The 5 Specialists to Book for the Best Hernia Surgery in Melbourne
It often starts small. A weird lump you hope will disappear, and suddenly you’re lying in bed Googling symptoms at an hour no medical professional would recommend. That’s usually when a hernia makes itself known.
Hernias are common. While they’re rarely glamorous dinner-table conversations, they do have a way of demanding attention. The serious part isn’t just deciding to get it checked, but figuring out who you should trust with the fix.
That’s why our team looked for the best hernia surgery specialists in Melbourne. We focused on real experiences, techniques used, and what the patients’ journeys feel like from the first consult to recovery.
Here are the ones that came on top after some serious consideration!
How much do hernia surgeries cost in Melbourne?
Hernia surgeries in Melbourne are free in public hospitals under Medicare, while private surgery usually costs about AUD $5,000–$7,000 in total. With private health insurance, out-of-pocket costs are often around $400–$500.
1. Melbourne Hernia Centre
Address: 404 Balwyn Rd, Balwyn North VIC 3104, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9857 3600
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Melbourne Hernia Centre is one of the most trusted clinics in Melbourne for hernia surgery, especially for complicated cases.
It’s led by Steven Karametos. The fact that surgeons from all over the country refer their toughest patients to him says a lot.
He knows how to deal with recurrent hernias, abdominal wall reconstruction, or citations where other surgeons have struggled.
We were also impressed that they handle everything from common inguinal and umbilical hernias to rare ones like Spigelian or hiatal hernias.
Their confidence appears to be backed up by their use of modern techniques. They do laparoscopic, open, and robot-assisted procedures. It’s actually ideal for precise work on bigger or recurrent hernias.
From what we’ve heard, they even offer video consultations. It’s handy if you’re coming from interstate.
Most of the clients were also walking around pain-free the day after surgery. Post-op discomfort seems minor, usually just some stinging from incisions and temporary bloating.
The one area where the centre may not be ideal is accessibility for patients with prior surgeries.
Some people seeking consultations after unsuccessful repairs have found it difficult to get appointments.
It has been my privilege to be a patient of Mr. Steven Karametos
“It has been my privilege to be a patient of Mr. Steven Karametos. I’ve had bilateral inguinal hernias for nearly ten years. Over that time, the hernias have increased considerably in size. One in particular was very large. Steven performed a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to repair both hernias simultaneously. Mine was the first surgery of the day and I was home by the middle of the afternoon…”
Mike Smith, Google review
Steven Karametos is an excellent surgeon
“Excellent surgeon. I highly recommend Steven Karametos. Do not go anywhere else. He is the man. In and out of hospital in one day. Inguinal hernia gone like it was never there. I cannot believe how smoothly this went. No pain afterwards at the site of the hernia, just a little stinging from the laparoscopic incisions and from the raised belly due to the gas they pump in. Took Panadol once, that was it. This minor pain was gone the next day. Bloated belly took about 1 week to “deflate”. For reference, I had the Progrip mesh. I was walking around easily and pain free the next day without any side effects. Whole experience was less traumatic than going to the dentist. Now after 6 weeks been given the all clear to go back to the gym.”
Steven, Google review
2. Fix My Hernia
Address: 41 Como Parade E, Mentone
Phone: +61 3 9583 1399
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Fix My Hernia clinic is led by Mr Elan Kaplan. Most of his patients regularly describe him as calm, friendly, and very reassuring.
He specialises in all the common types of hernias, like inguinal and femoral, but also trickier abdominal wall and recurrent cases.
They use tension-free repair methods and choose mesh based on the individual case. It’s helpful to avoid repeat surgery.
Their whole setup is organised. For more complex cases, there are two consultant surgeons involved, which means there’s more planning.
We also like that they offer both keyhole and open surgery. The technique is chosen to suit the hernia rather than forcing everyone into the same approach.
Patient feedback also highlighted the speed and support. Appointments can often happen within a couple of days, with surgery booked not long after.
Their process is surprisingly affordable too. One person broke down the costs in detail and pointed out that the initial consultation, after the Medicare rebate, wasn’t much more than a GP visit.
If we’re nitpicking, our only critique would be their location. They’re in Mentone, and it could be very inconvenient for those far from the southeast Melbourne suburbs.
Beyond grateful for the exceptional care I received
“…I am beyond grateful for the exceptional care I received from Dr. Kaplan and his team. From my first consultation to the post-surgery follow-ups, Dr. Kaplan made me feel completely at ease and confident in my decision…”
Chintan Mehta, Google review
Can hardly notice any scarring
“Thank you Elan & Sherrell for a wonderfully experience. One month after surgery for 2 bilateral inguinal and a ventral hernia, I’m feeling great and back to normal. Can hardly notice any scaring either. Amazing.”
Kon Peltekis, Google review
3. Melbourne Hernia Clinic
Address: Level 1/26 Balaclava Rd, St Kilda East
Phone: +61 3 9525 9077
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
From what we’ve gathered, Melbourne Hernia Clinic is Australia’s first dedicated hernia clinic. They’ve done over 15,000 repairs, and it shows why they’re confident in handling any hernia cases.
