Tom Reeve Academic Surgical Clinic · St Leonards
Research · Hernia
From inguinal hernia repair to complex incisional hernia, Thomas J. Hugh publishes and operates across Sydney. Tom Hugh's hernia research includes mesh comfort, return to driving, and how private hospital pathways affect recovery.
This page explains inguinal hernia repair in plain language, alongside peer-reviewed work by Thomas J. Hugh and colleagues.
Plain-language patient guide→GPs across Australia refer groin lumps for surgical opinion once discomfort or activity limitation appears.
Hugh's 1991 ANZ Journal of Surgery paper helped clinicians distinguish divarication of the recti from true incisional hernia at the bedside.
In Hugh's 2016 ProGrip inguinal hernia study, patients reported minimal discomfort and earlier return to normal activities with a self-fixating mesh.
Tom Hugh uses published recovery milestones when counselling North Shore and St Leonards patients.
Gananadha and Hugh (2008) reported laparoscopic ePTFE mesh repair for incisional and ventral hernias with acceptable morbidity in Australian patients.
Choosing open versus laparoscopic repair depends on hernia size, prior surgery, and surgeon experience.
| Hernia type | Typical repair |
|---|---|
| Inguinal | Open or laparoscopic mesh repair, often day surgery |
| Umbilical / small ventral | Mesh repair, sometimes laparoscopic |
| Large incisional | Specialist mesh repair, possible overnight stay |
Thomas J. Hugh's rooms can outline typical item numbers for inguinal hernia repair so you can check with your health fund.
Cost should never be the only factor; recurrence and chronic pain risk also depend on repair quality.
When Tom Hugh recommends a mesh or approach, it reflects both published evidence and local audit outcomes.
Getting a grip on the hernia literature
Hugh TJ
ANZ J Surg, 2020 · View publication
Batabyal P, Haddad RL, Samra JS, Wickins S, Sweeney E, Hugh TJ
Am J Surg, 2016 · View publication
Laparoscopic ePTFE mesh repair of incisional and ventral hernias
Gananadha S, Samra J, Smith G, Smith R, Leibman S, Hugh TJ
ANZ J Surg, 2008 · View publication
Divarication of the recti or abdominal incisional hernia? A simple differentiating clinical test
Hugh TB, Chen FC, Hugh TJ
ANZ J Surg, 1991 · View publication
Outcomes across his practice are tracked through the DASO audit unit. That combination of published research and prospective audit is intended to keep advice grounded in measured results, not marketing claims.
Read more about Tom Hugh→Some asymptomatic hernias can be observed, but groin hernias in adults often eventually need repair because strangulation risk, while low, is not zero.
Most people do well. Chronic groin pain occurs in a minority. Hugh's ProGrip study focused on low early discomfort; discuss mesh options and nerve risk at consultation.
Light activity resumes quickly, but heavy lifting is usually restricted for four to six weeks or longer for large abdominal wall repairs. Your surgeon will tailor advice.
Techniques match international standards. Hernia surgery Australia patients receive follows RACS-trained pathways, with mesh products approved by the TGA.