A hernia occurs when tissue, such as fat or part of the intestine, pushes through a weakened area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Abdominal-wall hernias commonly appear as a lump in the groin, around the navel or near a previous surgical incision.
The lump may become more noticeable when standing, coughing, lifting or straining and may reduce in size when lying down. Some hernias cause little discomfort initially, while others gradually become painful or interfere with movement and daily activities.
For patients travelling from the Philippines, a pre-travel online consultation may allow Dr Aaron Poh to review your symptoms, medical history and available imaging before you arrive in Singapore.
| Type of Hernia | Where it develops |
| Inguinal hernia | Develops in the groin and may extend into the scrotum in men. This is one of the most common types of abdominal-wall hernia. |
| Femoral hernia | Appears lower in the groin or at the top of the inner thigh. It is more common in women and carries a comparatively higher risk of the bowel becoming trapped. |
| Umbilical hernia | Forms at or near the belly button. In adults, it may be associated with increased pressure within the abdomen. |
| Epigastric hernia | Develops in the upper abdominal wall between the breastbone and belly button. |
| Incisional hernia | Forms through a weakened area at or near the site of a previous abdominal operation. |
| Recurrent hernia | Develops again at or near the site of a previous hernia repair. |
| Hiatal hernia | Occurs when part of the stomach moves through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest. It may cause heartburn, acid reflux, bloating or discomfort after eating. |
Unlike abdominal-wall hernias, a hiatal hernia does not usually cause a visible external lump. Its symptoms, assessment and treatment may therefore differ from those of groin or abdominal hernias.
Some people are born with a naturally weaker area in the abdominal wall, while others develop weakness because of ageing, surgery, injury or repeated pressure within the abdomen.
Factors that may contribute to hernia formation include:
Heavy lifting does not necessarily cause a hernia by itself. However, the increased abdominal pressure associated with lifting may make an existing weakness or previously unnoticed hernia more apparent.
In many patients, there is no single identifiable cause.
Symptoms vary depending on the type, size and location of the hernia. Common symptoms include:
Some hernias remain painless, particularly when they are small. However, the absence of pain does not confirm whether a hernia is uncomplicated. A medical assessment can help determine the type of hernia and whether treatment should be considered.
A hernia can occasionally become trapped or affect the blood supply to part of the intestine. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
These symptoms may indicate bowel obstruction or strangulation and require emergency assessment.
Patients in the Philippines who develop these symptoms should seek care at the nearest emergency department rather than waiting to travel to Singapore.
Many hernias do not cause immediate complications. However, possible problems include:
The likelihood of complications varies according to the type of hernia. For example, femoral hernias generally require timely surgical assessment because they have a higher risk of trapping the bowel.
Diagnosis usually begins with a consultation and physical examination. Dr Aaron Poh may ask about:
During the examination, you may be asked to stand, cough or strain so the hernia becomes easier to assess.
Imaging is not required for every patient. It may be arranged when the diagnosis is uncertain, the hernia is difficult to feel or additional information is needed for treatment planning.
Possible investigations include:
The investigation recommended will depend on the location of the suspected hernia and your clinical findings.
Treatment depends on:
Surgery is the only way to physically repair an abdominal-wall defect. However, not every hernia requires immediate surgery.
Monitoring may be considered for selected patients with a hernia that causes few or no symptoms. This approach is most commonly discussed for men with minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias.
Monitoring may not be appropriate for every type of hernia. Femoral hernias, symptomatic hernias and hernias that are difficult to reduce generally require more prompt surgical assessment.
This procedure involves a small incision directly over the hernia site. The protruding tissue is returned to its proper position and the weakened abdominal wall is reinforced, often with a surgical mesh to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is performed through several small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. The weakened area is usually reinforced with surgical mesh.
This approach may be associated with smaller incisions and a shorter early recovery for some patients.
Surgical mesh is commonly used in adult hernia repair to reinforce the weakened area and reduce tension on the surrounding tissue.
Mesh repair may reduce the likelihood of recurrence for many adult groin and abdominal-wall hernias. However, whether mesh is used depends on the type and size of the hernia, previous surgery, tissue quality, the presence of infection or contamination and the patient’s individual circumstances.
A non-mesh repair closes the defect using stitches. It may be appropriate for selected small hernias or when mesh use is not advised.
Dr Aaron Poh will discuss the proposed technique, including its potential benefits, limitations and risks, before surgery.
For patients travelling from the Philippines, evaluation and treatment planning can begin before arriving in Singapore. An online consultation with Dr Aaron Poh allows your symptoms, imaging results and medical history to be reviewed in advance. This initial review may help identify whether an in-person examination, further imaging or surgical assessment should be arranged during your visit.
To prepare, you may bring:
Our team can assist in coordinating appointments and investigations within your planned travel schedule to make your visit more efficient.
The appropriate time to fly depends on:
Patients should not arrange their return flight based on a general recovery estimate alone. Dr Aaron Poh and the Alpine Surgical Practice team can advise how long you may need to remain in Singapore after the procedure.
Medical clearance does not guarantee that an airline will permit travel. Check the airline’s requirements and your travel insurance conditions before booking or changing flights.
Patients from the Philippines often seek specialist care when a hernia begins to enlarge, cause discomfort or affect daily activities such as work or travel.
At Alpine Surgical Practice, Dr Aaron Poh provides a structured assessment to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate severity and determine whether surgical repair is required. When necessary, further imaging may be arranged to guide treatment planning. Early evaluation can identify features that may require closer monitoring or more timely treatment, including signs associated with incarceration or strangulation.
If you have a persistent abdominal or groin lump or suspect a hernia, arranging a consultation can help clarify your condition and guide appropriate next steps.
Dr Aaron Poh is a fully accredited General Surgeon with dual subspecialties in Colorectal Surgery and Trauma Surgery, recognised by Singapore’s Specialist Accreditation Board and Ministry of Health. He is the Medical Director of Alpine Surgical Practice, with clinics located at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Parkway East Hospital, and Farrer Park Hospitals.
Dr Aaron Poh has extensive experience, having performed over 5,000 endoscopic procedures. He is a strong advocate for early detection through colonoscopy, particularly for individuals at risk of colorectal cancer. His expertise includes advanced endoscopic techniques such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for complex polyps and colonic stenting for obstructed cancers, which help patients avoid major emergency surgery.
When surgery is required, he specialises in minimally invasive laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, offering patients faster recovery with less pain and scarring. In addition to cancer care, he manages a wide range of anal conditions including haemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, and abscesses, providing comprehensive colorectal treatment.
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