Hernia FAQs

Hernia recovery is dependent on the expertise of the surgeon and results can vary. It is best to check with the surgeon who performed the operation to be absolutely sure. Our patients are able to go home on the same day and generally return to normal life over the next three days.

The general advice is no but for more information please contact us.

Although a bulge is a common hernia symptom, it may not be conclusive, not all groin pain is related to a hernia. The only way to know for sure is to see a hernia specialist who will give you expert opinion, even in cases that are difficult to diagnose.

Hernias will only get worse if left untreated and the risk of complications can escalate to the point where a larger, more complex operation is needed. The danger of strangulation is also heightened by neglecting to act. If a hernia has been diagnosed it should be repaired as soon as possible. We have seen many giant hernias that were initially ignored because of well-meaning advice.

There are several possible symptoms and explanations for a bulge or a feeling of discomfort so it is best not to try self-diagnosis. If you have symptoms that indicate something is not right then the only course of action is to get it checked out by a doctor.

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is a very good method for many surgeries but we believe in the efficacy of tension-free repairs that are done with local anaesthesia. Keyhole surgery requires general anaesthesia or spinal injections, which carry additional risks. There are some excellent surgeons performing keyhole hernia repair but experience tells us that the open mesh repair system works best.

It is not uncommon for uncomfortable hernias to cause erection problems but they recede after prompt treatment to the hernia. However, if a hernia is left then a return to normal erectile function can be delayed.

If you are suffering with erectile dysfunction we recommend visiting the Urology Unit.

The days when hernia surgery was dangerous for elderly patients is long gone and your problem almost certain can be attended to. The procedures now are safe, quick and effective. We have treated patients much older than 80 so there is nothing to worry about.

Spigelian hernia is a less common hernia in the abdominal wall, slightly to the side of the upper abdomen. They are repaired in the same way as the majority of hernias with tension-free mesh reinforcement. The names of the different hernias really relate to where they are on the body.

Hernias in children must not be ignored as problems can develop quickly and potentially damage a child’s development.

Hernias do not repair themselves and it can get slightly bigger every day. Smaller hernias are quicker and easier to treat so it makes sense to seek advice as soon as possible.

Most hernias will just get bigger but can become very painful suddenly and there is a danger of strangulation, which could, in some cases, lead to emergency treatment.

There is little that can be done if the abdominal wall is weak but a sensible, healthy lifestyle with a high fibre diet and exercise can minimise the risks.

Hernia repair failure is now rare with proven techniques that ensure the primary work is successful. The risks or recurrence have dropped to a fraction of one per cent if the correct procedure is followed and a reputable surgeon is consulted.

This happens when the opening in the abdominal wall closes while a fold of the bowel (for example) is poking through. The pressure cuts off the blood supply to the bowel and this is the strangulation, which can have painful effects and require immediate surgery. Pain from a hernia is a warning sign and underscores the need to get it repaired as soon as possible.

No. Anatomical weakness is a part of the human body so anyone could be susceptible to a hernia.

Most repairs are performed by general surgeons but we believe it is an area that needs specialisation. At London Hernia we have consultants that are dedicated solely to the repair of hernias. This ensures the highest amount of expertise and experience.

It is your body and your health so you should weigh up all the options. Not all private procedures are prohibitively expensive so it is worth examining treatment options to get the best possible result.

Our team at London Hernia are a highly dedicated and experienced team with a wealth of experience that not every hospital has.

A good guide is to assess how many hernia repairs the hospital and its surgeon have carried out. It is also helpful to know if it will be done under local anaesthsia and if you will be allowed home that day and how long it will be before you can return to work. You can also ask about the risks of recurrence at your local hospital.

An initial consultation with one of our Hernia Consultants is just £150.

At London Hernia we have clear and transparent package prices to ensure you know exactly how much you’ll pay for surgery. All of our fixed price self-pay hernia packages include consultation, surgeons fee, anaesthetist fee, pre-operative assessment, the procedure itself and one post-operative appointment. Please note that these packages are for patients who only fit the standard criteria, complex cases will be excluded. View our fixed price packages.

Research and expert opinion recognize the importance of specialisation for any surgery. If the surgeon, their team and the unit are performing repairs to a high standard daily then there is a clear expectation of a good outcome. London Hernia’s results have improved to such high levels because of our experience with so many cases each year. The experience and expertise gained from doing tens of thousands of hernia repairs is unrivalled.

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