Dr. Varun Gupta
Visiting Consultant
Dr. Varun Gupta is a Visiting Consultant specializing in general and laparoscopic surgery. His expertise includes minimally invasive surgical procedures, hernia repair, gall bladder surgery, appendix surgery, thyroid surgery, and comprehensive general surgical care. He focuses on evidence-based treatment, patient safety, and enhanced recovery through modern surgical techniques.
Frequently asked
Questions patients ask.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery — also called keyhole surgery — uses a few small cuts and a tiny camera (laparoscope) to perform operations that earlier needed one big cut. The result is less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery, and a shorter hospital stay.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a bulge or weakness in the muscle wall, most often in the abdomen or groin, where the tissue inside pushes through. It often looks like a soft lump that gets bigger when you cough, stand, or strain. A hernia does not heal on its own.
Does a hernia always need surgery?
Most adult hernias need surgical repair sooner or later. A small painless hernia may be watched, but if it is growing, painful, or risks getting "stuck" (incarcerated), surgery is the safer choice. Modern laparoscopic mesh repair gives long-lasting results.
When should the gall bladder be removed?
When stones cause repeated pain, infection (cholecystitis), jaundice, pancreatitis, or when the gall bladder is not functioning. Laparoscopic gall bladder removal is one of the most common and safe surgeries, usually with a one-day hospital stay.
Will I have a big scar after surgery?
With laparoscopic surgery, no. You will have 3 to 4 small cuts of about 0.5 to 1 cm each, which fade significantly over a few months. Open surgery leaves a larger scar — we choose laparoscopic whenever it is safe and effective.
How long is the hospital stay for laparoscopic surgery?
For routine cases like gall bladder, appendix, or hernia, most patients go home the next day. For larger procedures, the stay may be 2 to 3 days. You will usually be able to walk and eat normally within hours of the surgery.
When can I go back to work after surgery?
For desk jobs, usually within 1 week. For physical or heavy-lifting jobs, give it 3 to 4 weeks. We give you a clear back-to-activity timeline at discharge so you know what you can do, day by day.
Is appendix surgery an emergency?
Acute appendicitis is a time-sensitive surgery — delay can cause the appendix to burst and lead to serious infection inside the abdomen. If you have right-side belly pain with fever or vomiting, get evaluated quickly. Laparoscopic appendix surgery is short and safe when done early.
What is thyroid surgery and is it safe?
Thyroid surgery removes part or all of the thyroid gland — usually for nodules, goitre, or thyroid cancer. With modern techniques, it is a safe procedure with a small neck scar. Hospital stay is usually 1 to 2 days, and most patients recover quickly.
How is a hernia repair done laparoscopically?
Three small cuts are made in the abdomen. The hernia opening is closed and reinforced with a fine surgical mesh that supports the muscle wall. Most patients walk the same day and resume light activity within a week.
People also ask
Other questions frequently searched.
Can a hernia heal on its own without surgery?
No — hernias in adults do not heal by themselves. The muscle gap does not close back. While it may stay quiet for years, it can grow or become stuck (a medical emergency). Surgery is the only reliable way to fix it permanently.
What happens if the appendix bursts?
A burst appendix spills infection into the abdomen, which can cause peritonitis — a serious, sometimes life-threatening complication. It usually requires longer surgery, antibiotics, and a longer hospital stay. This is why early evaluation of belly pain matters.
Can you live without a gall bladder?
Yes, completely. The liver continues to produce bile, which now flows directly into the intestine. Most people have no long-term problems after gall bladder removal, though some notice changes when eating very oily food in the first few weeks.
What foods to avoid after gall bladder surgery?
For the first 2 to 4 weeks, go easy on deep-fried, oily, and very spicy food. Start with simple home-cooked meals and slowly add normal food back as your body adjusts. After about a month, most people return to a regular diet without restrictions.
How painful is laparoscopic surgery?
Pain after laparoscopic surgery is mild to moderate — much less than after open surgery — and is well controlled with the medicines given. Most patients describe it as soreness rather than sharp pain, and it improves quickly over a few days.
Are thyroid nodules cancerous?
Most thyroid nodules — about 90 to 95 percent — are not cancerous. A simple ultrasound and sometimes a needle test (FNAC) tells us whether a nodule is safe to watch or needs surgery. Do not panic if a nodule is found; the majority are harmless.
What is the cost of laparoscopic surgery?
Cost depends on the type of surgery, hospital, and length of stay. Routine cases like gall bladder or hernia are usually covered well by insurance and Ayushman Bharat. We can give a realistic, all-inclusive estimate at your consultation.
How long does keyhole surgery take?
Most routine procedures — gall bladder, appendix, hernia — take about 30 to 90 minutes. Larger cases may take longer. Anaesthesia preparation and recovery add a couple of hours, so plan for half a day at the hospital on the day of surgery.
What is the difference between hernia mesh and stitch repair?
Mesh repair places a soft synthetic patch over the weak spot, which has a much lower long-term recurrence rate. Stitch-only repair (without mesh) has a higher chance of the hernia coming back. Modern guidelines recommend mesh for most adult hernias.
Can a small hernia grow bigger?
Yes — over time, with coughing, straining, lifting, or weight gain, a small hernia usually grows. The repair is also simpler when the hernia is small. Catching it early means a faster recovery and a lower risk of complications.
