From Pain to Relief–
The Specialist For Hernia Surgery

Living with a hernia can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Whether you’re dealing with a small bulge or more severe pain, we offer effective treatment that gets you back to your active life.

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Get the Facts

What is Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue wall. This often results in a noticeable bulge or lump. While some hernias may cause no symptoms, others can lead to pain, discomfort, and complications if left untreated. These complications can include severe pain, bowel obstruction, and strangulation of the herniated tissue, requiring emergency surgery.

Common Causes of Hernia

Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention:

A lump or bulge in the abdomen

Pain or discomfort in the groin, abdomen, or scrotum

Nausea and vomiting

Difficulty having a bowel movement

Our Doctor

Meet Dr Bernard Lim

Dr Bernard Lim is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and an accredited Console Surgeon for the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. He currently serves as President of the College of Surgeons, Singapore (2023–2025) and was formerly Chairman of the Chapter of General Surgeons (2015–2019). A life member of the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA), he also served on the Medical Advisory Board at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

Trained at the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, Dr Bernard has performed hundreds of colon and rectal surgeries using laparoscopic, single-port, and robotic techniques. He received a SingHealth HMDP fellowship to train in minimally invasive surgery at Queen Mary Hospital and has conducted multiple workshops on laparoscopic colorectal procedures. Dr Bernard has trained specialists both locally and regionally, remains a visiting consultant at Changi General Hospital, and has served as an adjunct assistant professor at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School as well as a clinical lecturer at the National University of Singapore.

Specialties

Types of Hernias We Treat

Inguinal Hernia

This is the most common type of hernia, occurring in the groin area when a part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall

Femoral Hernia

Less common than inguinal hernias, these also occur in the groin region, specifically lower down near the upper thigh, when tissue protrudes through the femoral canal

Umbilical Hernia

These hernias appear around the belly button when a section of the intestine or fatty tissue bulges through a weakness in the abdominal muscles around the navel

Incisional Hernia

These hernias can develop at the site of a previous surgical incision, these hernias arise when tissue protrudes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall that hasn’t been fully healed

What To Expect When You Visit Us

Consultation: You will have a one-on-one consultation with Dr Bernard. He will review your symptoms, and medical history and clarify your doubts.
Physical Examination: Dr Bernard will also conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of your hernia. This may include gentle palpation and imaging tests.
Personalised Treatment Plan: You will receou will receive a customised care plan based on the type and severity of your hernia.
Follow-Up Visits: We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and address any post-procedure questions to ensure you are comfortable and on track for a full recovery.

Why Choose
Dr Bernard Lim?

Over 25 Years Of Experience

With a wealth of experience in diagnosing and treating hernias. You can feel confident knowing that you are in knowledgeable, capable hands.

Compassionate, Patient-Centred Care

Dr Bernard ensures you understand every step of your treatment plan, answers all your questions thoroughly, and makes you feel supported throughout the recovery process.

Convenient Access

We are located in Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, which is just a short walk from Novena MRT Station, making it simple for you to consult Dr Bernard.

How We Can Help

Dr. Bernard Lim believes in a personalised approach to hernia treatment. He takes the time to understand your individual needs and concerns, considering factors such as your age, overall health, lifestyle, and the type and severity of your hernia. This ensures you receive the most effective treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Dr. Bernard Lim offers a range of treatment options, including:

Lifestyle modifications

For minor hernias, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, dietary adjustments, and avoiding heavy lifting may be recommended.

Observation

In some cases, particularly with small, asymptomatic hernias, careful monitoring may be appropriate.

Hernia Surgery

(Minimally Invasive & Open Techniques)
For hernias that cause discomfort, continue growing, or risk complications, surgical repair is often recommended.

Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Hernia Repair

Open Hernia Repair

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Hernia Treatment

Ignoring a hernia won’t make it go away—in fact, it can worsen over time. While some small, asymptomatic hernias may not require immediate surgery, delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including:

Hernia Enlargement – Over time, hernias tend to grow larger, making repair more complex and recovery longer.
Increased Pain & Discomfort – What starts as mild discomfort can progress to persistent pain, limiting daily activities.
Risk of Strangulation – If the hernia becomes trapped (incarcerated), it can cut off blood supply to the intestines or other tissues, leading to a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.
Bowel Obstruction – Certain hernias can block the intestines, causing severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues.
More Complex Surgery – Delaying treatment may mean a more complicated repair is needed later, with a longer recovery period.

If you suspect you have a hernia, early assessment and treatment can prevent unnecessary risks. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options.