Hernia Surgery | Independent Health Group

Hernia Surgery

Skip the waiting list – book your NHS hernia repair surgery with Independent Health Group for a low-risk, hassle-free procedure.

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Short waiting time

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 Recommended by 99% of our patients

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Friendly & professional staff

What is a hernia?

A hernia is caused when an internal organ or tissue within the abdominal cavity pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. This typically occurs in either the abdomen or groin area and results in a noticeable swelling or bulge. 

Hernias are a common condition that affects men more commonly than women. They tend to manifest quite suddenly and are known to commonly appear after performing strenuous physical activity. 

They can also be incredibly discomforting and come in various forms, each associated with various locations within the body. Some of the most common types of hernia include:

  • Inguinal hernia – the most common type of hernia that develops on either side of the groin, typically caused when a portion of the intestine protrudes into the inguinal canal. 
  • Femoral hernia – more common in women than men, this type of hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through the femoral canal, a passageway located near the upper thigh. 
  • Incisional hernia – this hernia develops at the site of an incision or scar, where the abdominal wall has previously been weakened as a result of surgery. 

Do you need hernia surgery?

Once a hernia has developed, it will not disappear on its own. Therefore, surgery is the only method of repairing the weakened abdominal wall and returning the displaced tissues or organs back to their original position. 

However, surgery is not always essential if your hernia is not causing any significant discomfort or impacting your ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. 

Whether you need a hernia repair or not really comes down to the extent of the issue at hand. While it may feel fine now, hernias can worsen over time, making surgery a viable option. 

The earlier you can have surgery, the lower your risk of potential complications will be as well. This can then improve your overall recovery time, allowing you to return to your daily life and activities sooner rather than later. 

As with any type of surgery, it is important to consult with a medical professional if you are not sure. They will be able to assess your hernia, discuss how it is impacting your life and help you make a more informed decision. 

Why book your hernia surgery with the Independent Health Group?

Here at Independent Health Group, we are proud to provide high-quality NHS treatments to local patients throughout England.

Our unique community-centred structure allows us to offer NHS patients faster access to vital healthcare from a more convenient location at no extra cost. This includes all types of hernia repair surgery – from keyhole hernia surgery to umbilical hernia surgery – and allows you to avoid the long waiting lists typically found at larger hospitals. 

Offering state-of-the-art equipment, we have facilities throughout the UK, with each one comprised of a specialist team of friendly staff and highly experienced surgeons. 

Following an initial consultation with us, we will aim to provide you with a date for your hernia surgery within 11 weeks. We will also ensure you work with the same clinician throughout, offering you some added peace of mind throughout your treatment journey. 

What our patients say

  • Everyone was very helpful and informative. Great facilities

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Jun 23
  • A friendly yet professional team. Informed about procedure, all the way through. Could not have wanted better.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jun 23
  • Staff were extremely polite, friendly and supportive. Made me feel very much at ease.

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Jun 23
  • Efficient and friendly. No waiting and was informed of actions throughout the procedure

    The County Practice, Syston - Jun 23
  • Have recommended to my friends!

    Aspen Centre - Jun 23
  • IHG are wonderful. A great service + wonderful staff. I felt that I was in expert hands

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jun-23
  • It's a lovely place, everyone has been brilliant 5*

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jun 23
  • Excellent service from start to finish

    The County Practice, Syston - Jun 23
  • Always been really easy, friendly, professional and a relaxed environment

    Aspen Centre - Jun 23
  • Amazing staff, made me feel completely at ease so thank you!

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - May 23
  • Flawless service, great staff, 5*

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - May 23
  • Very efficient service. I was seen promptly and explained clearly what is involved in the operation and the aftercare period

    Hathaway Medical Centre - May 23
  • All staff very friendly. Professional service and felt safe and happy throughout

    Hathaway Medical Centre - May 23
  • Exceptional service and staff. All friendly, warm whilst clear and concise. I was included and reassured and the whole way through

    Aspen Centre - May 23
  • The whole process was absolutely fantastic, and all the staff were very friendly and helpful.

    The County Practice, Syston - May 23
  • Easy to get to, helpful team - kind

    White Horse Medical Centre - May 23
  • So lovely to return- Thankyou improved my life to be independent

    White Horse Medical Centre - May 23
  • Made to feel very comfortable - lovely team

    The County Practice, Syston - May 23
  • Professionalism throughout, friendly, and caring

    Aspen Centre - May 23
  • Pain free procedure with kind and professional doctors/surgeons. Felt at ease and had everything explained as we went.

