Expert care for hernias & abdominal wall conditions
Restoring function, strength and, confidence
The Sydney Hernia & Diastasis Centre (SHDC) is dedicated to providing exceptional care and innovative medical solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our priority is your health and well-being, and our committed team is here to ensure you receive the highest quality of care.
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SHDC was established in response to the growing demand for specialised care in hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction. As the complexity of cases continues to increase — from recurrent hernias to post-operative complications and functional core disorders like diastasis recti — it has become clear that abdominal wall surgery is no longer a simple extension of general surgery, but a focused subspecialty in its own right.
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Too often, hernias and abdominal wall conditions are dismissed as routine or minor. Yet for many patients, the impact on function, comfort, and quality of life is anything but. Equally, the cost of care to the individual, medical system and society is hugely underestimated.
At SHDC, we bring advanced techniques, thoughtful planning, and multidisciplinary insight to an area of surgery that demands more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Our mission is to provide safe, evidence-based, and individualised care in a field where true specialisation makes a tangible difference.
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A/Prof. Oliver M. Fisher, MD | PhD | FMH Surgery | FRACS
Founder & Owner of SHDC
About The Sydney Hernia & Diastasis Centre
At the Sydney Hernia & Diastasis Centre, we are committed to delivering high-quality surgical and medical care that truly makes a difference in our patients’ lives.
Our focus extends beyond treatment—we aim to promote wellness, prevent complications, and provide personalised, comprehensive care to every individual.
We recognise that for some patients, a consultation may lead to a straightforward solution for a simple issue. For others, the path may be more complex—shaped by previous negative experiences, longstanding symptoms, and frustration with ineffective treatments.
No matter the circumstance, our team is dedicated to delivering expert care with compassion, clarity, and a commitment to finding the right solution for each patient.
Our Philosophy
At The Sydney Hernia & Diastasis Centre, we believe in the profound impact of good health on one's life. Our goal is to provide compassionate and personalised care to all our patients, ensuring their well-being and comfort at every stage of their medical journey. With a dedicated team of medical professionals, we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
Our Specialised Treatments
Groin Hernia Repair
Our groin hernia repair program emphasizes advanced surgical techniques and individualized treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. We prioritize preventive care, routine check-ups, and early intervention to address any concerns proactively. Whenever possible minimally invasive surgical techniques are offered to facilitate improved recovery pathways.
Ventral / Umbilical Hernia Repair
Our primary ventral and umbilical hernia repair program focuses on delivering personalised surgical care using open, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques. We tailor each repair to the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and goals—whether it’s a small defect or a larger abdominal wall weakness. Whenever appropriate, minimally invasive approaches are offered to support a smoother recovery and earlier return to activity.
Incisional Hernia Repair
Incisional hernias develop at the site of previous surgery, and for many patients, facing another operation—particularly after failed repairs—can be both physically and emotionally draining. At SHDC, we understand this journey. Our incisional hernia program is designed for patients with complex, recurrent, or high-risk hernias, offering meticulous evaluation and tailored surgical strategies. Using open, laparoscopic, robotic, or hybrid techniques, we aim to restore abdominal wall integrity while supporting confidence and recovery.
Diastasis Recti Treatment
Diastasis recti can cause core weakness, abdominal bulging, and discomfort—often long after pregnancy or weight loss. At SHDC, we offer tailored treatment options ranging from physiotherapy to surgical repair. Our flagship procedure, MILA (Minimally Invasive Lipo-Abdominoplasty), combines functional repair with aesthetic contouring through a short, hidden incision. For select cases, traditional abdominoplasty is also offered where appropriate.
Mesh related complications
Mesh can be a crucial part of hernia repair, but in some cases it may lead to pain, infection, or other complications. At SHDC, we specialise in the assessment and management of mesh-related issues, including chronic pain, infection, erosion, and mesh removal when necessary. Each case is carefully evaluated to determine the safest, most effective path forward.
Non-Surgical & Diagnostic Services
Not all abdominal wall issues require surgery. At SHDC, we provide thorough clinical evaluation, dynamic imaging, and targeted treatments for core dysfunction and abdominal wall pain — even in the absence of a hernia.
Chronic Groin & Abdominal Wall Pain Evaluation
Chronic groin and abdominal wall pain can have a wide range of causes — from previous surgery and nerve entrapment to musculoskeletal injuries, enthesitis, or subtle abdominal wall syndromes like anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). At SHDC, we offer comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying source of pain and provide targeted, evidence-based management strategies. Whether your symptoms began after surgery, exercise, or without clear explanation, we work to uncover the cause and help you move forward.
Prehabilitation & Rehabilitation
At SHDC, we believe that surgical success begins well before the operation and continues long after. That’s why we developed the CORE concept: Conditioning, Operation, Rehabilitation — a structured approach to optimise outcomes through every stage of care. Our tailored prehab and rehab programs focus on strengthening the core, improving function, and guiding safe return to activity, in close collaboration with experienced physiotherapists.
Second Opinions & Medico-Legal Reports
We offer independent second opinions for complex, recurrent, or unclear abdominal wall diagnoses. Medico-legal expert assessment and reports are also available.
What we ensure
Specialised Expertise
Compassionate Care
Personalised Treatment Plans
Integrated Recovery Approach
Quality Assurance
Collaborative Care Team
