A recurrent or complex hernia is a type of hernia that comes back after previous surgery or becomes difficult to repair due to large defect size, scar tissue, weakness of the abdominal wall, or complications from earlier procedures. These hernias require advanced surgical techniques, careful planning, and an experienced Hernia Specialist in Chennai to achieve safe surgery and long-term success.
Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is widely regarded as one of the best recurrent hernia surgeon Chennai, India, with over 21+ years of experience in advanced hernia surgery. He has successfully treated multi-recurrent, large, chronic, and complex abdominal wall hernias, including cases that have failed multiple previous operations.
As a leading expert in Robotic Hernia Surgery in Chennai India, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is specially trained in advanced techniques such as e-TEP (Extended Totally Extraperitoneal repair), TAR (Transversus Abdominis Release), posterior component separation, robotic hernia repair, and complete abdominal wall reconstruction. These modern approaches allow proper mesh placement, reduced pain, faster recovery, and lower chances of recurrence. Because of his high success rates and expertise in difficult hernia cases, patients from across India and several international countries travel to Chennai to consult him. His focus on safe surgery, correct mesh positioning, long-term relief, and improved quality of life makes him one of the most preferred doctors for complex and recurrent hernia treatment.
What is a Recurrent / Complex Hernia?
A recurrent hernia is one that returns even after previous surgical repair.
A hernia becomes complex when it has one or more of the following:
- Multiple previous surgeries
- Very large size or loss of abdominal domain
- Severe muscle weakness
- Scar tissue from old mesh or open surgery
- Infection or mesh complications
- Multiple hernias in the same region
- Associated obesity or chronic health conditions
These cases need careful evaluation and expert management by a complex hernia specialist in Chennai.
Common Symptoms:
Patients may experience:
- A bulge appearing again at the old surgical site
- Increasing size of swelling
- Pain, discomfort, or heaviness
- Difficulty walking, lifting, or bending
- Pressure on the abdomen or breathing discomfort in large hernias
- Redness, tenderness, or skin changes around the hernia
- Mesh exposure or infection (in complicated cases)
If ignored, complex hernias may lead to strangulation or obstruction, which requires urgent treatment.
Why Recurrent / Complex Hernias Need Specialised Treatment?
- Ordinary or regular hernia techniques do not work
- Previous mesh, scar tissue, and muscle weakness make surgery more challenging
- Advanced techniques like TAR, e-TEP RS, robotic repair, or reconstruction are required
- Only an experienced hernia surgeon can reduce the risk of another recurrence
Advanced Treatment Options for Recurrent & Complex Hernias:
- Robotic-Assisted Complex Hernia Repair: Robotic surgery is extremely beneficial in recurrent and complex cases where tissues are stuck, scarred, or weakened. The 3D HD vision and precise robotic instruments help the surgeon handle delicate tissues safely, remove old mesh if needed, and place a new mesh in the correct anatomical plane. Robotic repair allows accurate suturing, reduces the risk of nerve injury, and offers faster recovery. It is ideal for multi-recurrent, large, or previously failed hernia repairs. Patients experience less pain, fewer complications, and excellent long-term outcomes.
- e-TEP RS (Extended Totally Extra-Peritoneal Repair – Rives Stoppa Technique): e-TEP RS is one of the most advanced minimally invasive methods for complex and recurrent ventral hernias. It creates a wide working space in the abdominal wall to allow safe removal of old mesh and tension-free placement of a new mesh behind the muscles. This method avoids entry into the abdominal cavity, reducing complications and improving long-term results. e-TEP RS is especially useful for large midline hernias, previous open failures, and mesh-related complications. Recovery is quick, and recurrence rates are very low.
- TAR – Transversus Abdominis Release (Posterior Component Separation): TAR is the gold-standard procedure for massive or severe abdominal wall defects. It allows the surgeon to reconstruct the abdominal wall by releasing and repositioning deep muscle layers. This creates enough space for a large mesh to be placed securely, offering one of the strongest and most durable repairs. TAR is often recommended when hernias are extremely wide, multiple, have loss of domain, or when previous surgeries have failed. Patients benefit from improved core strength, stable abdominal wall function, and long-term durability.
