Hernia Surgery in Dubai: Types, Treatments and What to Expect

Your complete guide to hernia surgery from a UK-trained Consultant General Surgeon with 35+ years of experience, now practicing at Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai Silicon Oasis.

By Dr. Appou Tamijmarane | MS, FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow)
Consultant General Surgeon specializing in HPB, Upper GI, and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai Silicon Oasis | DHA License No: 50530660-001

Published: July 2026 | Last reviewed: July 2026 | Reading time: 20 minutes
Written for patients in Dubai considering hernia surgery or seeking a diagnosis. Dr. Appou Tamijmarane, Consultant General Surgeon, explains the full picture, in his own words.

Hernia is one of the most common surgical conditions I treat. Across more than 35 years of surgical practice, including 18 years as an NHS Consultant at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, a regional tertiary center serving 320,000 people across the Highlands of Scotland, and my current practice at Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai Silicon Oasis, I have performed hundreds of hernia repairs. These have ranged from straightforward first-time inguinal hernias to complex recurrent cases where a previous repair has failed, to large ventral and incisional hernias requiring abdominal wall reconstruction.

Hernias vary widely: from small, painless swellings that can be safely monitored, to painful, irreducible hernias requiring emergency surgery. The right treatment depends on the hernia type, its symptoms, the risk of obstruction, and your overall health. In this guide, I explain how I assess a hernia, when I recommend surgery, how I choose between laparoscopic, robotic, and open repair, and what patients can expect before and after treatment. I also link to detailed pages covering each major type of hernia and treatment option.

You can read more about my background, training, and approach on my About page.

What is a hernia, and why do they happen?

A hernia occurs when an organ or section of fatty tissue pushes through a weak point or gap in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. In the abdomen and groin, the areas I see most often, the defect may be present from birth, develop gradually with age, or appear following surgery or injury.

Hernias vary considerably in type, size, location, and urgency. Some are discovered incidentally on a scan and cause no symptoms at all. Others present suddenly with pain and cannot be pushed back in, which requires emergency surgery. Most fall somewhere between these extremes: noticeable, intermittently uncomfortable, and gradually enlarging over months or years.

For patients with very small asymptomatic hernias who are not fit or ready for surgery, conservative measures including weight management and, in some cases, a hernia truss or support belt can allow comfortable daily life. A truss does not repair a hernia and should only be used after clinical assessment. For optimal support, it must be fitted and used correctly, it should not be applied over a painful or irreducible hernia, and it can occasionally cause pressure or skin irritation with prolonged use. Any worsening symptoms require urgent reassessment rather than continued reliance on a truss. For some patients with a ventral hernia, general core conditioning may be discussed as part of overall fitness, though it will not close or heal the hernia defect itself. This approach is only appropriate when the hernia is genuinely asymptomatic and reducible, meaning it can be pushed back in. Understanding which type of hernia you have, and what that means for your management, is the starting point for every consultation I have with a hernia patient.

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

The most common symptom is a visible or palpable lump, often with discomfort or heaviness when standing, coughing, or straining, and an ache that builds after activity. Many hernias reduce, meaning the bulge disappears or softens when lying down. Severe pain, vomiting, or a lump that cannot be pushed back in are different, and are covered separately below under emergency symptoms.

How is a hernia diagnosed?

Most hernias are diagnosed through clinical examination alone. Ultrasound or CT imaging may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms do not fully match the examination, or for surgical planning in complex, recurrent, or incisional hernias. As explained above, not every abdominal symptom is caused by the hernia itself, so further tests are sometimes needed to check for other contributing problems before confirming the surgical plan.

How do I decide whether you need hernia surgery?

Not every hernia needs immediate surgery. Small, reducible, asymptomatic hernias can sometimes be monitored, especially where surgery carries higher risk for that patient. Hernias that are painful, enlarging, difficult to reduce, femoral, obstructed, or strangulated usually need surgical repair.

When a patient sits down in front of me with a confirmed hernia, I do not start by talking about the operation. Before I recommend anything, I work through six clinical questions in my mind. This is the same framework I have used across more than three decades of surgical practice, and it is what determines whether surgery is the right option for you.

Only after I have carefully worked through each of these factors do I offer a definitive opinion on how to manage the hernia. The decision on how to move forward then comes through discussion with you and, if you wish, your family, because other factors such as your work schedule and the support you will have after the operation all play a role in whether elective surgery is the right choice for you now or later.

