For many hernia patients, hernia surgery can be an important step on the road to recovery. While patients may feel relief at the thought of potentially reducing pain and discomfort by repairing the hernia,¹ another area of concern may arise—the cost of hernia surgery. More than 1 million hernia procedures performed each year in the US.² With healthcare costs rising across the country,³ it is important that patients understand their treatment options. As always, be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about any of the information in this blog.
 

The main types of hernias patients may experience are:

• Inguinal: Also known as groin hernias, inguinal hernias occur when abdominal tissue or part of your bowel pushes through a weak spot in your lower abdomen, close to your inner thigh.⁴
• Femoral: Femoral hernias occur when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel pushes through a weak spot into your groin at the top of your inner thigh.⁵
• Ventral: Ventral is an umbrella term for a protrusion of intestine or other tissue through a weakness or gap down the middle of your abdomen. Two common types of ventral hernias are:⁶
  • Incisional: An incisional hernia occurs at or close to the site of a former surgical incision, in which an intestine, organ, or other tissue protrudes through your abdomen. It can be a common side effect of abdominal surgery.
  • Umbilical: Umbilical hernias occur in the natural weak spot surrounding your belly button when a portion of the intestine, lining of the abdomen, or fluid from the abdomen pushes through the muscle of the abdominal wall. They’re often congenital (present at birth).
• Hiatal: Hiatal hernias can occur when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest.⁷

These hernias may be repaired using a variety of surgical techniques such as:

• Open repair: The surgeon makes an incision at the site of the hernia and pushes the tissue back into the abdomen. The surgeon may use mesh to help put the hernia back in its proper place and closes the opening with stitches, staples, or surgical glue.⁸
• Laparoscopic repair: The surgeon makes several small ‘keyhole’ incisions and inserts a small camera (called a laparoscope) and minimally invasive instruments through these tiny incisions. The abdomen is then gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas or a balloon. This allows the surgeon to see clearly and maneuver the hernia contents back to their natural position. Mesh may be used to reinforce the weakened area of the abdominal wall.⁹
• Robotic repair: The surgeon sits at a specialized console that controls robotic surgical instruments through tiny ‘keyhole’ incisions. The system provides three-dimensional high-definition imaging from inside your body, giving the surgeon an enhanced view of the surgical area. The hernia contents are returned to their natural position, and a mesh reinforcement patch is typically placed to support the repair from behind the abdominal wall.¹⁰
   

The cost of a hernia operation depends on various factors such as the type of hernia and the repair technique. Additional factors may also influence procedure costs.¹¹ For example: 

• Procedure complexity: Some hernias are simpler to repair than others. For example, an inguinal or umbilical hernia will typically cost less to treat than a larger, more complex incisional hernia.¹²
• Technique and technology: Minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, may have higher upfront costs but could potentially result in faster recovery times.¹²
• Surgeon expertise: Surgeons who specialize in hernia repair tend to have better outcomes and lower recurrence rates.¹³ Specialty surgeons may follow a different price structure.¹²
• Facility and location: Facilities in urban areas usually have higher rates due to operational costs and demands. Researching and comparing local pricing helps create a realistic budget and sets expectations for total cost.¹¹
   

Typically, Medicare and many private insurance plans provide coverage when the procedure is medically necessary. Medicare Part A usually covers hospital stays, while Part B typically covers outpatient procedures and physician services. However, specific coverage and reimbursement amounts vary by plan.

Additional costs may include pre-operative lab tests, anesthesia, post-operative follow-ups, and facility costs. It’s important to carefully review your insurance plan and ask for a detailed cost breakdown before surgery that includes all potential charges to help avoid unexpected expenses.
 

The cost of a hernia repair surgery can vary depending on the hernia type, the surgical technique used for repair, and even the insurance coverage available. A hernia patient can expect these price ranges for the following hernia surgery types:

• Lifestyle changes: Adjusting your current lifestyle through activities such as weight loss may help you avoid post-surgical hernia recurrence or the need for additional surgery. It may also decrease your chances of experiencing longer operating times and hospital stays. It’s important to talk to your doctor about whether pre-surgery weight loss can help your specific case.¹⁹
• Planning ahead: Preparing financially for your hernia surgery is an effective way to help your recovery be less stressful. Establishing a dedicated savings account for your medical expenses can help reduce financial strain.  
• Professional financial help: Consulting with professionals like a financial advisor or patient advocates can help you understand budgeting, savings strategies, and payment options to help manage medical costs. 
• Negotiation and cash discounts: Depending on your insurance and how you are paying, you may be able to negotiate medical bills with the hospital or surgery center. Reach out to the billing department prior to the surgery to discuss possible payment plans or discounts.

Hernia surgery is an important investment in your health. Costs may vary based on hernia type, the surgical method, and the facility location. It’s important to talk to your doctor and your insurance provider to get a cost breakdown for your specific procedure.
 

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.