Different Types of Hernia and When to See a Specialist in Hyderabad

Did you notice a bulge in your abdomen or groin that gets worse when you cough, lift heavy objects, or strain? This could be a hernia, a condition where an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. While some hernias may remain small, others can grow larger, become painful, and even lead to serious complications if left untreated. Understanding the different types of hernia and knowing when to seek medical help is the first step towards safe recovery. For patients in Telangana, expert care is available with the Best Hernia Specialists in Hyderabad, including Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, Director of Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Kompally, Secunderabad, and Consultant at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad. Recognised as one of the Best Hernia Doctors in Hyderabad, he offers advanced treatments, including laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair. With timely consultation at the Best Hospital for Hernia Surgery in Hyderabad, patients receive safe, affordable, and long-lasting solutions.

A hernia happens when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot or tear in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Usually, this is in the abdominal wall. Because of the pressure inside the abdomen (from lifting, coughing, or straining), a piece of intestine or fatty tissue pushes through and forms a bulge. Hernias do not go away on their own, except maybe small umbilical ones in babies. If untreated, they may cause complications. In Hyderabad, many people delay seeing a specialist because the bulge may be painless at first. But early diagnosis and treatment by a hernia doctor can prevent serious problems later.

Here are the common and some rare hernia types. Knowing which kind helps understand symptoms and treatment.

Inguinal Hernia:

• Most common type. It appears in the groin (upper thigh/groin crease). A part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall into the inguinal canal.
• More common in men. Many may feel a bulge in the groin that worsens on coughing, lifting heavy things, or standing for long periods.

Femoral Hernia:

• Less common. Occurs just below the groin, where the femoral canal is. More common in women.
• Because the femoral canal is narrow, the risk of complications (incarceration) is higher.

Umbilical & Paraumbilical Hernia:

• Umbilical hernia forms around the belly button (navel). May be present at birth or form later. Paraumbilical hernias appear near, but not exactly at, the navel in adults. Obesity and multiple pregnancies increase the risk.

Incisional Hernia:

• Happens at the site of a previous surgical cut (incision). When the wound weakens over time (e.g., due to infection, heavy strain), tissues may bulge through the scar.

Epigastric Hernia:

• Between the breastbone (sternum) and the belly button. Fat or sometimes intestine pushes through a weak spot. May cause discomfort, burning, or a bulge.

Hiatal Hernia:

• Different from abdominal wall hernias. Part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm (muscle dividing chest and abdomen). It may cause acid reflux, heartburn, discomfort, and possibly difficulty swallowing.

Rare Types:

• Obturator hernia: very rare; abdominal contents protrude through the obturator canal. Mostly in elderly, thin women.
• Others: internal hernias, lesser-known anatomical variants.

These are warning signs that you may have a hernia. They differ in type, but have common features:

• A visible lump or bulge in the groin or abdomen. It may reduce (go back in) when you lie down.
• Pain or discomfort, especially when bending, coughing, or lifting. A dull ache or burning sensation.
• Feeling of pressure or heaviness.
• Swelling in the scrotum (in men, for inguinal hernia).
• In a hiatal hernia, symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, burping, and difficulty swallowing.
• Symptoms may worsen with physical effort.

If you notice sudden severe pain, nausea/vomiting, inability to push back the bulge, discolouration — these are signs of strangulation, an emergency.

If you are in Hyderabad and suspect a hernia, see a hernia specialist, Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, if:

• The bulge is growing in size or causing persistent pain.
• The bulge does not reduce (go back in) when lying down.
• Pain worsens with activity or coughing.
• There are digestive symptoms (in hiatal hernia) like heartburn and acid reflux.
• You have had abdominal surgery before and now see a lump at the scar site.
• If the bulge causes discomfort while walking or dressing.
• For pregnant women with hernia symptoms.
• If the hernia is causing breathing difficulty or other complications.

Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards safe and effective hernia treatment. Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, a leading hernia specialist in Hyderabad, follows a structured approach to identify the type and severity of hernia before planning surgery.

• Clinical Examination: The doctor checks the bulge, asks you to cough or strain, and observes whether the hernia reduces (goes back in).
• Medical History: Discussion about when symptoms started, what makes them worse, and details of previous surgeries or health conditions like obesity, chronic cough, or constipation.
• Imaging Tests (if needed):
  • Ultrasound of the abdomen or groin to confirm diagnosis.
  • CT scan or MRI for complex, recurrent, or incisional hernias.
  • Endoscopy in hiatal hernia cases to examine the oesophagus and stomach.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluation of age, fitness for surgery, and other conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

This thorough process ensures that patients receive personalised and safe hernia treatment in Hyderabad with better outcomes and reduced chances of recurrence.

