Hernia Treatment and Surgery

Are you experiencing discomfort or noticing a bulge in your abdomen or groin? You may have a hernia — a common but treatable condition. At CityMed, we offer safe, effective hernia treatment and surgery options tailored to your needs, right here in the CBD of Auckland.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when tissue from inside the abdominal cavity pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This is similar to the way an inner tube bulges through a damaged tyre.

Hernias often develop in areas of natural weakness in the body, most commonly:

Groin (inguinal or femoral hernias)

• Inguinal hernias are up to 12x more common in men, as they occur where the testicles descend through the abdomen.
• Femoral hernias occur lower in the groin and are more common in women.

Umbilical hernias

• Occur near the belly button, especially where the abdominal wall was naturally weaker at birth. See common types of hernia picture.

Symptoms of a Hernia

Hernias may:

• Cause a visible bulge that may or may not go away with pushing or changing  position
• Feel like pressure or pain in the groin, thigh or belly button
• Become more prominent when lifting, coughing, or straining
• In some cases, lead to discomfort in the groin or lower abdomen

Left untreated, hernias may progress or lead to complications like tissue strangulation (hernia tissue’s blood supply got cut off) causing severe pain, which requires urgent hospital admission for surgery.

Hernia Treatment Options at CityMed

Conservative Management - Non-Surgical Management

For small or asymptomatic hernias, we may recommend:

• Watchful waiting with regular check-ups
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Use of supportive garments

With conservative management, hernia and its symptoms can still progress and eventually a surgical repair is needed

Surgical Hernia Repair

If surgery is recommended, we offer several techniques – performed by experienced doctors in our clinic.

Hernia Surgery Techniques We Offer

Open Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair

This is a commonly performed and cost-effective method of hernia repair, performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

• A small incision is made over the hernia site
• The tissue is gently repositioned and the hernia tissue is reduced.
• A lightweight surgical mesh is placed to reinforce the area and prevent recurrence
• Less than 1% recurrence risk

The open Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair is widely used due to its technical simplicity, suitability for local anesthesia, and reproducible low recurrence rates

Desarda No-Mesh Hernia Repair

We also offer no-mesh repair the “Desarda” repair technique avoiding synthetic mesh altogether.

• Uses the patient’s own muscle layer to strengthen the abdominal wall
• Suitable for selected patients seeking a natural alternative.
• Can have higher hernia recurrence risk compared to mesh repair given the variable strength of patient’s own tissue

Why Choose CityMed for Hernia Surgery in Auckland?

•  Experienced surgical team with years of hernia repair expertise
•  Multiple techniques available to suit your preference and needs
• Affordable options, including sedation-only open repair
• Convenient central Auckland location
• Access to onsite consultations and diagnostics

What to Expect: Before & After Hernia Surgery

Pre-Op Preparation

• You’ll have a consultation to confirm the type of hernia and treatment plan.
• Shave the area around the hernia site as advised.
• Confirm your surgery the day before.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home – this is a day procedure under light sedation.
• Bring payment on the day of surgery.

Pre-op Checklist

• Confirm appointment
• Shave site
• Wearing a stretchable T-shirt to help securing the arms and hands during surgery
• Organize transport
•  Bring payment

The Day of Surgery

• Procedure duration: 30–60 minutes
• You’ll receive sedation and local anesthetic
• Most patients go home the same day

Post-Op Recovery

• Pain relief and antibiotics are prescribed
• Rest for the first 24 hours
• Return to light activity after 48 hours
•  Shower after 48 hours; leave skin tape on for 7 days
• Return to work:

        Light duties: ~1 week

        Heavier work/lifting: ~2 weeks

• Follow-up appointment 7 days post-op for wound check

Some swelling or bruising – especially in the groin or scrotum – is normal and should settle over time.

FAQs

Do all hernias need surgery?
Not always. If the hernia is small and not causing symptoms, we may monitor it.

Is mesh safe?
Yes – modern surgical mesh is widely used and safe for most patients. We also offer a no-mesh alternative if preferred.

Can I choose the type of surgery?
Yes. Your doctor will recommend the best option, but we always discuss your preferences and available choices.

What happens if I delay surgery?
Hernias don’t go away on their own. Over time, they often enlarge or may become incarcerated, which requires emergency repair.

Meet Your CityMed Hernia Specialists

To book your pre-op consultation call us on: 377 5525

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Or call us Monday to Friday 8am-5:30pm

09 377 5525