What is inguinal hernia repair?
An inguinal hernia happens when tissue, such as part of the bowel, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin. Inguinal hernia repair is an operation to return the tissue to its place and strengthen the weakened area, often with a mesh, to relieve symptoms and prevent complications such as the hernia becoming trapped.
The repair can be done as open surgery or keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, usually under general anaesthetic and often as a day case. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this procedure to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is inguinal hernia repair suitable for?
- Patients with a bulge in the groin that is noticeable, growing or uncomfortable
- Patients with groin pain, aching or heaviness, especially when lifting, coughing or straining
- Patients whose hernia is affecting work, exercise or daily activities
- Patients who want to reduce the risk of complications from an untreated hernia
Your consultant will assess your individual case before recommending whether surgery, and which technique, is the right option.
Consultants who perform Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery
How Much Does Inguinal Hernia Surgery Cost?
from £2,525*
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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Inguinal hernia repair (groin) - open / unilateral |
£2,525* |
|---|---|
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Inguinal hernia repair (groin) - laparoscopic / unilateral |
£3,625* |
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Inguinal hernia repair (groin) - open / bilateral |
£3,150* |
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Inguinal hernia repair (groin) - laparoscopic / bilateral |
£4,675* |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inguinal Hernia Repair
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Private inguinal hernia repair at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £2,525* for open surgery on one side. Keyhole (laparoscopic) repair on one side is from £3,625*, and repair on both sides is from £3,150* (open) or £4,675* (laparoscopic). The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs.
If you notice a bulge in your groin, or pain or heaviness when lifting, coughing or straining, see your GP or book a private consultation. Seek urgent medical help if the bulge becomes hard, tender or discoloured, or you have severe pain, nausea or vomiting, as this can mean the hernia is trapped.
Your consultant will arrange a pre-operative assessment to check you are fit for surgery and advise on any medication to adjust beforehand. You will usually be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the operation, and to arrange for someone to take you home.
You will be admitted, meet your surgeon and anaesthetist, and have the operation, usually under general anaesthetic. It typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients go home the same day once they have recovered from the anaesthetic.
The two main techniques are open surgery, through a single cut in the groin, and keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, through several small cuts using a camera. Both usually use a mesh to strengthen the weak area. Your consultant will recommend the best option for you, depending on the size and position of the hernia and whether it is on one or both sides.
Some bruising, soreness and swelling in the groin is normal and can be managed with pain relief. Most people return to light activity within a few days and to desk-based work within one to two weeks, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise usually need to wait several weeks. Your consultant will give personalised advice.
Your surgeon will usually arrange a follow-up appointment to check your wound and recovery. Contact your consultant or the hospital if you notice increasing pain, swelling, redness, a high temperature or a return of the bulge.
A hernia will not heal on its own. If it is small and causing few or no symptoms, your consultant may suggest monitoring it (watchful waiting), and a truss may give temporary support, but surgery is the only way to repair it. Your consultant will advise what is right for you.
Medically reviewed by Mr Panagiotis Drymousis - MD, PhD on 6/11/2026