Inguinal hernia
A hernia in the groin, where your leg meets your lower abdomen.
Read about inguinal hernia ↗Hernia assessment & surgery
Do you need hernia surgery for a lump that comes and goes?
A lump in your groin or near your belly button can leave you wondering what to do next. Start with an assessment of the lump, your symptoms and your health.
With Dr Daniel Lee. Keyhole and open hernia repair.
Understanding the lump
A lump that changes size is worth getting checked.
A hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weak area in the muscle wall.
You may notice a bulge that becomes more obvious when you cough or stand, then gets smaller when you lie down. Some hernias cause an ache or dragging feeling. Others cause little discomfort.
The size of the lump and how much it hurts do not tell the whole story. A doctor needs to examine it.
What happens at an assessmentHow a hernia forms
- Supporting abdominal wall
- Tissue protruding through a gap
Dr Daniel explains
Should you leave a lump that comes and goes alone?
Dr Daniel Lee explains what the lump is, what a repair involves, and which signs mean you should not wait.
1 min 10 s, with English and Chinese captions.
Different places, different questions
The location helps guide the conversation.
These names describe where a hernia occurs. They do not, by themselves, tell you which operation you need.
Where is the lump?A VISUAL GUIDE
Incisional hernia
A hernia through a weak area at a previous abdominal surgery scar.
Read about incisional hernia ↗Dr Daniel’s hernia services cover these four types. Your assessment helps establish what the lump is and what to do next.
The first step
Your assessment comes before choosing an operation.
An assessment usually starts with your symptoms, medical history and an examination. You may be asked to stand or cough so the doctor can check the lump. A scan may help if the diagnosis is unclear.
Tell the doctor about previous operations, medicines and how the symptoms affect your day. Bring any existing scan reports.
When watchful waiting may be an optionThe decision does not always start with surgery
When watchful waiting may be an option.
Some men with an inguinal hernia that causes little or no discomfort may choose monitoring after an assessment.
Monitoring does not repair the hernia. It gives you a plan for watching symptoms and knowing when to seek help.
Many people later choose surgery as symptoms change, often because of pain. But an operation is not always needed straight away. Your surgeon can discuss whether watchful waiting is appropriate for you.
The evidence here comes from studies of men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. It should not be applied to every type of hernia.
Read the long-term study ↗Understanding your options
Two approaches to hernia surgery. One individual decision.
The choice depends on the hernia and your health. Ask about the anaesthetic, expected recovery and risks before deciding.
Keyhole repair
The surgeon uses a camera and instruments through small cuts in the abdomen. It is also called laparoscopic surgery.
An approach using small incisions and a camera.
Open repair
The surgeon reaches the hernia through a cut near it. The tissue is returned to its usual position and the weak area is repaired.
A direct approach through an incision near the hernia.
Where mesh fits
Mesh supports the weak area. Its position and the way the surgeon reaches the hernia are separate choices.
Depending on the hernia, mesh can be placed behind the abdominal muscles through keyhole, open or robot-assisted surgery. No approach suits everyone. Ask which repair is recommended for you, why, and what its risks and recovery involve.
European Hernia Society guidance ↗Discuss the risks
For inguinal repair, risks include infection, lasting pain, injury to nearby structures and the hernia returning. Your surgeon can explain which risks matter for your operation.
Life after the operation
Plan your hernia surgery recovery around everyday life.
Recovery depends on your operation, health and daily activities. Walking, desk work, driving and heavy lifting place different demands on your body.
- Discuss time away from work and help at home.
- Follow the team’s wound care and pain-relief instructions.
- Ask when you can lift, exercise and drive again.
Build activity up gradually. Your own discharge instructions should guide you.
A clearer view of cost
Know what hernia surgery fees include.
NATIONAL REFERENCE · MOH
The table below shows MOH’s national reference ranges for professional fees in private practice. These are not Dr Daniel Lee’s quoted prices or the total hospital bill.
| Procedure | Surgeon’s fee | Anaesthetist’s fee |
|---|---|---|
Inguinal or femoral hernia, one sideSF819A | S$3,600–6,000 | S$1,100–1,600 |
Inguinal or femoral hernia, both sidesSF820A | S$5,600–9,000 | S$1,400–2,100 |
Epigastric or umbilical herniaSF814A | S$3,000–4,900 | S$1,100–1,800 |
Ventral, incisional or recurrent herniaSF823A | S$4,900–9,000 | S$1,100–1,800 |
Hospital charges and implants are additional. Your procedure and fees need to be confirmed at consultation.
Using MediSave: MediSave can be used for eligible hernia surgery, within limits set by the Ministry of Health. The surgical withdrawal limit is a combined ceiling across surgeon, anaesthetist and facility fees, not a separate limit for each. Your procedure, eligibility and available balance need to be confirmed.
CPF: what the surgical limit covers ↗
Source: Ministry of Health fee benchmarks, as at 1 June 2026. Source workbook downloaded 21 September 2026.
View MOH’s fee benchmarks ↗
The surgeon you will meet
Dr Daniel Lee
General & Colorectal Surgeon
Dr Daniel Lee Jin Keat is a colorectal surgeon. He previously served as Head of Colorectal Surgery at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
His hernia practice includes keyhole and open repair.
- Fellowship training
- St James’s University Hospital, Leeds
Royal London Hospital - Hernia care
- Assessment, keyhole surgery and open surgery
Before you decide
Your questions are a good place to start.
What if my hernia has come back after repair?
Tell the surgeon about the previous hernia repair and bring the operation report if you have it. Ask how the earlier repair affects your options, and which risks and recovery considerations apply this time.
What should I ask a hernia surgeon before deciding?
Ask whether monitoring is an option, which repair is recommended and why. Discuss the risks, expected recovery and what the estimated bill includes.
Does every hernia need surgery straight away?
No. Timing depends on the type of hernia, symptoms and examination. Selected men with minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias may be offered monitoring. Urgent symptoms need immediate assessment.
Will I need an overnight stay?
Ask what is expected for your planned operation. Do not assume that you will go home the same day.
What should I ask about the bill?
Ask for an estimate that separates professional fees, hospital charges and implants. Check your insurance terms and any applicable MediSave limits.
Can I enquire for a parent?
You can contact the clinic about arranging an appointment for a parent. Mention any help they need with mobility or attending the consultation.
Before you visit
Confirm your consultation location.
Check the location and unit number in your appointment confirmation before travelling. Let the clinic know if you need help with mobility or attending the consultation.
View consultation locationsYour next step
Speak with the clinic about your assessment.
Contact the clinic on WhatsApp to enquire about an appointment with Dr Daniel Lee.
WhatsApp the clinicWhatsApp is for appointment enquiries. For urgent symptoms, go to the nearest A&E.