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Apr 23
  • Made to feel relaxed and comfortable, the doctors and nurses were amazing

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Staff were very welcoming and made me feel relaxed throughout the entire experience.  Didn't feel any pain and good communication when doing procedure.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Great service, efficient and very friendly staff, well looked after

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Talked through procedure. Every element carried out excellently. All staff very friendly and supportive

    Aspen Centre - Apr 23
  • Everyone was very helpful, eased my anxiousness, kept talking to me throughout the operation

    The County Practice, Syston - Apr-23
  • Great experience - Staff very helpful, great practice, great teamwork - Thank you - Credit to NHS

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr-23
  • Fantastic - Great to see the same staff

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr-23
  • Super friendly, quick availability for surgery. I felt very at ease during the whole process - thank you

    Aspen Centre - Apr 23
  • The staff are lovely and made me feel very safe and explained the procedure and felt very looked after.

    The County Practice, Syston - Apr 23
  • Pain free procedure with kind and professional doctors/surgeons. Felt at ease and had everything explained as we went.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Made to feel relaxed and comfortable, the doctors and nurses were amazing

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Apr 23
  • Prompt referral process. Excellent, personalised care throughout

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Mar 23
  • What should have been an uncomfortable experience was made quite enjoyable

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Mar 23
  • Felt at ease, great information throughout. No delays. Very communicative and friendly staff

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Feb 23
  • Good communication throughout. Very clear & everything went as discussed.

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Feb 23
  • Told all risks felt only little discomfort

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Jan 23
  • Entire team were highly professional and very personable, made the experience as nice as possible

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Jan 23
  • Pain free and relaxed environment

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Dec 22
  • Very helpful and friendly team

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Dec 22
  • I felt very at ease with the process. The Doctor and staff were very kind and considerate

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Nov 22
  • Friendly warm staff. Clear instructions/explaining the process. Made to feel very comfortable

    White Horse Medical Centre - Nov 22
  • Very comfortable, relaxed, very professional

    White Horse Medical Centre - Oct 22
  • Very professional service, kind caring staff, very modern and clean facilities

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Oct 22
  • Well looked after, everything explained and interesting conversation during the procedure

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Sep 22
  • Everything was explained clearly and I was made to feel very relaxed

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Great service,, very informative and supportive. Lovely staff

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Sept 22
  • The entire process was much more relaxed than I thought

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Sep 22
  • Excellent Staff, very understanding

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Sep 22
  • Very thorough and efficient service provided

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • They looked after me very well. Talking to me throughout the procedure made me feel a lot more comfortable

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • Totally at ease, worried for no reason.

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Aug 22
  • Staff were very friendly, very clear with information and attentive both before and after the procedure

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Aug 22
  • Very friendly, approachable and professional service

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 23
  • Staff were very welcoming and made me feel relaxed throughout the entire experience. Didn't feel any pain and good communication when doing procedure.

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Great service, efficient and very friendly staff, well looked after

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Excellent communication, professional service pre-op, excellent literature, friendly, empathetic and caring staff

    White Horse Medical Centre - Mar 23
  • Everybody was extremely helpful, friendly and reassuring

    White Horse Medical Centre - Mar 23
  • Everything well explained very courteous staff and no discomfort felt at any time

    White Horse Medical Centre - Feb 23
  • Everyone is lovely and helpful- So good 10/10

    White Horse Medical Centre - Feb 23
  • Really nice people and great service overall. I was seen and had my operation quickly!

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Jan 23
  • Excellent team, very informative, caring cheerful, great experience! You guys rock!

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jan 23
  • Efficient and friendly service from all staff, Thank you so much. Everyone was lovely

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Dec 22
  • I feel as though I have private medical care when I am with this team, Everyone is so friendly, professional and enjoyable to be with

    White Horse Medical Centre - Dec 22
  • Very friendly, put me at ease, would recommend

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Nov 22
  • Bed side care - everyone took care and were lovely

    White Horse Medical Centre - Nov 22
  • Excellent Pre op & Post Operative care

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Oct 22
  • Treated quickly, Friendly staff, operation efficient and excellent explanations throughout

    White Horse Medical Centre - Oct 22
  • All very friendly, all information given clearly during operation and before and after

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Everybody was lovely and really made me feel at ease as I was anxious

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Lovely staff great care

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Friendly clear advice throughout the procedure. Plenty of opportunity to ask questions

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • It was lovely, a lovely team

