Best General Surgeons for Incisional Hernia in Chennai, India
This page lists 3 incisional hernia doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
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This page lists 3 incisional hernia doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
About Incisional Hernia doctors in Chennai, India
This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.
About the Condition
What is Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia occurs when tissue or part of an abdominal organ pushes through a weakness or gap that has developed at the site of a previous surgical incision. It is one of the more common complications of abdominal surgery, affecting an estimated 10–15% of patients who undergo laparotomy, with rates rising significantly in the presence of wound infection, obesity, or repeated operations through the same site. Left unaddressed, incisional hernias can enlarge over time and may lead to serious complications including bowel obstruction or strangulation, where the blood supply to herniated tissue is cut off—a surgical emergency. Proper assessment takes into account the patient's surgical history, current hernia size and characteristics, general health status, and findings from relevant imaging.
Individual assessmentEvery case is different
Complete evaluationUnderstand the condition first
Specialist reviewChoose the right approach
Medical assessment helps clarify severity and identify appropriate options.
Treatment options for Incisional Hernia
Care may include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, specialist review or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis, associated conditions and individual goals. The options below are associated with this condition in the GAF Healthcare directory.
Incisional hernia repair is a surgical procedure to correct a hernia that develops at the site of a previous abdominal surgical incision, where weakened scar tissue allows internal tissue or organs to protrude.
Why it may be consideredIt is performed to relieve pain, prevent complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation, and restore normal abdominal wall integrity, typically using synthetic mesh reinforcement. The procedure can be done via open surgery or minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) techniques depending on hernia size, location, and patient history.
Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to correct a hernia that develops at the site of a previous abdominal surgical incision.
Why it may be consideredUsing small keyhole incisions, a surgical mesh is placed to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall, reducing recurrence risk. It is preferred over open surgery for most patients due to less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery.
MS – Master of Surgery, FMAS – Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, DMAS – Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery, FICRS – Fellowship, International College of Robotic Surgeons
Consultant – Laparoscopic & Robotic Hernia Surgeon, General Surgery · Specialty: Laparoscopic & Robotic Hernia Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
15+ years of experience in Laparoscopic & Robotic Hernia Surgeon
Currently serving as Consultant – Laparoscopic & Robotic Hernia Surgeon at Rela Hospital, Chennai, across Surgical Gastroenterology, General Surgery, and Evening Clinic departments.
Received advanced robotic surgery training under Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rela, a globally renowned pioneer in HPB and robotic surgery.
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DAIS (Diploma, Association of Surgeons), FICS (Fellow, International College of Surgeons), FIMSA (Fellow, Indian Medical Society), FMAS (Fellow, Minimal Access Surgery), FIAGES (Fellow, Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons)
Consultant, General Surgery · Specialty: General Surgeon
Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
30+ years of experience in General Surgeon
Currently practising as Consultant General Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai.
Has spent the majority of a 30+ year surgical career managing complex abdominal, hernia, and anorectal cases in tertiary care settings.
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
General SurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
Many international patients consider India for incisional hernia treatment for several reasons, including:
More affordable estimates
Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.
Internationally accredited hospitals
Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.
Experienced specialists
Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.
Care coordination support
A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.
How this directory is built
Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Incisional Hernia) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.
Need help with the next step?
Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.
Common questions
FAQs about Incisional Hernia in Chennai, India
What is Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through a defect in the abdominal wall at or near the site of a previous surgical scar. It develops because the abdominal wall has not healed with sufficient strength to contain the tissues beneath it.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Incisional Hernia?
The most common sign is a visible or palpable bulge near a surgical scar, which may be more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining, and may partially reduce when lying flat. Associated symptoms can include a dull ache or dragging sensation at the site, and in more advanced or complicated cases, nausea, vomiting, or severe localized pain may indicate obstruction or strangulation requiring urgent attention. It is important to note that the nature and severity of symptoms alone are not sufficient to confirm a diagnosis or determine the appropriate course of treatment.
How is Incisional Hernia diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough clinical history—including details of prior surgeries, wound complications, and any change in the hernia over time—combined with a physical examination in both standing and supine positions. Cross-sectional imaging, most commonly a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, is frequently used to define the size and location of the fascial defect, identify the hernia contents, detect any signs of complication, and assist in surgical planning. Hernia size and complexity are often described using classification systems such as the European Hernia Society (EHS) grading, which guides decisions about repair technique and mesh selection.
How is Incisional Hernia treated?
The appropriate treatment for an incisional hernia depends on factors including defect size, hernia content, the patient's overall health, and whether complications such as obstruction are present. Surgical repair—either open or laparoscopic—is the definitive treatment and typically involves reducing the herniated tissue and reinforcing the abdominal wall, most often with a synthetic or biological mesh. In selected patients with small, asymptomatic hernias and significant operative risk, a period of watchful waiting may be considered, though there remains a risk of progression.
Can Incisional Hernia be treated without surgery?
Non-surgical management is limited for incisional hernias; it does not repair the underlying defect and is generally reserved for patients who are not fit for surgery or who have a small, asymptomatic hernia under active monitoring. A supportive abdominal binder may be used to reduce discomfort and limit hernia enlargement in the interim, but this is a temporary measure and not a substitute for definitive repair. Optimising modifiable risk factors—such as achieving a healthier weight, controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients, and stopping smoking—is an important part of preparation for eventual surgery and may reduce the risk of recurrence.
When is Incisional Hernia Repair considered for Incisional Hernia?
Incisional Hernia Repair may be considered when conservative or medical options have not achieved enough improvement, or when the severity of the condition warrants it. The decision depends on clinical assessment, expected benefits and individual risks.
Which doctor treats Incisional Hernia?
Incisional hernias are typically evaluated and treated by a general surgeon with experience in abdominal wall reconstruction. Complex or recurrent hernias may benefit from assessment by a surgeon who specialises specifically in hernia repair and abdominal wall surgery, sometimes working within a multidisciplinary team that includes plastic surgeons for cases requiring component separation techniques.
How do I choose a doctor for Incisional Hernia?
When comparing surgeons for incisional hernia repair, it is worth asking about their volume of open versus laparoscopic repairs, their experience with mesh-based reconstruction and complex or recurrent hernias, and the hospital's access to facilities for managing potential complications. Continuity of follow-up care is also important, as hernia recurrence can occur months to years after repair and early detection improves outcomes.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a medical summary, investigation and imaging or biopsy reports where relevant, a current medication list, previous diagnoses and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translation where needed.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team helps review initial medical information, connect you with suitable doctors and hospitals, explain next steps and indicative estimates, and organise a treatment plan before travel.