One thing they do very well is speed. Consultations usually happen within a week, and surgery often follows within two.
They also lean heavily into day procedures. Most surgeries avoid general anesthesia, and the goal is to get people back on their feet as soon as possible.
They’re a great choice for those who can’t afford weeks off recovering.
The clinic’s team-based setup is another strength. Different surgeons focus on different types of hernias—complex incisional cases, laparoscopic repairs, and paediatric surgery.
However, our team noticed mixed feedback when it comes to aftercare. While surgical outcomes themselves are generally great, some patients felt the post-op support was lacking.
One person specifically mentioned minimal follow-up and feeling a bit left on their own once the survey was done.
I am happy with my results
“I highly recommend the team at the Melbourne Hernia Clinic. Mr Leinkram and Assoc. Clinical Prof Brygel have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to repairing a wide variety of hernias. They specialise in this area and therefore provide high attention to detail, successfully applying the best techniques in hernia surgery so as to prevent the reoccurrence of hernias. During recovery, several nurses commented on how well I was doing postoperatively and that my scar was healing very well because the area was stitched with extra care. I am happy with my results, and I wish I had found this team of specialists earlier.”
Arianna Olga Koshevaya, Google review
I had an external repair this time and NO pain
“I saw Mr. Charles and had my operation a short time after. I was nervous about the local anesthetic but can only speak highly of the experience. It was my second hernia repair and so much better than my first experience at another medical facility. I had an external repair this time and NO pain. Thank you very much, I admire you skill.”
H v Z, Google review
4. Dr Sumeet Toshniwal
Address: Knox Private Hospital, Suite 7/262 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna
Phone: +61 3 9210 7278
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Dr Sumeet Toshniwal really shines when it comes to minimally invasive hernia surgery
He uses the Total Extra-Peritoneal (TEP) laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernias. Many surgeons do not offer it.
This approach means smaller scars, less long-term pain, and quicker recovery. It’s convenient for those who have a hernia on both sides or a recurring one.
He also does other hernias, like umbilical and ventral. He can switch between laparoscopic and open surgery depending on what’s best.
Based on patient feedback, he’s thorough and caring. He explains the procedure in detail, answers every question, and stays involved even after surgery.
A patient even highlighted that he went above and beyond by looking into additional health concerns during a follow-up appointment. He’s attentive beyond just hernia care.
His fluency in Hindi as well as English also makes him more accessible to patients who might feel more comfortable discussing medical matters in their native language.
While most feedback is positive, there’s at least one report of a patient feeling dismissed and rushed during a consultation.
Dr Toshniwal performed successful mesh hernia repair surgery
“Dr Toshniwal performed successful mesh hernia repair surgery and he is highly recommended. Both prior and post surgery, he was caring, compassionate,explained in detail the procedure and results and addressed all my questions with patience, empathy and in a reassuring manner. When I was required to stay in hospital overnight, he also took time to visit me in the ward twice, as did his excellent assistant and he explained everything to my husband as well. I am back to all the activities I love thanks to this wonderful surgeon.”
Annette Gaertner, Google review
Mr. Toshniwal has been phenomenal
“I recently underwent an inguinal hernia repair surgery through Mr. Toshniwal and I was so happy with the result. From start to finish, Mr. Toshniwal has been phenomenal. Very professional, respectful, great at what he does and just an all round really cool dude. Same can also be said about the staff working for him too. Keep up the great work legends!”
Jarrad Paul, Google review
5. Bariatrics Melbourne
Address: Suite 3, Level 3/517 St Kilda Rd
Phone: +61 3 9088 2155
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Bariatrics Melbourne stands out for those dealing with more complicated hernias, especially around the diaphragm, like hiatus hernias.
They focus on upper gastrointestinal issues. They often combine hernia repair with anti-reflux surgery or gallstone treatment.
Patients talked about how Dr Andrew Packiyanathan explains everything, from the procedure itself to the risks and recovery.
He checks in and involves other experts if needed to make sure patients are getting the best care.
We even heard positive feedback about the support staff. They handle paperwork, medical records, and insurance stuff seamlessly.
Surgery itself is handled with a lot of skill. They use minimally invasive laparoscopic methods that are similar to the top abdominal wall reconstruction techniques.
The only downside seems to be that their services are a bit pricier than the other clinics we’ve looked into.
The staff was so accommodating, helpful
“Umbilical hernia surgery was confirmed by Dr Andrew Packiyanathan ,on the same week after being on a waiting list I had my surgery late Friday afternoon , it was done so well that not even once I felt any pain.released the next morning with a simple list of instructions. Amazing healing. The staff was so accommodating, helpful . Thank you for a great service.”
Hadar, Google review
You would be lucky to be in his care
“I recently had a hiatus hernia repair and fundiplication with. Dr Packyanathan. This was my second surgery performed by Andrew. On each occassion he carefully explained the proceedure and the risks in detail. The surgeries and recovery were as he described. His “bed side manner” is exceptional, taking the time to find me in another department when visiting in hospital. He not only personally took me back to my room but also set up my overbed trolley so everything was in reach. You would be lucky to be in his care.”
Cath Hodgson, Google review