Q: My father underwent an appendix operation 6 months back. The appendix burst and the complications required another surgery. Now he has developed hernia at the same site. Doctors suggest that he can have hernia surgery after a few months. My father is not willing to go through surgery right now. Is it safe to undergo the surgery after some months? What precautions should he take before and after the operation? Please suggest some good hospitals in Mumbai, Nasik or Bangalore? I don't want to take risk this time. First two operations happened in the village.

A:Occasionally this does happen after surgery for perforated appendix. Incisional hernias develop because the muscle has not come together during healing. If the hernia neck is small, then perhaps a semi-urgent operation is needed, otherwise intestine can get trapped in it and turn a simple hernia operation into a major surgical exercise. Further if done when there is infection one can not use a mesh for repair which is essential to stop the hernia from recurring. However if the hernia neck is wide, it is mainly a cosmetic defect and an unsightly bulge. It should be generally repaired as it does cause a general discomfort. There are lots of good hospitals in Mumbai, Nasik and Bangalore and any one of them can repair this successfully.