Navi Mumbai: A 46-year-old triathlete from Nerul, who underwent a surgery for bilateral Hernia, achieved a feat of cycling for 200 km right after getting out of the prescribed bed rest.

Aditya Chakravarthi, the patient, an avid cyclist, swimmer and runner with a passion for endurance events, has been facing discomfort at his groin area for close to four years, especially when he walked. It became worst this year in the month of August and that is when he decided to get it checked.

Upon examination, the diagnosis was a bilateral inguinal hernia—commonly referred to as a groin hernia. An inguinal hernia occurs when there is a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles near the groin area, which leads to part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushing through to create a visible bulge or lump, which can cause discomfort or pain, especially when lifting, bending, or coughing.

Dr. Shalin Dubey, Sr. Consultant General Surgery & Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “By utilizing a minimally-invasive laparoscopic technique, we not only effectively treat the hernia but also significantly reduce recovery time. The minimally invasive technique enables us to deliver medical excellence with patient-centric care. It was incredibly rewarding to see our patient return to high-level athletic activity so soon after surgery and even complete a 200 km cycling marathon successfully."

Conventionally, the standard treatment for such hernias involves open surgery with a large incision in the groin area to place a mesh under the skin. However, this approach requires a lengthy recovery period and limitations on physical activity even after a successful surgery.

Keeping in view the patient's active lifestyle and the desire for a swift return to his athletic pursuits, the surgical team at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai decided to go in for a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach.

This advanced procedure involved small cuts or incisions through which specialized instruments and a high-definition camera were inserted. A mesh was then placed between the layers of the abdominal muscles rather than under the skin, to provide robust repair with minimal tissue disruption.

"As an athlete, I was extremely worried about my upcoming triathlon, but Dr. Shalin Dubey reassured me that minimally invasive surgery would be the best option for a speedy recovery. Today, I feel fantastic. Just 1.5 months post-surgery, I cycled 200 km and secured 2nd place in a competition. Now, I'm running 40 km a week and cycling 300 km a month. Just two weeks back, I ran half marathon as well," said Chakravarthi, who is also a marketing professional at an IT Company.

Dr Dubey further emphasised that the small cuts or incisions in a minimally invasive method result in less noticeable scars, an important consideration for many patients. It also reduces exposure of internal tissues during surgery and minimizes the risk of post-surgical infections.

After the surgery, a personalised rehabilitation program was prepared by a multidisciplinary team that included surgeons, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other specialists.

The program emphasised gradual reintroduction to physical activity to ensure safety while promoting healing. The patient was guided and encouraged to resume training and gained the confidence to participate in the 200 km cycling marathon.