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • The care and support has been amazing ! From booking apointments, to consultations and finally to surgery. I have been listened to and fully supported

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • Made to feel comfortable, good communication and friendly staff

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • The staff made me feel confident and calm about the procedure

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • Staff made me feel very welcome. They were friendly and took my mind off the entire procedure.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jul 22
  • Felt completely at ease, had humourous conversations with the doctor. All round good experience

    Kingskerswell Health Centre - Jul 22
  • The team were fantastic, very caring and told you what was happening through out the operation

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • Staff were amazing, reassuring and explained my procedure very well.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • A very relaxed atmosphere, someone always there to reassure if nervous

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Jul 22
  • Reassuring procedure, clearly explained before and during surgery. Friendly staff, clean environment - felt really looked after

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jul 22
  • Talked through procedure. Every element carried out excellently. All staff very friendly and supportive

    Aspen Centre - Apr 23
  • Everyone was very helpful, eased my anxiousness, kept talking to me throughout the operation

    The County Practice, Syston - Apr 23
  • From the initial examination to the actual operation everything has been excellent.

    Aspen Centre - Mar 23
  • Very friendly. Top professionals. Made to feel safe and secure. Great team. 10/10

    The County Practice, Syston - Mar 23
  • All was well attended to, plus a very pleasant atmosphere within the whole unit, especially in the operating theatre

    Aspen Centre - Feb 23
  • From start to finish everyone involved in my care has been friendly and helpful and professional. I have been very well looked after on the day of my operation.

    The County Practice, Syston - Feb 23
  • Attention and respect, well explained

    Aspen Centre - Jan 23
  • Treated well by staff, procedure went smoothly and good waiting time

    The County Practice, Syston - Jan 23
  • From start to finish I have felt I was well looked after and listened too

    The County Practice, Syston - Dec 22
  • Professional and friendly, A good experience

    Aspen Centre - Dec 22
  • Absolutely perfect treatment, professional, polite and attentive at every stage, felt totally confident on the care and attention at all times, Thank all of you for a wonderful experience!

    Aspen Centre - Nov 22
  • Very professional and friendly, would highly recommend

    The County Practice, Syston - Nov 22
  • Very helpful and experienced to make me feel comfortable in this procedure

    Aspen Centre - Oct 22
  • All the medical staff very very professional and friendly

    The County Practice, Syston - Oct 22
  • Put at ease by the nursing staff and surgeon from start to finish. Everything explained well from start, during to finish.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Pre op information given in a clear manner. Procedure explained, Day of procedure all done in a professional manner

    Aspen Centre - Sep 22
  • Impressed with all the staff and the modern facilities

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Very professional and caring

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • easy experience and awesome staff

    The County Practice, Syston - Sep 22
  • Not been in doctors for 16 years and great care from start to finish

    The County Practice, Syston - Aug 22
  • Highly professional experience. Great venue. Peaceful and caring environment

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • All staff were very friendly, took time to explain things. Very reasurring before, during + after surgery. Professionalism with humanity - excellent

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • Really helpful and friendly and informative about the procedure

    The County Practice, Syston - Aug 22
  • All the staff took good care of me plus the surgeon kept me in the picture of what was happening and they chatted to me about various things.

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • The team were first class all the way through, so friendly and extremely professional

    Aspen Centre - Aug 22
  • Excellent surgical service. Good Communication, professional but personal approach. Felt relaxed and confident with the team

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • Talked me through it all, very well explained and put me at ease.

    Aspen Centre - Aug 22
  • The whole procedure has been excellent. The staff are friendly, experienced. No pain during the operation.

    Aspen Centre - Jul 22
  • Very professional care and treatment. Nurses and surgeon fantastic and was well looked after. I would recommend this service 100%. Just excellent.

    The County Practice, Syston - Jul 22
  • Great experience - Staff very helpful, great practice, great teamwork - Thank you - Credit to NHS

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Fantastic - Great to see the same staff

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Extremely caring, thoughtful people - excellent care throughout

    White Horse Medical Centre - Mar 23
  • Friendly, made to feel at ease, informative before and after

    White Horse Medical Centre - Feb 23
  • Friendly, good at giving information, making me feel relaxed, so convenient, lovely building

    White Horse Medical Centre - Feb 23
  • So Friendly, clearly explained, nice rooms, reassuring

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jan 23
  • Fantastic! From start to finish. I couldn't of hoped for a better. Kind, helpful staff

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jan 22
  • Friendliness, thoroughness - lots of information, pain free, all explanations gave reassurance of procedure. Felt at ease. Very happy to recommend IHG

    White Horse Medical Centre - Dec 22
  • Very efficient, explained entire process. Referral team helpful, thank you for booking me in with ease

    White Horse Medical Centre - Dec 22
  • Close to home, Relaxed environment, I've spoken to friends who are not aware fantastic service is available

    White Horse Medical Centre - Nov 22
  • I was made to feel at ease - if I had a 3rd eye I’d be back !!

