Dr. Solon Gonçalves Souza Menezes
Professor of Surgery — FAMED UFU · Robotic Surgery Certification (Intuitive / Albert Einstein Hospital) · Practices at Hospital UMC and Hospital Mater Dei Santa Genoveva, Uberlândia, Brazil · +55 (34) 99341-0915
An abdominal wall hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak point in the abdominal muscles — in the groin (inguinal), the belly button (umbilical), above it (epigastric), or in the scar of a prior surgery (incisional). The defect doesn't close on its own: once a hernia exists, surgery is the only definitive treatment — the question usually isn't "if," it's "when."
Hernias with minimal symptoms can sometimes be monitored for a period (watchful waiting), but the decision is always individualized and depends on the type of hernia, symptoms, and complication risk. The abdominal wall can also develop a hiatal hernia, associated with gastroesophageal reflux — a different condition, also treated surgically when indicated. Explore the most common hernia types below and the approaches used by Dr. Solon Gonçalves.
The process, from evaluation to returning to your routine.
Evaluation
Physical exam, history, and discussion of symptoms to determine whether surgery is indicated and which technique fits your case.
Imaging
Ultrasound or CT imaging, when needed, to confirm the hernia type and plan the surgery.
Surgery
Performed in a hospital setting, using the technique defined during evaluation — laparoscopic, robotic, or open, generally with mesh reinforcement.
Recovery
Initial hospital monitoring, pain control, and specific guidance for the first few days.
Follow-up
Gradual return to activities, with follow-up visits to track your recovery.
Common questions about hernia surgery.
How long does hernia surgery take?+
It varies by type and complexity — from about 40 minutes to 1 hour for simple hernias (like umbilical) to 2 hours or more for extensive incisional hernias or cases requiring broader abdominal wall reconstruction.
What type of anesthesia is used?+
Most cases are done under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with sedation, depending on the technique and extent of surgery. The pre-anesthesia evaluation determines what's appropriate.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?+
In most laparoscopic or robotic cases, discharge happens the same day or the next day. More extensive incisional hernias may require 1 to 2 days of hospitalization.
Will I feel pain afterward?+
Some degree of pain is expected in the first few days and is managed with hospital analgesia and, later, oral medication. Intensity tends to be lower with minimally invasive techniques than with open surgery.
Is mesh always used?+
In most inguinal and incisional hernias, and many larger umbilical/epigastric hernias, yes — mesh reduces the risk of recurrence. For very small hernias, repair with sutures alone may be possible. The indication is individualized.
Will the scars be large?+
With laparoscopic or robotic techniques, incisions are small (just a few millimeters each). With open surgery, needed in some urgent cases or very large hernias, the scar is larger.
How long will I be off work?+
Generally 1 to 3 weeks for activities without physical strain, potentially longer for extensive incisional hernias or physically demanding jobs.
When can I return to physical activity and lifting?+
Patients are generally advised to avoid physical strain and lifting weight for about 4 to 6 weeks, with a gradual return as healing progresses — this timeline is adjusted individually.
What are the possible risks and complications?+
As with any abdominal wall surgery, there are risks described in the literature: bleeding, infection, seroma, chronic pain in the operated area, and hernia recurrence. Rates vary by hernia type, technique, and individual factors.
Does every hernia need immediate surgery?+
Not necessarily — hernias with minimal symptoms can sometimes be monitored. But signs like pain, noticeable growth, or difficulty reducing the hernia indicate it's time to schedule surgery. Sudden pain, hardening, and a hernia that won't reduce are warning signs requiring urgent evaluation.
Are there contraindications for surgery?+
Clinical conditions that don't allow for safe anesthesia may delay elective surgery. Outside of urgent situations (an incarcerated or strangulated hernia), the decision about timing is always individualized.
Can a hernia come back after surgery?+
Recurrence is possible, particularly with large incisional hernias or inappropriate physical strain during recovery. Using mesh and the right technique reduces this risk, but it isn't zero — this is discussed individually during evaluation.
Hospital facilities in Uberlândia, Brazil.
Hospital Mater Dei Santa Genoveva
Av. Vasconcelos Costa, 967 — Martins, Uberlândia-MG
Open in Google Maps →Content reviewed by Dr. Solon Gonçalves Souza Menezes — CRM-MG 79366, RQE 60355 (GI Surgery), RQE 44656 (General Surgery). Professor of Surgery at FAMED-UFU and Supervisor of the General Surgery Medical Residency Program at HC-UFU. ORCID. Last reviewed: September/2026.
- HerniaSurge Group. International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia. 2018;22(1):1-165. doi:10.1007/s10029-017-1668-x
- Kaufmann R, Halm JA, Eker HH, et al. Mesh versus suture repair of umbilical hernia in adults: a randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10123):860-869. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30298-8
- Ye L, Childers CP, de Virgilio M, et al. Clinical outcomes and cost of robotic ventral hernia repair: systematic review. BJS Open. 2021;5(6):zrab098. doi:10.1093/bjsopen/zrab098
- Morrell ALG, Morrell Junior AC, Mendes JMF, Morrell AG, Morrell A. Robotic TAPP inguinal hernia repair: lessons learned from 97 cases. Rev Col Bras Cir. 2021;48:e20202704. doi:10.1590/0100-6991e-20202704