Abdominal wall & complex hernias
Repair of hernias and incisional hernias using minimally invasive and robotic techniques, with modern meshes — from the common inguinal hernia to the reconstruction of complex abdominal wall hernias, where experience and planning make the difference.
What a hernia is
A hernia occurs when an organ or part of the abdominal contents pushes through a weak point in the muscular wall, forming a visible bulge under the skin. The abdominal wall can give way at a naturally weaker point or along the scar of a previous operation (incisional hernia).
Hernias do not heal on their own and tend to grow over time. The good news: they are among the most common and best-solved surgical problems, and the modern minimally invasive approach offers reduced pain and fast recovery.
Inguinal & femoral
Hernias in the groin area, the most frequent, especially in men. They are resolved very well minimally invasively.
Umbilical & epigastric
Hernias around the navel and along the midline of the abdomen, also common in women.
Incisional & complex hernias
Hernias appearing on the scar of a previous operation — sometimes large and complex, requiring reconstruction of the wall.
How it presents
Many hernias are at first only a subtle bulge. A few signs, however, require immediate attention.
A bulge
A swelling that appears on effort, coughing or standing and disappears when lying down.
Discomfort on effort
A sense of tension, heaviness or dull pain, worse when lifting.
Grows over time
The bulge grows gradually and becomes harder to “push back in”.
Pain at end of day
Discomfort that worsens after a day standing or with physical effort.
A bulge that won't reduce
The hernia stays “out” and can no longer be pushed back (incarceration) — a warning sign.
Sudden severe pain
Severe pain, redness, nausea or vomiting — possible strangulation, a surgical emergency.
Emergency: if a hernia suddenly becomes painful, hard, no longer reduces, and nausea or vomiting appear, it may be a strangulation — an emergency requiring immediate hospital attention. Otherwise, an uncomplicated hernia is operated electively, in optimal conditions — and timely repair prevents exactly these complications.
From examination to a personalised plan
Most hernias are diagnosed clinically, at the consultation. Complex cases benefit from detailed imaging planning.
Clinical examination
At the consultation, direct examination usually confirms the diagnosis, type and size of the hernia — enough for most cases.
CT of the abdominal wall
For large or recurrent hernias, CT measures the defect and volume precisely, essential for planning reconstruction.
Choosing the material
The type and position of the mesh are chosen individually, according to the hernia, the approach and the patient — there is no single “universal” solution.
A plan explained clearly
We explain why we recommend a given technique and what recovery involves, so you can decide fully informed.
The right technique for each hernia
Not all hernias are operated the same way. The approach is chosen by type, size and the patient's history — with a preference for minimally invasive solutions.
Tension-free mesh repair
Reinforcing the wall with a modern mesh (“tension-free”), the standard technique that significantly reduces the risk of recurrence compared with simple suture.
Laparoscopic & robotic
Through a few millimetre incisions — reduced pain, minimal scars and fast recovery. Robotics adds precision in complex cases. About robotic surgery →
Abdominal wall reconstruction
For large incisional and recurrent hernias — advanced component-separation techniques that rebuild a functional, robust abdominal wall.
Rapid-recovery protocol
Many uncomplicated hernias can be treated as day surgery, with rapid discharge and gradual return to activity.
Hernia surgery is a subspecialty in its own right
Though often considered a “routine operation”, hernia repair has many techniques and materials, and the right choice — especially in complex and recurrent cases — makes the difference between a durable repair and a recurrence.
This page is backed by active involvement in the surgical community dedicated to the abdominal wall, as founding member and Secretary General of the Romanian Hernia Club.
Request an assessmentAuthority in abdominal wall surgery
National and European involvement in hernia surgery, matched by training and research activity.
Club
founding member
console surgeon
meshes
techniques
experience
The first step is a conversation.
International patients welcome. Begin with a remote second opinion — share your records and receive an honest assessment of your options.
Request a second opinion international@drvalentincalu.ro International office · Bucharest