    White Horse Medical Centre - Nov 22
  • Excellent Service, well looked after

    White Horse Medical Centre - oct 22
  • location, location, location - local and free parking, very good service

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Appreciated explanations as surgery going on

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Friendly approach, Explicit instructions for looking after myself

    Salisbury (Millstream House) - Sep 22
  • All staff friendly, fantastic to see the same nurse admitting me again.

    Salisbury (Millstream House) - Sep 22
  • Fantastic Care

    The County Practice, Syston - Sep 22
  • Very caring, patient and supportive staff. They went out of their way to look after my very disabled husband prepare for and in surgery for cataracts

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • So friendly and convenient location

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • Local and convenient. So kind.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jul 22
  • Very easy to get to, Parking great, Kind, Friendly and helpful

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jul 22
  • Super friendly, quick availability for surgery. I felt very at ease during the whole process - thank you

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • The staff are lovely and made me feel very safe and explained the procedure and felt very looked after.

    White Horse Medical Centre - Apr 23
  • Very polite, kind, felt very looked after throughout

    Aspen Centre - Mar 23
  • Standard of care was very good - people were concerned about my welfare.

    Aspen Centre - Mar 23
  • Smaller service, is quieter and nicer. More concern for the patient

    Aspen Centre - Feb 23
  • Excellent service. Couldn't wish for more helpful and considerate staff.

    The County Practice, Syston - Feb 23
  • Very good service and friendly staff

    The County Practice, Syston - Jan 23
  • Very efficient and professional put me at ease

    The County Practice, Syston - Jan 23
  • Everyone has been absolutely friendly and professional, its been a relaxed experience

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Dec 22
  • All very efficient and friendly, also professional. More personal than dealing with the NHS

    The County Practice, Syston - Dec 22
  • Looked after very well. Quick, Thorough and kind, can’t believe I have had this done so quickly. Very Happy !!

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Nov 2022
  • So kind, been seen very quickly

    Aspen Centre - Nov 22
  • Lovely team, great help, great atmosphere, everything went so quick

    White Horse Medical Centre - Oct 22
  • The service was absolutely brilliant, staff included

    White Horse Medical Centre - Oct 22
  • Everything extremely efficient speedy and felt extremely comfortable

    The County Practice, Syston - Sep 22
  • Friendly, extremely competent staff, felt at ease the moment I was greeted by the doctor.

    Hathaway Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Went very well and smooth, good communication, flexible appointment booking

    Aspen Centre - Sep 22
  • The staff are vey nice and helpful, I was recommended by a friend and I would recommend IHG to my friends too

    White Horse Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Answered all my questions, vey informative, felt very looked after, very friendly

    Lawn Medical Centre - Sep 22
  • Speed, accuracy of information. Put at ease.

    Aspen Centre - Aug 22
  • Very caring and explained everything clearly. Very understanding

    Lawn Medical Centre - Aug 22
  • The care and way I have been treated, couldn't have asked for better

    White Horse Medical Centre - Aug 2022
  • Friendly, informative and professional

    White Horse Medical Centre - Jul-22

Available at the following clinics:

The following staff perform Hernia Surgery:

  • Mr John Budd
  • Mr Chris John
  • Mr Bruce Braithwaite
  • Hamdi Ebdewi
  • Mr Himaz Marzook
  • Martin Kurzer
  • Yahya Salama
  • Mr Adam Scott

Get in touch

    What is the purpose of hernia surgery?

    Hernia surgery is performed to repair a hernia – a condition caused when organs or tissues protrude through a weakened abdominal wall. The surgery aims to reinforce the abdominal wall and return the displaced tissue to its proper position, relieving discomfort and preventing any potential complications.

    Are there any alternative treatments to hernia surgery?

    While some smaller hernias can be managed by making lifestyle changes and having regular check-ups, larger hernias that are symptomatic will typically require surgical intervention. 

    Do you need to stay in the hospital after hernia surgery?