At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Gastroenterology Clinic in Kompally, Secunderabad, hernia treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, a leading hernia surgery doctor in Hyderabad, carefully assesses each patient’s condition, type of hernia, overall health, and lifestyle before recommending the best treatment plan.

Watchful Waiting & Conservative Care:

• For small, painless hernias, especially inguinal or umbilical, the doctor may suggest monitoring instead of immediate surgery.
• Lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding heavy lifting, treating chronic cough or constipation, and reducing excess weight can help.
• In a hiatal hernia, medications to reduce acid reflux and dietary changes (smaller meals, avoiding spicy/acidic foods) may control symptoms.

Open Hernia Surgery:

• This is the traditional method, where a cut is made at the hernia site.
• The hernia sac is pushed back, and the weak spot is closed, often with mesh reinforcement.
• Healing takes a little longer compared to laparoscopy, but it is a reliable and effective approach.

Laparoscopic / Minimally Invasive Surgery:

• Performed through small cuts using a camera and advanced instruments.
• The hernia is repaired with mesh placement.
• Patients benefit from less pain, smaller scars, quicker healing, and faster return to daily activities.

Mesh Repair vs. Non-Mesh Repair:

• Mesh repair is the standard choice in most cases, as it strengthens the abdominal wall and reduces the risk of recurrence.
• Non-mesh (tissue) repair may be chosen for small hernias, in cases of mesh allergy, or when infection risk is high.

Special & Complex Hernia Cases:

• Large incisional hernias may need advanced abdominal wall reconstruction techniques.
• Recurrent hernias require detailed evaluation and customised surgery to ensure long-term success.

At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, patients receive the latest techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, ensuring safer outcomes and faster recovery.

Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu is recognised as one of the best surgical gastroenterologists & hernia specialists in Hyderabad. With over 18 years of surgical experience, he has performed 10,000+ successful surgeries with an outstanding 96% success rate. He is highly trusted for both simple and complex hernia treatments, especially recurrent hernia repairs that require advanced expertise.

• 18+ Years of Experience in surgical gastroenterology and advanced hernia repair
• Director, Hills Gastro & Onco Care – Leading gastroenterology clinic in Kompally, Secunderabad
• Consultant, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad – One of India’s top tertiary care centres
• Awarded “Most Promising Surgeon” by Dr. C. Prathap Reddy, Founder of Apollo Hospitals
• Specialised in Complex & Recurrent Hernia Surgery with laparoscopic, robotic, and component separation techniques
• Personalised Treatment with focus on patient comfort, safety, and faster recovery

With his proven track record and patient-centric care, Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu is recognised as one of the Best Hernia Doctors in Hyderabad, offering advanced and affordable solutions for all types of hernias.

At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu provides a complete range of hernia solutions:

• Complex Hernia Surgery: For large, recurrent, and multiple hernia defects
• Laparoscopic Hernia Repairs: TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) & TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal) techniques
• Robotic-Assisted Hernia Surgery: High precision, smaller scars, quicker healing
• Component Separation Techniques: For very large hernias requiring abdominal wall reconstruction
• Mesh Repair & Biocompatible Implants: Ensuring long-term stability and reduced recurrence
• Post-Operative Care & Lifestyle Guidance: Helping patients return to normal life faster

Recovery plays a big role in preventing hernia recurrence. With guidance from Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, one of the best hernia specialists in Hyderabad, patients get clear steps for safe healing.

• Hospital Stay: 1–2 days for laparoscopic, a bit longer for open surgery.
• Pain & Wound Care: Mild pain for a few days, managed with medicines. Keep the cut clean and dry, and watch for swelling or discharge.
• Activity: Rest first, stroll, and avoid heavy lifting. Most people return to normal work in 4–6 weeks.
• Diet: Start light, then add fibre-rich food to avoid constipation. Stay hydrated.
• Follow-Up: Regular visits ensure proper healing. Seek immediate help if pain, fever, or vomiting occurs.

At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Secunderabad, patients receive complete aftercare support for faster recovery and long-term results.

If you notice a bulge, pain, or discomfort, it may be a sign of a hernia. Timely care is important to avoid serious complications. For the best hernia treatment in Hyderabad, India, consulting an experienced specialist is the safest step. Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu, gastroenterologist in Hyderabad at Apollo Hospital, one of the best hernia doctors in Hyderabad with 18+ years of expertise. Whether it is a simple or complex case, he provides advanced, patient-focused solutions.

Schedule your consultation today:

• Call: 94908 08080
• Email: nsbabu1984@gmail.com
• Location: Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Secunderabad – trusted gastroenterologist in Secunderabad.

Don’t delay—get expert care at Hyderabad’s leading hernia surgery hospital, Hills Gastro & Onco Care, and return to a healthy, active life with confidence.