This is the closest thing to a clinic transcript — the 25 questions patients ask most often, answered straight. If you can't see your question here, message us on WhatsApp +971 58 500 4596.
Diagnosis & symptoms
1. What does a hernia feel like? A soft bulge that appears on standing or coughing and reduces on lying down, often with a dragging ache.
2. Can a hernia be invisible? Yes — many hernias in women and athletes are only visible on dynamic ultrasound.
3. Do hernias heal by themselves? Not in adults. Some paediatric umbilical hernias close on their own; adult hernias do not.
4. Will a truss/belt fix it? No — it may give temporary symptom relief but does not repair the defect.
5. Can a hernia turn into cancer? No. A hernia is a muscle-wall defect, not a tumour.
Surgery
6. Do I really need surgery? Yes if symptomatic, growing, femoral, or has ever been incarcerated.
7. Laparoscopic or open? Laparoscopic for most uncomplicated cases; open for very large or strangulated hernias.
8. Is it day-care? Yes — most laparoscopic hernia repairs are home the same evening.
9. What anaesthesia is used? General anaesthesia for laparoscopic; general, spinal or local + sedation for open.
10. How long does the operation take? 45–90 minutes depending on type and complexity.
Mesh
11. Is mesh safe? Yes — modern lightweight macroporous polypropylene mesh is safe and used worldwide.
12. Can I have mesh-free repair? Possible in selected very small hernias and elite athletes, but recurrence is higher.
13. Will I set off airport scanners? No.
14. Can mesh be removed? Rarely — and usually only for chronic pain not responding to other treatment.
Recovery
15. How long off work? 5–7 days desk; 2 weeks active; 4 weeks heavy labour.
16. When can I drive? 5–7 days after laparoscopic; 10–14 days after open.
17. When can I lift my baby? 2–3 weeks for a 6–10 kg infant.
18. When can I go to the gym? Light cardio at 2 weeks; full gym at 4–6 weeks.
19. When can I have sex? Whenever it is comfortable — typically within a week.
20. Will I have a visible scar? Three 5–10 mm scars (laparoscopic) which fade significantly within 6 months.
Cost & logistics in Dubai
21. Is it covered by insurance? Yes — all UAE insurers cover medically indicated hernia repair.
22. Self-pay cost? Typically AED 16,000–28,000 all-inclusive at Medcare Al Safa.
23. How long to get an appointment? Same-day or next-day routinely available.
24. Will I see Dr Vanesha throughout? Yes — single-surgeon care from consultation through surgery and follow-up.
25. How do I book? Via Okadoc or WhatsApp +971 58 500 4596.