When do I advise a patient not to have surgery?

Even when a hernia is confirmed, surgery is not always the right solution. For patients who are very elderly, frail, or living with multiple other medical conditions, putting them through an anesthetic and an operation may cause more harm than the hernia itself. In those situations, it is more prudent to follow conservative management, which may include wearing a hernia truss to support the hernia in place. If the patient’s overall condition can be improved, then we can reconsider surgery at a later stage to make it safer. For any patient not undergoing surgery, my advice is always the same: if your symptoms worsen, seek medical advice for reassessment straight away.

When does my recommendation surprise a patient?

There is sometimes a genuine mismatch between what a patient expects and what I recommend. A patient may arrive expecting me to operate, and I advise watching and waiting instead, particularly when the hernia is small and causing no symptoms at all. Of course, even small hernias can occasionally obstruct, with a risk of strangulation, so the defect must be carefully assessed by both clinical examination and scans before I reach that conclusion. Once I am satisfied a hernia is asymptomatic and unlikely to cause problems, especially in a patient with multiple other health conditions, watching and waiting is often the safer choice. Sometimes I choose not to operate at the first consultation, but instead work to optimize the patient so surgery becomes safer later. This takes a careful conversation, and some effort to build trust, to help a patient understand that having surgery is not always in their best interest.

Which type of hernia do you have?

These are the hernia types I treat. Each has its own anatomical location, typical presentation, and surgical considerations. Use the links below to read a dedicated page on your specific hernia type.

• Inguinal hernia: the most common hernia in both men and women, occurring in the groin. Often presents as a lump or aching sensation on standing, straining, or coughing.
• Femoral hernia: occurs at the top of the inner thigh, just below the groin crease. More common in women. Carries a higher risk of strangulation than inguinal hernia, so I generally advise surgical repair for femoral hernias, unless the patient is not fit for surgery.
• Umbilical hernia: at or immediately above or below the navel. Includes paraumbilical hernias. Very small, reducible, and asymptomatic umbilical hernias may sometimes be monitored after surgical assessment. Repair is more commonly considered when the hernia is painful, enlarging, difficult to reduce, or affecting daily activity.
• Incisional hernia: develops through a previous surgical scar. Caused by wound infection, bleeding, nutritional deficiency, or other factors that impair healing. Can be technically demanding to repair because bowel loops often adhere to the underside of the scar.
• Ventral and epigastric hernia: occurs along the midline of the abdomen, often in association with rectus diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles). Common after multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss.
• Hiatal hernia: the stomach herniates through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Often associated with acid reflux and GERD symptoms. Managed surgically when symptoms are significant and do not respond to medication.
• Sportsman’s hernia: groin pain in athletes and active patients that can mimic or accompany a true inguinal hernia. Requires careful clinical assessment to distinguish from muscular or ligamentous injury.
• Strangulated hernia: not a separate hernia type but a surgical emergency. Any hernia can strangulate if the trapped tissue loses its blood supply. This page covers the warning signs every patient and family member should know.
• Rare hernias (Spigelian, lumbar and obturator): uncommon hernias that are frequently missed on clinical examination and may require ultrasound or CT to confirm.

Which hernia operation is right for you?

The right hernia operation depends on the hernia type, size, symptoms, previous surgery, anatomy, and overall fitness for anesthesia. Laparoscopic repair is suitable for many elective first-time inguinal hernias. Open repair may be preferable in emergencies or when a general anesthetic is unsuitable, while robotic surgery can offer advantages in selected complex, recurrent, or abdominal-wall repairs.

There is no single correct technique for every hernia. The right operation depends on the type and size of your hernia, your anatomy, your previous surgical history, your overall health, and in some cases your own informed preference. I discuss all of this openly at the first consultation.

How do I choose between laparoscopic, robotic and open hernia repair?

