Hernia Repair

A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when part of an organ or internal tissue pushes through a weak point in the abdomen – typically the belly or groin. They usually need to be operated on with hernia repair surgery.

Hernias are usually caused by pressure and a weakness of the abdominal wall. Some people can be born with this muscle weakness, while the condition can develop in other people. Any activity that puts pressure on the abdomen can also cause a hernia, including heavy lifting, persistent coughing, or constipation. Obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also cause hernias, as well as poorly performed hernia repair surgery.

There are several indications that you may require hernia repair surgery, including a bulge and pain in your abdomen, groin or at the top of your leg. Nausea and vomiting may also occur, as well as difficulty going to the toilet or passing wind. More severe symptoms and pain usually mean surgery is more urgent.

When part of an organ or internal tissue pushes through a weak point in the abdomen, it is called a hernia. Hernia repair surgery is a procedure that can help relieve the pain and discomfort of a hernia by returning the tissue to its correct place and strengthening the wall of the abdomen.

There are two different methods of hernia repair – open and keyhole: • Open hernia surgery – Open hernia repair can take place under local or general anaesthetic. Using this method, your surgeon will make an incision close to your hernia and push it back into the abdomen. Once the tissue is pushed back to its natural position, the surgeon uses stitches or mesh to close and strengthen the abdominal wall. • Keyhole (laparoscopic) hernia surgery – Keyhole hernia repair differs slightly from the open method. Here, several much smaller incisions are created, allowing the surgeon to access, push back, and repair the hernia in a far less invasive way.

Hernia repair surgery could mean you can get back to doing the things you love without the pain and discomfort associated with a hernia. Due to these symptoms, a hernia can be difficult to live with, with the pain exaggerated by certain actions, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting. While some hernias go away on their own, repair surgery can sometimes be the only way to stop the symptoms. It does this by returning the hernia to its correct position and strengthening the weakened abdominal wall.

Hernia repair surgery is a very common surgical procedure. That said, all surgical procedures carry a degree of risk, so it’s important to fully understand these before you choose to go ahead with your hernia repair. Thankfully, our expert advisors will be on hand to talk you through any potential complications that might arise from the procedure. They are there to answer any questions you might have, so you feel confident in your decision. As a guide, potential complications with medical hernia repair can include swelling, bruising, a seroma, or fluid-filled sac forming under the surface of the skin, changes in bowel habits, and a change in sensation.

If you have a hernia that is causing pain, discomfort or growing larger, you might consider hernia repair surgery. To learn more about whether hernia surgery is the best choice for your hernia – be it hiatal, inguinal, umbilical or another type – contact our experts. At your free initial consultation, one of our expert advisors will be able to discuss the procedure with you and help you decide whether hernia repair surgery is right for you.

The Hospital Group has been helping UK sufferers of hernias for over 45 years. Registered by the General Medical Council (GMC), our team are experts at private hernia repair, bringing long-term health improvements to patients. They understand how to help them get on with their everyday lives in comfort, free from hernia pain. Offering personalised care to keep you safe and happy throughout your journey; we ensure your treatment and recovery are trouble-free and smooth. Your private hernia surgery with The Hospital Group will take place in state-of-the-art medical facilities that have been fully certified by the Care Quality Commission, Healthcare Infection Society and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Whether you are having your pre-surgery consultations across the country or surgery at our Burcot Hall Hospital in Bromsgrove, you can trust in your hernia repair surgery. Whatever your needs or budget, we can help. Contact us today to book your free consultation.

Every hernia surgery is different, and we understand that all our customers come from varying backgrounds and budgets. We’ll talk through the potential cost of your hernia surgery with you during your free consultation, with your surgeon assistant helping you understand the overall price. For more information on the cost of hernia surgery, use our procedure price checker.

Hernia repair surgery usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete and you may be able to return home the same day.

Most people feel able to return to work within two weeks of their hernia repair surgery, although you may need to take more time off if your job involves heavy lifting or manual labour.

The total recovery time for hernia repair surgery is around six weeks for most patients, but this varies from person to person. Recovery can also differ depending on the type of hernia – hiatal, inguinal or umbilical, for example. After one week, you should be able to do light activities and move around with ease. You might feel okay doing light exercise after three weeks but should wait at least six weeks before taking part in any strenuous activity or heavy lifting.

The exact hernia repair method your surgeon uses will depend on the nature of your hernia, including its location, type and severity. When you meet your surgeon during your free consultation, they will discuss whether open or keyhole hernia surgery is best for you and explain which method they will use.

Immediately after the procedure, you might feel sore and bruised. This is a normal side effect of hernia surgery and can be managed with appropriate pain medication. You’ll be able to ask any questions you might have about the side effects and possible complications of hernia repair during your consultations with us.

There are several main types of hernia: • Inguinal hernia – Inguinal hernia surgery focuses on hernias that pass between the inguinal canals in the anterior abdominal wall. The most common type of hernia, they occur between the uterus and abdomen in women, and the abdomen and scrotum in men. They affect 3% of women and 27% of men, according to a 2017 study. This hernia must be operated on and repaired. • Incisional hernia – Incisional hernias typically happen because of surgery, with the affected organs pushing through areas of the abdomen weakened by an operation. According to Mount Sinai Hospital, 15-20% of hernias are incisional. This hernia must also be operated on. • Femoral hernia – Femoral hernia repair is required when part of the bowel or the fatty tissue close to it moves into your groin towards the top of your thigh. The University of California Gastrointestinal Surgery Department notes that femoral hernias make up 3% of all hernias but are 10 times more common in women than men. These hernias can go unnoticed but must be quickly operated on if they restrict blood flow. • Epigastric hernia – Epigastric hernias affect the top of the anterior abdominal wall. They can give rise to symptoms like pain, bulging, nausea and vomiting or be asymptomatic. This hernia must be operated on. • Umbilical hernia – Affecting both babies and adults, umbilical hernias occur on or around the belly button. These hernias are quite common among newborns. • Hiatal hernia – Hiatal hernia repair focuses on hernias forcing their way between the diaphragm and oesophagus, causing indigestion and heartburn. These hernias can sometimes go away on their own but often require surgery.

Whether you have open or keyhole hernia surgery, it is unlikely to be painful or uncomfortable during the procedure. That is because your medical staff will use either general anaesthetic (where you are not awake for the procedure) or local anaesthetic (where the site of the surgery is numbed) while they operate. Afterwards, you may experience some pain at the site of your hernia surgery. This can be reduced with pain relief medication and will fade as you heal.