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR): AWR is required for very large, chronic, or complex hernias where both muscles and tissues are weak or separated. Using laparoscopic, robotic, or hybrid techniques, the abdominal wall is rebuilt to restore strength and function. This approach may involve component separation, mesh reinforcement, and correction of muscle defects. AWR greatly improves the patient’s mobility, posture, breathing capacity, and quality of life. It is particularly beneficial for international patients seeking long-lasting and reliable surgery outcomes in India.
- Mesh Removal & Re-Repair (For Mesh Infection or Failure): When the previous mesh causes pain, infection, or complications, it must be removed carefully. Minimally invasive or robotic techniques help remove infected mesh safely while protecting surrounding tissues. After removal, a new repair is planned using advanced reinforcement techniques like TAR, e-TEP RS, or retro-muscular mesh placement. This results in relief from chronic pain and a stronger, more reliable repair.
Why Choose Dr. Pinak Dasgupta for Recurrent / Complex Hernia Repair in Chennai?
- Expert in Multi-Recurrent & Difficult Hernias: With 21+ years of surgical experience and 5000+ hernia surgeries performed, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is widely trusted for managing complex, recurrent, mesh-failed, and post-operative hernias referred from other centres. His corrective approach focuses on long-term success rather than temporary repair.
- Master of TAR, e-TEP RS, Robotic & Minimally Invasive Repair: Dr. Pinak is among the few surgeons in India trained across the full spectrum of advanced abdominal wall reconstruction techniques, including TAR (Transversus Abdominis Release), e-TEP RS, advanced laparoscopic, and DaVinci robotic hernia repair, enabling precise reconstruction even in the most challenging cases.
- Exceptional Results With Very Low Recurrence Rates: Combining perfect anatomical plane dissection, advanced mesh placement, and meticulous closure techniques, Dr. Pinak achieves consistently low recurrence rates and durable outcomes, supported by careful pre-operative planning and structured post-operative rehabilitation.
- Award-Winning Hernia & Robotic Surgeon: His excellence in complex hernia surgery has been recognised with the Award for Excellence in Hernia Surgery (2021) and the prestigious IAGES Shining Star Award (2022), along with multiple Best Video Awards at national and international surgical conferences, reflecting his leadership in advanced hernia repair.
- Trusted by International Patients: Recognised as one of the Best Robotic Surgeons from South India, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is chosen by patients from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe who seek safe, advanced, and predictable treatment for complex and recurrent hernias in Chennai.
- Personalised Care & Clear Guidance: Every patient undergoes a thorough evaluation of previous surgeries, mesh status, and risk factors, followed by a customised treatment plan aligned with their medical condition, lifestyle, and long-term recovery goals.
- Easy Appointment Booking & Expert Consultation: Patients can book an appointment easily for a detailed consultation with Dr. Pinak Dasgupta to discuss symptoms, review previous reports, and understand the most effective treatment options for complex or recurrent hernia repair.
Cost of Recurrent / Complex Hernia Surgery in Chennai:
The cost depends on the size of the hernia, number of previous surgeries, surgical technique (robotic/TAR/e-TEP RS), hospital stay, mesh type, and complexity of reconstruction. Recurrent and complex hernias require specialised planning, so the cost is usually higher than routine hernia surgeries. A personalised estimate is provided after consultation and imaging (ultrasound/CT scan). International patients receive complete medical tourism support for travel, stay, and treatment coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Incorrect mesh placement, weak tissue, infection, or improper technique can cause recurrence.
Yes, it may grow faster and cause complications. Proper evaluation is important.
Techniques like TAR, robotic repair, or e-TEP RS offer the best results for most complex cases.
Yes, with advanced robotic and laparoscopic methods, mesh removal is safe in experienced hands.
Most patients recover within 2–3 weeks, depending on the procedure.
When repaired by an expert using advanced techniques, recurrence risk is extremely low.