Recurrent Hernia Surgery

Recurrent Hernia Surgery

If you've had a hernia repaired before but the bulge has returned, you're not alone. A recurrent hernia is one that comes back after a previous surgery. This can happen for several reasons, including weak abdominal tissues, infection, excessive strain on the repair, or the complexity of the original hernia. Whatever the reason, a recurrent hernia often requires a more specialised approach than the first surgery.

Patients usually notice a bulge reappearing at or near the site of the previous operation. It may be accompanied by discomfort, pain while lifting weights or coughing, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen. In some cases, the hernia may become trapped, causing severe pain and requiring urgent medical attention.

Repairing a recurrent hernia is more challenging because the surgeon has to work around scar tissue from the earlier operation. The normal anatomy may have changed, and the tissues may not be as strong as before. This is why every recurrent hernia needs careful planning rather than simply repeating the previous procedure.

Depending on the location and size of the hernia, Dr. Sanjay Sonar may recommend laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery or an advanced open repair. In many cases, a specialised surgical mesh is used to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall and reduce the chances of the hernia returning again. For larger or more complicated hernias, advanced reconstruction techniques such as component separation may also be required to rebuild the abdominal wall.

Before surgery, Dr. Sonar carefully reviews your previous surgical history, scans, and overall health. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, smoking, or chronic cough can affect healing and are addressed as part of the treatment plan to improve long-term outcomes.

The goal of recurrent hernia surgery is not just to repair the bulge, but to provide a stronger, more durable solution that helps patients return to their normal activities with confidence. With extensive experience in managing complex and recurrent hernias, Dr. Sanjay Sonar combines advanced surgical techniques with personalised treatment planning to achieve the best possible long-term results.