Successful Ventral Hernia Repair Surgery in India | Mrs. Shahriboni Rabbimmova’s Story
| Patient’s Name | Mrs. Shahriboni Rabbimova |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Gender | Female |
| Country of Origin | Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
| Hospital | BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi (Reg. No. BLKH.1107450) |
| Procedure | Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair (IPOM Plus) under General Anaesthesia |
| Lead Surgeons | Dr. Deep Goel / Dr. Ravindra Vats / Dr. Amir Mushtaq Parray |
| Facilitated By | MediKaya Healthcare (International Patient Coordination) |
Four Surgeries. Still in Pain
In Central Asia, the majority of patients that make the trip to India for treatment have something in common: they have tried everything at home.
Mrs. Shahriboni Rabbimova’s story is just that. When she arrived at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital in Delhi, she had already completed four significant abdominal surgeries in the last 4 decades:
- Open Appendectomy, 40 years ago
- Open Hysterectomy, 2011
- Surgical removal of the gallbladder is performed in 2021 (open cholecystectomy).
- Open Hernioplasty, 2022
All these procedures failed to cure her of the hernia. A large defect in the abdominal wall had occurred, which was painful, uncomfortable, and enlarging. Local treatment in Uzbekistan was not effective.
MediKaya Healthcare put her in touch with one of the best gastroenterological surgical teams in India at BLK-Max Delhi. It was after that that things changed.
The Medical Problem: What Is Recurrent Incisional Hernia?
Following an operation, a gap will develop in the muscle wall because they heal completely. However, as time goes on, internal organs, in this case the large bowel (transverse colon), may push through this opening, resulting in a bulge that can be very uncomfortable.
Recurrent incisional hernia is when the hernia reoccurs after a previous surgery. In abdominal surgery this is one of the most complicated situations due to the following:
- The repair is more difficult because of scar tissue formed from a previous surgery.
- The higher the risk of recurrence with every repair.
- A simple open surgery is often repeated.
- The longer lasting results require advanced laparoscopic techniques.
For Mrs. Rabbimova had previously had an abdomen CT scan, which showed her to have a right anterior abdominal wall hernia with two defects: a 3×3 cm near the umbilicus and a 5×5 cm in the right hypochondriac region. The large bowel and its surrounding tissue were protruding through both gaps.
Why Did She Come to India Through MediKaya Healthcare?
A complex recurrent hernia repair (long-term hernia) is not widely practiced in Central Asia, and there is a shortage of surgeons in the country who are able to perform this surgery with advanced laparoscopic techniques (IPOM Plus – Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh Plus). Long waiting times, inconsistent availability of equipment, and higher costs of private care in Turkey (the next most popular destination for patients from Uzbekistan) are also problems.
end-to-end support—from visa documentation and travel planning to hospital discharge and post-treatment follow-up.
India’s top hospitals, including BLK-Max, perform thousands of advanced laparoscopic procedures every year. The outcomes match European benchmarks. The cost does not.
The Procedure: Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair (IPOM Plus)
The surgical team at BLK-Max decided to use the IPOM Plus technique, which was led by Dr. Deep Goel, Dr. Ravindra Vats and Dr. Amir Mushtaq Parray. This is the “gold standard” treatment for complex recurrent hernia
What is IPOM Plus?
IPOM is an acronym for Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh. This is a procedure in which a mesh is inserted into the belly directly above the defect from the inside. “Plus” version adds extra steps to close the defect itself prior to placing the mesh, thus having a stronger, more durable repair.
Step-by-Step: What Happened in the Operating Theatre
- No large open incision is required for surgery performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery)
- Two defects were found a 3 x 3 around the umbilicus and a 5 x 5 in the right hypochondriac region.
- Cautiously reduced and repositioned omental fat and transverse colon. This resulted in 30 defects being closed with v-lock suture (self-locking, tension-free closure).
- Two 15 x 15 cm mesh panels (one for each defect) tacked in place.
- Total operative time: Within standard benchmarks for IPOM Plus, it was carried out under general anesthesia.
The postoperative period was smooth. Within a few hours she was on a soft diet. Return to normal bowel and urinary function was rapid. She was released on Day 2 – 04 May 2023 in a stable condition.
The Outcome: Stable, Comfortable, Ready to Go Home
| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
|---|---|
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Cost Comparison: India vs Uzbekistan vs Turkey vs Germany
One of the biggest concerns for patients from Uzbekistan is cost. Here is a real-world comparison for laparoscopic hernia repair (IPOM Plus technique):
| Procedure | India (BLK-Max) | Uzbekistan (Private) | Turkey | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (IPOM Plus) | $2,500 – $4,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 | $7,000 – $12,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Hospital Stay (2 nights) | Included | Extra | Extra | Extra |
| Waiting Period | 24–72 hours | Weeks | Weeks | Months |
All India costs at BLK-Max include surgeon fee, theatre charges, anesthesia, hospital stay, standard medications, and discharge. MediKaya provides free cost estimates before any commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can Uzbekistan patients get hernia surgery in India?
Yes. Uzbekistan patients are eligible for India’s e-Medical Visa, which is processed online and approved within 3 to 5 working days. MediKaya Healthcare provides a hospital invitation letter from BLK-Max or other partner hospitals, which is required for the visa application. Two family attendants can also get a Medical Attendant Visa.
Q2: How long do I need to stay in India for laparoscopic hernia repair?
For laparoscopic hernia repair (IPOM Plus), the total stay in India is typically 5 to 7 days. This includes a 1-day pre-surgical evaluation, a 2-day hospital stay, and 2 to 3 days of post-discharge observation before flying home. Your surgeon will confirm clearance for travel before discharge.
Q3: Is laparoscopic hernia surgery safe for patients who have had multiple previous surgeries?
Yes, but it requires experienced hands. BLK-Max’s surgical gastroenterology team is specifically trained in complex hernia cases including patients with prior multiple abdominal surgeries. The IPOM Plus approach is preferred in such cases because it avoids large incisions and reduces the risk of wound complications.
Q4: What is the cost of hernia surgery in India for international patients?
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (IPOM Plus) at BLK-Max Delhi costs approximately $2,500 to $4,000 for international patients, inclusive of hospital stay. This is 60 to 70% less than Turkey or Germany for the same procedure and technology. MediKaya Healthcare provides a detailed, itemized cost estimate within 48 hours of receiving medical reports.
Q5: How do I start the process with MediKaya Healthcare?
Send your medical reports (CT scan, ultrasound, and previous discharge summaries) via WhatsApp to +91 9205491370. Our team reviews your case with a specialist within 48 hours, at no cost, and provides a written treatment and cost plan.