    Post-surgery recovery times vary from person to person and are dependent on two key things:  the type of hernia and the surgical technique used. While most patients are often able to return home the same day, a short hospital stay may be required in some instances. 

    Groin hernia (inguinal or femoral)

    What are the surgery options for this type of hernia?

    There are two main types of surgery to choose from, either ‘open’ or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.

    Open Surgery

    This can be undertaken under local or general anaesthetic. The incision is approximately 5 – 10cm long in the lower abdomen/ groin.

    The hernia is pushed back through the gap in the layers of the abdominal wall, and a small sheet of synthetic material (mesh) is then used to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. Once this mesh is secured in place, the incision is closed using dissolvable stitches under the skin.

    In certain circumstances an open repair, using local anaesthetic may be the better option, for example, patients who are older and have other significant medical problems, or patients who do not want a full general anaesthetic.

    Using local anaesthetic avoids the very small risks associated with general anaesthesia, any associated nausea or vomiting and allows you to be treated and discharged home usually within two hours. Local anaesthetic works very well but you would probably feel some discomfort as the anaesthetic is injected and an occasional feeling of pressure during the operation. Although uncommon some patients may find the procedure uncomfortable under local anaesthetic.

    Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

    Laparoscopic surgery requires a general anaesthetic.

    One small cut (1-2cm long) is made near the belly button and two small cuts in the lower abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate your abdomen and a small telescopic camera is then inserted to view the hernia from within the abdomen.

    This means that the surgeon is looking at the hole from the inside of the abdomen. A mesh is then placed over the hole and secured in place.

    The medical literature suggests that laparoscopic surgery has the advantages of causing less post-operative pain, less chronic groin pain and enabling a slightly quicker return to work. There is however a very small risk of serious ‘internal’ injury during the operation and possibly a higher risk of the hernia coming back.

    Which operation should I have?

    Generally speaking there is not very much difference between the operations in practice, as long as they are performed well. The surgeon’s expertise in a particular technique is at least as important as the type of repair that is being performed. It is important that this decision is made after you have read this information and had as much time as you need to discuss this with your surgeon.

    In certain circumstances laparoscopic surgery may be beneficial, these are; groin hernias affecting both sides (bilateral); groin hernias in women (there is some evidence that women have a higher chance of another undiagnosed hernia that is not easily seen during open surgery); groin hernias in younger and active patients or whose predominant symptom is pain with a small hernia; recurrent hernias (that have come back after being repaired before using the open technique). Please ask as many questions as you feel necessary, so we can help you make the right decision for you.

    What are the risks of the operation?

    Hernia repair is a commonly performed and generally safe operation. In most patients, the benefits of surgery will outweigh the risks of the surgery. However, all surgery carries an element of risk.

    There are risks with all types of anaesthesia. If you choose to have your operation under a general anaesthetic, you should speak directly to your anaesthetist regarding the risks.

    Local anaesthesia is very safe, the risk of local anaesthetic toxicity and collapse is rare, please ask your surgeon if you have any questions regarding this.

    Side effects

    These are unwanted but mostly temporary effects of successful treatment. Everyone gets these to some extent.

    It is usual to have some bruising and swelling around the incision site/s, this often spreads to the genital area and can be quite marked.

    The healing process will cause a firm ridge to be felt under the scar. This slowly resolves over subsequent months.

    Some degree of discomfort around the incision site/s is unavoidable, but usually well controlled with pain killers.

    It is usual to have an area of loss of sensation below the incision/s. This generally becomes much less noticeable with time but in a number of patients (5 – 10%) it may be permanent but does not usually cause significant problems.

    Occasionally patients will be a little constipated after surgery and can have some difficulty passing urine.

    Significant or frequently occurring complications

    These may occur during or after surgery. Most people will not be affected.

    Infection of the surgical wound affects a small number of patients and would usually be treated with antibiotics by mouth. If this occurs it is usually a problem 3 – 30 days after the operation. You should seek advice if the area becomes red or hot, if you develop a temperature or ‘flu-like’ symptoms, or if the wound is discharging fluid. Sometimes hospital admission is necessary for antibiotic injections and further surgery can also be required. Rarely the mesh used in hernia surgery can become infected and need removal.

    Chronic groin pain (that is pain lasting beyond three months) is reported to affect approximately 1 in 10 patients having groin hernia surgery but decreases over time. It can occur after both open and laparoscopic surgery. Debilitating (severe) chronic groin pain affecting normal daily activities, work and quality of life is reported to affect between 1 and 12 in 200 patients. In our clinic we have had a small number of patients with severe debilitating chronic groin pain after hernia surgery, the number of patients we know to be affected is no more than 1 in 200 patients. There is a small chance, about 1 in 200, that the hernia could come back (recur) after surgery.

    Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under the wound. This would cause a larger swelling than usual under the scar and would take a few weeks to resolve. Sometimes hospital admission and further surgery can be required to remove the collection of blood/ fluid.

    When repairing inguinal hernias in men the blood supply to the testicle on that side can be damaged and the testicle may shrink down in size. Rarely this can require the testicle to be removed.

    Blood clot (thrombosis) in your leg and/ or lung. This is possible after any surgery and can be very dangerous and even cause death. If you go on to have surgery more information will be given to you regarding how to help prevent this happening to you and what symptoms to watch out for and report to your doctor. It is more of a risk with surgery under general anaesthetic but is still rare.

    Rarely the intestine (bowel), blood vessels or nerves can be seriously injured during surgery, this could require more extensive surgery either at the time of the original surgery or later, this is rare.

    The majority of patients will not suffer any complications. If you have any problems or concerns after the operation, please contact us directly.

    Paraumbilical/ Umbilical, epigastric and incisional hernias

    What are the surgery options for these types of hernias?

    These types of hernia are very usually repaired with open surgery. Occasionally incisional hernias might be suitable for laparoscopic surgery.

    The operation can be undertaken under local or general anaesthetic. The size of the incision depends on the size of the hernia and usually varies between 1 and 10 cms.

    The hernia is pushed back through the gap in the layers of the abdominal wall, and a small sheet of synthetic material (mesh) is then used to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. Once this mesh is secured in place, the incision is closed using dissolvable stitches under the skin.

    Using local anaesthetic avoids the very small risks associated with general anaesthesia, any associated nausea or vomiting and allows you to be treated and discharged home usually within two hours. Local anaesthetic works very well but you would probably feel some discomfort as the anaesthetic is injected and an occasional feeling of pressure during the operation. Although uncommon some patients may find the procedure uncomfortable under local anaesthetic.

    What are the risks of the operation?

    Hernia repair is a commonly performed and generally safe operation. In most patients the benefits of surgery will outweigh the risks of the surgery.

    There are risks with all types of anaesthesia. If you choose to have your operation under a general anaesthetic, you should speak directly to your anaesthetist regarding the risks. Local anaesthesia is very safe, the risk of local anaesthetic toxicity and collapse is rare, please ask your surgeon if you have any questions regarding this.

    Side Effects

    These are unwanted but mostly temporary effects of successful treatment. Everyone gets these to some extent.

    It is usual to have some bruising and swelling around the incision site.

    The healing process can cause a firm ridge to be felt under the scar. This slowly resolves over subsequent months.

    Some degree of discomfort around the incision site is unavoidable, but usually well controlled with pain killers.

    It is not unusual to have an area of loss of sensation around the incision. This generally becomes much less noticeable with time but in a number of patients, it may be permanent but does not usually cause significant problems.

    Occasionally patients will be a little constipated after surgery and can have some difficulty passing urine.

    Significant or frequently occurring complications

    These may occur during or after surgery. Most people will not be affected.

    Infection of the surgical wound affects a small number of patients and would usually be treated with antibiotics by mouth. If this occurs it is usually a problem 3 – 30 days after the operation. You should seek advice if the area becomes red or hot, if you develop

    a temperature or ‘flu-like’ symptoms, or if the wound is discharging fluid. Sometimes hospital admission is necessary for antibiotic injections and further surgery can also be required. Rarely the mesh used in hernia surgery can become infected and need removal.

    Chronic pain can potentially occur after any operation. It would be rare for patients to suffer with severe chronic pain affecting quality of life following surgery for a paraumbilical or epigastric hernia.

    There is a small chance that the hernia could come back (recur) after surgery.

    Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under the wound. This would cause a larger swelling than usual under the scar and would take a few weeks to resolve. Sometimes hospital admission and further surgery can be required to remove the collection of blood/ fluid.

    Blood clot (thrombosis) in your leg and/ or lung. This is possible after any surgery and can be very dangerous and even cause death. If you go on to have surgery more information will be given to you regarding how to help prevent this happening to you and what symptoms to watch out for and report to your doctor. It is more of a risk with surgery under general anaesthetic but is still rare.

    Rarely the intestine (bowel), blood vessels or nerves can be seriously injured during surgery, this could require more extensive surgery either at the time of the original surgery or later, this is rare.