When to see a doctor
- A lump or bulge in the groin, near the belly button or near an old scar
- A lump that grows when you stand, cough or strain, and shrinks when you lie down
- Aching, heaviness or a dragging feeling at the lump
- Discomfort when lifting, bending or coughing
- In men, a swelling in the scrotum (the skin pouch that holds the testicles)
- A lump that is slowly getting bigger
Get urgent help if
- Sudden, severe pain in the lump or stomach area
- A lump that used to go back in but now stays out, and is hard, tender or painful. Do not try to force it back in.
- The lump turns red, purple or dark
- Vomiting or feeling very sick along with the lump
- Unable to pass motion or gas, with a swollen stomach
Call the hospital on +91 251 260 8502 (open 24 hours) or go to the nearest emergency department. For an ambulance, call 108. Do not wait for an OPD appointment.
How care usually works
- Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine the lump, often while you stand and cough.
- An ultrasound scan (a scan using sound waves) may be advised if the lump is not clear. Sometimes a CT scan (a detailed X-ray scan) is needed.
- For a small hernia that causes little trouble, your doctor may suggest keeping watch with regular check-ups. Treating constipation or a long-standing cough may help reduce straining. Some hernias, such as a femoral hernia (a lump at the top of the thigh, more common in women), are more likely to get stuck. Your doctor may advise repair sooner for these.
- If the hernia is painful, growing or at risk of getting stuck, your doctor may discuss repair surgery. This may be through one cut (open surgery) or small cuts (laparoscopic or keyhole surgery). A mesh (a soft surgical net that strengthens the weak area) is often used.
- After surgery, your surgeon will explain wound care, pain medicines and which activities to avoid for a while.
Typical hospital stay
In general, many people go home the same day or the next day after a planned hernia repair. A longer stay may be needed after emergency surgery or a larger repair. Your doctor will tell you what to expect.
Doctors for this treatment
Frequently asked questions
When should I show a lump to a doctor?
Any new lump in the groin, near the belly button or near a scar is worth showing to a doctor. This is true even if it does not hurt. Go to a hospital emergency department straight away if the lump becomes painful or hard, stops going back in, or comes with vomiting.
What happens when I see the doctor?
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, work and general health. They will examine the lump, often while you stand and cough. A scan may be advised if needed. The doctor will then explain whether to keep watch or plan a repair.
What is recovery like after hernia surgery?
Some pain, swelling or bruising is common. In the groin, it can take a week or two to settle. Pain medicines may be given. Walking is usually encouraged early. Heavy lifting and straining are usually avoided for some weeks. Contact the hospital if you cannot pass urine, get fever, or the wound becomes red, hot or leaks pus. Also call if swelling keeps increasing. Your surgeon will advise when you can return to work, driving and exercise.
Will a hernia go away on its own?
Usually not, because in adults the weak spot in the muscle does not heal by itself. A support belt may ease discomfort for some people, but it does not fix the hernia, so use one only if your doctor advises it. Never use one over a lump that will not go back in. Your doctor can explain whether keeping watch or a repair is suitable for you.
A note about this page
This page is general information, not medical advice. Please see a doctor about your own symptoms.