Navi Mumbai Surgeons Perform Complex Hernia Surgery on 75-Year-Old Woman
A team of gastrointestinal and hernia surgeons at Medicover Hospital in Navi Mumbai has achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully treating a recurrent incisional hernia in a 75-year-old woman. This complex surgical intervention has provided the patient with much-needed relief from chronic pain and discomfort, ultimately helping her regain her independence and quality of life.
Patient's Long-Standing Struggle with Abdominal Issues
The elderly resident of Navi Mumbai presented at the hospital's outpatient department in December 2025 with a large, persistent swelling in her abdomen that had been causing significant distress for several years. The condition resulted in constant pain, a feeling of heaviness, and general discomfort that severely impacted her daily activities. Simple tasks such as walking short distances, sitting comfortably, or standing for extended periods had become exhausting challenges for the patient.
Diagnosis Reveals Severe Abdominal Condition
Following a comprehensive CT scan of her abdomen, medical professionals discovered a giant incisional hernia with a substantial defect measuring nearly 18 centimeters. Due to the prolonged weakness in her abdominal wall, the internal space within her abdomen had gradually diminished over time. Given the severity of the condition and considering the patient's advanced age, the surgical team meticulously planned a complex abdominal wall reconstruction procedure aimed at restoring both anatomical structure and functional capacity.
Dr. Nitin Tawte, a GI and Hernia surgeon at Medicover Hospital, explained the complexity of the case. "An incisional hernia occurs when internal organs or tissues protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, typically at the site of a previous surgical incision. This particular case presented exceptional challenges because the patient had undergone multiple surgeries previously, and the abdominal wall defect was extraordinarily large. Over an extended period, the muscles had significantly weakened, and internal organs had gradually shifted out of their proper position within the abdominal cavity."
Dr. Tawte emphasized that "such giant hernias demand careful preoperative planning, systematic step-by-step reconstruction, and meticulous surgical technique to minimize potential complications and ensure optimal outcomes."
Advanced Surgical Approach and Technique
Dr. Chirag Vaja and Dr. Sarang Bajpai, fellow GI and Hernia surgeons on the medical team, detailed their sophisticated approach. "Our team performed a complex abdominal wall reconstruction following well-established international guidelines. This involved carefully repositioning all internal organs to their normal anatomical locations and systematically rebuilding the abdominal muscles layer by layer."
The surgical procedure unfolded in multiple stages:
- Initial administration of Botox injections into all abdominal wall muscles to facilitate relaxation and lengthening of the muscle tissue
- Hernia repair utilizing the component separation technique combined with comprehensive abdominal wall reconstruction
- Placement of a substantial 30 × 30 centimeter mesh to provide robust, long-term reinforcement and support to the abdominal wall, significantly reducing the risk of future recurrence
The entire surgical intervention was completed successfully within approximately four hours, after which the patient demonstrated steady and progressive recovery.
Remarkable Postoperative Recovery and Outcome
Dr. Nitin Tawte further elaborated on the patient's impressive postoperative progress. "The patient was able to walk independently the very next day following surgery. She was gradually introduced to and stabilized on a normal diet within just two days, and was discharged from the hospital within five days. The surgical wound showed complete healing, and she has been advised to wear an abdominal support belt for approximately one to one and a half months to facilitate optimal healing and prevent potential recurrence."
The patient herself expressed profound gratitude and satisfaction with her treatment experience. "The doctors explained every aspect of the procedure clearly and instilled great confidence in me. Following the surgery, I feel significantly lighter and healthier. I am immensely thankful to all the treating physicians and the entire team at Medicover Hospital for essentially giving me a new lease on life."
This successful case highlights the advanced surgical capabilities available in Navi Mumbai's healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates how complex medical conditions in elderly patients can be effectively managed through specialized surgical expertise and comprehensive postoperative care.