Choosing between open, laparoscopic, or robotic pathways is a case-by-case decision. Many straightforward first-time inguinal hernias are suitable for minimally invasive repair. In my practice, laparoscopic repair is commonly used for these cases, while robotic surgery is selected when its technical capabilities offer a meaningful advantage. Any factor that increases the difficulty of the operation must be taken into account. I more commonly use open surgery in emergency situations such as strangulation, when a patient cannot have a general anesthetic and a spinal block is used, when access is difficult because of altered anatomy from previous abdominal surgery, or when the hernia defect is very large. In those last two situations, a robotic approach can sometimes be advantageous instead. Robotic surgery is also useful in patients with obesity, or where the hernia sits close to bone or nerve bundles. Every patient is fully assessed, and I discuss my surgical recommendations with them directly. Patients interested in the technology behind robotic-assisted procedures can also read Dr. Appou’s article on robotic hernia repair in Dubai.

Read a dedicated page on each treatment option below.

• Laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP and TEP): keyhole surgery through small incisions. TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) is my preferred laparoscopic approach for most inguinal hernias. It gives a clear, consistent view of the hernia anatomy and allows precise mesh positioning. TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal) is an established alternative keyhole technique that I reserve for the occasional patient where it is the better fit.
• Open hernia repair: a direct incision over the hernia site. Open repair is not an older or inferior technique. It remains the right choice for specific patients, including those with large defects that cannot be adequately covered laparoscopically, incarcerated hernias that are difficult to reduce, or cases where previous surgery makes a keyhole approach unsafe.
• Robotic hernia repair: robotic platforms provide enhanced three-dimensional visualization and wristed instrument movement, which is useful for suturing in difficult anatomical spaces and for complex or recurrent repairs. I use robotic surgery selectively where it offers a genuine advantage for that patient.
• Abdominal wall reconstruction: for large or complex ventral and incisional hernias where the abdominal muscles have separated significantly and standard mesh repair alone is insufficient. I have specific training in component separation and abdominal wall reconstruction techniques.
• Recovery from hernia surgery: realistic timelines, what to expect in the days and weeks after surgery, and when to return to driving, work, and exercise. (Coming soon)

What experience does Dr. Appou have in hernia surgery?

Patients considering hernia surgery reasonably want to know not just what the operation involves, but who will be performing it and what their outcomes look like. I am transparent about the following.

What is your recurrence rate for inguinal hernia repair?

For inguinal hernia repair, my personal recurrence rate has been approximately 1 to 2% over my years in practice. Patient-related factors (obesity, diabetes, smoking, large defect size, and weakened connective tissue) affect biological recurrence risk regardless of technique. On the technical side, recurrence is most commonly driven by inadequate mesh coverage, poor fixation, or a mismatch between technique and anatomy. In selected complex cases, I prefer TAPP because the transabdominal view allows me to assess the anatomy directly and position the mesh under clear visual control. TEP is an established technique and remains an effective option for the selected patients where it is the better fit.

Why is mesh used in hernia surgery?

For primary inguinal hernia repair, modern mesh-based techniques generally produce substantially lower recurrence rates than non-mesh repair. Published recurrence rates vary according to technique, follow-up period, defect size, and patient factors (HerniaSurge International Guidelines, 2018). For patients who have specific concerns about synthetic material, I will discuss suture repair openly, but I will always explain the trade-off clearly.

How are recurrent hernias repaired?

Repairing a hernia that has recurred after a previous operation is considerably more demanding than a first repair. The surrounding tissue is scarred, the anatomy is distorted, and the original mesh has usually incorporated into the surrounding tissue. Occasionally, if there is an infection, the mesh may need to be removed when possible. I will tell patients honestly what is involved and what the risks are, and will choose the surgical approach, whether laparoscopic or open, based on what the anatomy allows safely, not on what is easiest.

What hernia surgery experience does Dr. Appou have?

I perform laparoscopic TAPP and TEP repair, open mesh repair, robotic-assisted repair, and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. I have undertaken specific training in hernia surgery across my career, including cadaveric abdominal wall reconstruction training in Bristol, laparoscopic TAPP courses at Edinburgh, Hexham, and NUGITS, and management of the full hernia surgical workload of a regional NHS tertiary center over 18 years. You can read patient testimonials from patients I have treated in Scotland and Dubai.

What is the Norman Tanner Medal?

I was awarded the Norman Tanner Medal and Travelling Fellowship by the Royal Society of Medicine, London, in 2002, for the best presentation on the anterior approach to right hepatectomy (liver resection). While this recognition relates to hepatobiliary surgery rather than hernia surgery specifically, it reflects the same rigorous surgical training and technique I bring to complex cases across my practice.

