director of Hills Gastro & Onco Care and is a Consultant at Apollo Hospitals. He is an expert in both laparoscopic hernia surgery vs open hernia surgery and has treated thousands of patients successfully.
Why Choose Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu?
- Personalized Care: He explains whether laparoscopic or open is best for you.
- Advanced Techniques: Expert in complex and recurrent hernia repairs.
- Convenient Locations: Available at Best Gastroenterology Clinic in Kompally, Secunderabad, Hyderabad.
Don’t live with hernia pain. Get the best treatment call us 94908 08080 today.