I consult and operate in English and Tamil. You can verify my DHA license on the DHA Sheryan portal (License No: 50530660-001).

What are the risks of hernia surgery?

As with any operation, hernia surgery carries some risk, and I discuss these openly with every patient before surgery as part of informed consent. General risks include bleeding, infection, a build-up of fluid at the wound site (a seroma), and chronic pain or numbness at the repair site, which is more often associated with groin hernia repair. Recurrence, discussed above, is also a recognized risk of any hernia repair. Some patients experience discomfort related to the mesh itself, though this is uncommon with correct technique and mesh selection.

Risk is not the same for every patient. It is generally higher in emergency surgery, in patients with obesity, diabetes, or a smoking history, and in recurrent or complex repairs. I discuss your individual risk profile at consultation, based on your specific hernia and health history, so you can make an informed decision.

When should a hernia go to the emergency department?

A hernia may be an emergency if the lump cannot be pushed back in, becomes suddenly painful, causes nausea or vomiting, or the skin over the hernia becomes red, hot, or discolored. These signs may indicate obstruction or strangulation and require urgent surgical assessment.

Where does Dr. Appou perform hernia surgery in Dubai?

I perform both elective and emergency hernia surgery at Fakeeh University Hospital, a 350-bed tertiary care hospital in Dubai Silicon Oasis and the first hospital in the UAE to achieve HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7 accreditation, the highest international benchmark for digital healthcare and electronic medical records. FUH provides access to laparoscopic and robotic surgical platforms, advanced pre-operative imaging including CT and ultrasound, and dedicated surgical nursing teams.

For patients across south-east Dubai (DSO, Dubailand, Academic City, Mirdif, Nad Al Sheba, Mudon, Villanova, The Villa and Arabian Ranches) FUH is directly accessible by car with free parking onsite.

How much does hernia surgery cost in Dubai?

The cost of hernia surgery depends on several factors rather than a single fixed price: the type of hernia, whether the repair is open, laparoscopic, or robotic, whether it is unilateral or bilateral (on one side or both sides of the abdomen), whether it is a primary or recurrent repair, and whether the procedure is day surgery or requires an overnight stay.

Hernia surgery at FUH is covered by a wide range of insurance providers, with over 480 supported plans across the major administrator networks including NEXTCARE, NAS, Neuron, MEDNET, and Al Madallah. This includes plans from insurers such as Daman, AXA Gulf, Cigna, ADNIC, Bupa Global, and Allianz. Coverage and pre-authorization requirements vary by policy, network, and the specific procedure planned. To confirm whether your plan is covered, check the up-to-date insurance list on the Okadoc booking page, or confirm current eligibility directly with the FUH insurance desk before treatment. For patients paying directly, a detailed cost estimate is provided following your initial consultation once the appropriate surgical approach has been confirmed. The right operation for your hernia is the starting point for any accurate cost discussion.

To book a consultation, use the FUH’s live booking system, Okadoc or message Dr. Appou via WhatsApp.

Further reading

• Understanding Hernia Surgery, by Dr. Appou Tamijmarane
• About Dr. Appou Tamijmarane, UK-trained Consultant Surgeon in Dubai
• Treatment and Procedures
• HerniaSurge International Guidelines for Groin Hernia Management
• NICE Guidance on Inguinal Hernia Repair (IPG163)
• Verify Dr. Appou’s DHA license, DHA Sheryan medical directory

References

1. HerniaSurge Group. International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia. 2018;22(1):1-165.
2. Burcharth J, Pommergaard HC, Bisgaard T, Rosenberg J. Patient-related risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Surg Innov. 2015;22(3):303-317.
3. Kockerling F, Bittner R, Jacob DA, et al. TEP versus TAPP: comparison of the perioperative outcome in 17,587 patients with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia. Surg Endosc. 2015;29(12):3750-3760.
4. NICE. Inguinal hernia repair (IPG163). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2004 (reviewed 2022). Available: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg163

Medical Disclaimer

This page is written for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual surgical decisions must be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional following full clinical assessment. If you are experiencing symptoms described on this page, including any signs of hernia obstruction or strangulation, please seek medical attention promptly. Dr. Appou Tamijmarane is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA License No: 50530660-001) and practices as a Consultant General Surgeon at Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE.