Hernia surgery

The symptoms of a hernia vary depending on the type of hernia you have. The symptoms of each type of hernia will be covered later on this page.

Hernias are treated with a type of surgery called hernia repair surgery. The type of surgery you have depends on the type of hernia, as well as your age, general health, lifestyle, and expectations for treatment.

Types of hernia

There are several types of hernia, and the treatment for each may vary.

Types of hernia include:

• Inguinal hernia
• Umbilical/paraumbilical hernia
• Hiatal hernia (hiatus hernia)
• Incisional hernia
• Femoral hernia
• Epigastric hernia
• Sports hernia

Non-surgical treatment

If your hernia is small, is not causing any problems, and only bulges out occasionally, your consultant may adopt a “watch and wait” approach. This means they will monitor your hernia regularly to see if it gets worse. Your consultant may recommend surgery if your hernia is persistent, causing pain, or if you develop complications.

Hernia repair surgery

Hernia repair surgery is a type of surgery to remove your hernia, or push it back in to its correct position, and repair the abdominal wall. Hernia repair surgery may be performed as open surgery, or laparoscopic surgery.

The type of surgery you’ll have depends on the size, type, and location of your hernia, as well as your age, and general health.

• Open surgery is a technique where a large incision (cut) is made in the skin and the hernia repair is carried out
• Laparoscopic, or keyhole surgery uses several small incisions to perform surgery using a camera and specially designed instruments. It usually has a much faster recovery time and a lower risk of complications than open surgery.

There are two techniques used during laparoscopic hernia repair surgery:

• Trans-abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair – An incision is made in the abdominal membrane and your consultant places surgical mesh over the weakened area of the abdominal wall to strengthen it. This is the most common type of laparoscopic repair
• Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair – Your consultant does not make an incision in the abdominal membrane and instead seals the hernia from the outside

The cost of hernia repair surgery starts from around £3,000.*

Our fixed-price package includes the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient consultation fee are charged separately.

We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 12 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.

*This is a guide price for patients who are paying for their own treatment. The actual cost of your treatment will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and account for around 75% of all hernias. They are most common in men. Inguinal hernias can also affect babies and children and occur because of a defect in the abdominal wall that is present at birth.

An inguinal hernia occurs when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel bulges through a weakened part of your muscle into your groin. In men, this is usually the inguinal canal which carries the spermatic cord. In women, the inguinal canal carries a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place. Inguinal hernias are much less common in women but may occur when connective tissue from the uterus attaches to tissue surrounding the pubic bone.

Causes of inguinal hernias

Sometimes, inguinal hernias occur with no apparent cause. Some people are born with a weakness in the abdominal wall that can lead to an inguinal hernia developing in infancy, childhood, or later in life. Weaknesses in the abdominal wall can also occur after an injury or abdominal surgery.

Inguinal hernias may be caused by:

• Weakening of the surrounding or abdominal muscles as we age
• Increased pressure on the abdominal muscles due to straining to move your bowels, heavy lifting, or a strong persistent cough
• Strenuous activity or standing for long periods of time
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia may include:

• A lump on either side of your pubic bone. This may be more visible when you stand upright, or when you cough or strain
• A burning or aching sensation around the lump
• Pain, discomfort, or pressure around your groin, which may be worse when you lift heavy objects, bend over, or cough
• Pain and swelling around your testicles

Treatment for inguinal hernias

Treatment for an inguinal hernia is with hernia repair surgery, which can be performed in several ways.

Open surgery

Open inguinal hernia repair surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic or a regional anaesthetic.

This means you’ll be awake during the procedure but won’t feel any pain as the area being operated on will be numb. In some cases, open inguinal repair surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

During open inguinal hernia repair:

1. Your consultant makes a single 6-8cm incision (cut) over the hernia
2. The herniated bowel or tissue is put back into your abdomen
3. A surgical mesh is used to strengthen the weakened area in your abdominal wall
4. Your consultant will close the incision with stitches
5. If your hernia is strangulated and part of the bowel is damaged, the damaged section of bowel will be removed, and the healthy ends of bowel joined together. This is a bigger operation and requires a longer hospital stay

Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is performed under general anaesthetic.

During laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair:

1. Your consultant makes 3-4 small incisions in your abdomen
2. A thin tube called a laparoscope that has a light source, and a camera is inserted through one of the incisions. This allows your consultant to see inside your abdomen via images transmitted to a screen
3. Specially designed surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions so the surgeon can repair your hernia
4. Your incisions are closed with stitches

What are the risks of inguinal hernia surgery?

All surgery carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have with your consultant and make sure you are fully informed about any potential risks and complications before your procedure.

Possible complications of any type of surgery are:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Chest infection
• Wound infection
• Blood clots

Possible complications of inguinal hernia repair surgery include:

• Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention) — this is temporary, though you may need to have a urinary catheter inserted for a short time
• Pain and numbness in the groin — usually improves with time, but a few patients develop long-term pain and/or numbness in the groin after inguinal hernia repair surgery
• Haematoma — this is a collection of blood that develops under the wound or at the hernia site. It usually disappears over time, but in some cases, may require another operation
• Seroma — this is where fluid builds up under the wound or hernia site. It normally resolves without treatment
• Recurrence — there is a risk that your hernia may come back in the future
• Wound infection — is normally treatable with antibiotics
• Mesh infection — is a deep infection that can occur around the mesh implant after hernia repair. Mesh infection is very rare and occurs in around 1 in 500 people. It is treated with surgery and antibiotics
• Testicular problems — your testicles may be slightly swollen for a few days after the operation. In rare cases, the blood supply to the testicles may be damaged, leading to severe pain and the testicle shrinking in size
• Injury to the surrounding blood vessels and organs
• Damage to the tube that carries sperm from your testicle to your penis (vas deferens). If this happens, you might not be able to produce sperm
• Switching to open surgery. In some cases, your consultant may switch from laparoscopic to open surgery part way through the operation

Umbilical hernias affect newborns or infants and occur directly at the umbilicus (belly button). Paraumbilical hernias affect adults and occur where bowel or soft tissue bulges out around the umbilicus. Umbilical hernias in children usually resolve by themselves in the first two years of life, but adults with paraumbilical hernias normally need surgery to push the hernia back in and strengthen the abdominal wall.

Causes of paraumbilical hernias

Paraumbilical hernias may be due to increased pressure in the abdomen. They tend to be more common in women, and may be caused by:

• Obesity
• Multiple pregnancies
• A build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Peritoneal dialysis to treat kidney failure

Symptoms of umbilical/paraumbilical hernias

Symptoms of umbilical hernias

Umbilical hernias in babies and children are usually painless and may not cause symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may include a bulge near the belly button when the child coughs, cries, or strains.

Symptoms of paraumbilical hernias in adults include:

• A bulge in or near the bellybutton that is usually more visible when you cough, strain, or lift a heavy object
• Constipation
• Pain or pressure around the hernia site

Treatment for paraumbilical hernias

Treatment for a paraumbilical hernia is with surgery called a paraumbilical hernia repair. Most paraumbilical hernia repairs are carried out under local anaesthetic, but in some cases, general anaesthetic may be used. The operation normally takes 20 to 30 minutes and is usually performed as a day case.

During paraumbilical hernia repair:

1. Your consultant makes an incision of about 2 to 3cm underneath your belly button
2. The herniated tissue or bowel is pushed back into the abdomen
3. The weakened muscles in the abdominal wall are stitched together to strengthen them. For adult umbilical hernias, a surgical mesh may be placed in the abdominal wall
4. The incision is closed, normally with dissolvable stitches

What are the risks of paraumbilical hernia surgery?

All surgery carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have with your consultant and make sure you are fully informed about any potential risks and complications before your procedure.

Possible complications of any type of surgery are:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Chest infection
• Wound infection
• Blood clots

Possible complications of paraumbilical hernia repair surgery include:

• Wound infection
• Bleeding
• Wound rupture
• Reoccurrence (the hernia may come back)

A hiatal hernia occurs when the top of your stomach pushes up into your chest through an opening in your diaphragm (the thin layer of muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen). Hiatal hernias are common, particularly as we get older.

Causes of hiatal hernias

There is normally an opening in the diaphragm wall called the oesophageal hiatus. If this opening widens, it can cause the stomach to push through into the chest, resulting in a hiatal hernia. Widening of the oesophageal hiatus can occur due to a birth defect in the diaphragm wall, or previous injury, or surgery. Most hiatal hernias occur when the diaphragm wall weakens with age or increased abdominal pressure. Increased pressure in the abdomen may be caused by:

• Obesity
• Persistent coughing or sneezing
• Constipation and straining to have a bowel movement
• Frequent vomiting
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Intense exercise or heavy lifting

Symptoms of hiatal hernias

Unlike other types of hernias, a hiatal hernia doesn’t cause a noticeable bulge on the outside. Most people with a hiatal hernia don’t have any symptoms of a hernia, though a hiatal hernia may cause symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These may include:

• Heartburn — a burning pain in your chest, especially after eating
• Recurring chest pain — this may feel like angina, but isn’t related to your heart
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a lump in your throat when you swallow
• Indigestion
• Sore throat and a hoarse voice
• Bad breath
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in your upper abdomen

Treatment for hiatal hernias

Many hiatal hernias don’t cause symptoms and you may not even know that you have one. If you have symptoms of acid reflux, medications may be enough, but if your hiatal hernia becomes large or causes severe symptoms, your consultant may recommend surgery.

Surgery to repair a hiatal hernia is normally performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic, though in some cases, open surgery may be required.

During hiatal hernia repair:

1. After making an incision, your consultant pushes your stomach back into place in the abdominal cavity
2. The opening in the diaphragm is tightened, and the stomach is secured into place with sutures
3. The incision is closed with stitches

What are the risks of hiatal hernia surgery?

All surgery carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have with your consultant and make sure you are fully informed about any potential risks and complications before your procedure.

Possible complications of any type of surgery are:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Chest infection
• Wound infection
• Blood clots

Possible complications of hiatal hernia repair surgery include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty swallowing, belching, or vomiting
• Recurrence of the hernia or acid reflux

An incisional hernia is where tissue protrudes through or close to a surgical wound. It occurs in around a third of patients who have undergone abdominal surgery.

Causes of incisional hernias

Incisional hernias occur when the abdominal muscles are weakened as a result of a surgical incision. The risk of developing an incisional hernia is greater if abdominal pressure is increased before the incision is fully healed. This may be caused by:

• Excessive physical activity, or activity too soon after surgery
• Weight gain
• Pregnancy

Symptoms of incisional hernias

Incisional hernias are most likely in the first three to six months after abdominal surgery but can occur at any time.

Symptoms of an incisional hernia may include:

• A bulge or lump in the affected area
• Pain which may be a dull ache, or severe. Pain may be worse when coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever (a temperature above 38C)
• Increased heart rate
• Thin, narrow stool

Treatment for incisional hernias

If your incisional hernia is small and not causing any symptoms, it may not require treatment.

Treatment for an incisional hernia is with surgery. If your hernia has affected the results of your original surgery, you may need to have additional surgery before the hernia can be closed.

Incisional hernia repair can be performed as open or laparoscopic surgery.

During open incisional hernia repair:

1. Your surgeon will make an incision above the hernia and push the protruding intestine back into the abdomen
2. They will then repair the opening in the muscle wall
3. In some cases, the weakened area of abdominal wall is reinforced with surgical mesh

During laparoscopic incisional hernia repair:

1. Your consultant will make several small incisions in your lower abdomen
2. A flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera (a laparoscope) is inserted into one of the incisions
3. Your consultant will be guided by images from the camera displayed on a monitor and use small instruments inserted through the other incisions to repair the hernia

What are the risks of incisional hernia surgery?

All surgery carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have with your consultant and make sure you are fully informed about any potential risks and complications before your procedure.

Possible complications of any type of surgery are:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Chest infection
• Wound infection
• Blood clots

Possible complications of incisional hernia repair surgery include:

• Hernia Recurrence — your hernia may come back
• Seroma — a build-up of fluid under your surgical wound
• Haematoma — a build-up of blood under your surgical wound
• Wound infection
• Chronic (long-term) pain
• Late enterocutaneous fistula — an abnormal connection between the bowel and the skin
• Inflammation leading to fibrosis (hardening and scarring) of the tissues surrounding the mesh. This may cause the mesh to shrink
• Intraperitoneal adhesions (where the bowel sticks to the abdominal wall) may develop, which may lead to small bowel obstruction
• The mesh may move within the abdominal wall

A femoral hernia is a rare type of hernia that occurs when a part of your bowel or soft tissue pushes through your groin or upper thigh. The protruding tissue can often be pushed back in and may disappear when you lie down. It may be more visible when you cough or strain. Femoral hernias are more common in women than men due to the wider female pelvis.

Causes of femoral hernias

Femoral hernias are caused by a weak spot in the abdominal muscle wall that allows bowel or tissue to push through into an area called the femoral canal. They become more common as we age and are usually associated with increased pressure in the abdomen caused by:

• Obesity
• Constipation and straining to have a bowel movement
• Repeated coughing
• Heavy lifting or pushing
• Childbirth

Symptoms of femoral hernias

Symptoms of a femoral hernia may include:

• A lump in the groin or inner thigh
• Pain or discomfort in your groin
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

Treatment for femoral hernias

Unlike some other types of hernia, surgery to repair a femoral hernia is usually recommended straight away. This is because they have a higher risk of complications such as strangulation and bowel obstruction than other types of hernias.

Femoral hernia repair can be carried out as open or laparoscopic surgery.

Open femoral hernia repair is normally performed under general anaesthetic. In some simple cases, the procedure may be performed under local anaesthetic. Laparoscopic surgery is normally performed under local anaesthetic.

During open femoral hernia repair:

1. Your consultant will make a small incision in your groin to access the hernia
2. The herniated tissue will be moved back into your abdomen
3. Your consultant will repair the femoral canal wall with strong stitches or surgical mesh
4. The incision is closed with stitches

During laparoscopic hernia repair surgery:

1. Your consultant will make several small incisions in your lower abdomen
2. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through one of the incisions
3. The protruding tissue is pushed back into the abdomen
4. The weakened area of the muscle is repaired and strengthened with mesh
5. Your incisions are closed with stitches

What are the risks of femoral hernia surgery?

All surgery carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have with your consultant and make sure you are fully informed about any potential risks and complications before your procedure.

Possible complications of any type of surgery are:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Chest infection
• Wound infection
• Blood clots

Possible complications of femoral hernia repair surgery include:

• A build-up of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under the wound
• Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention)
• Injury to the femoral vein (which passes through the femoral canal)
• Injury to the bowel
• Temporary leg weakness
• Injury to the nerves, resulting in pain or numbness in the groin area

An epigastric hernia occurs when fatty tissue pushes through the muscle wall in the epigastric region of your abdomen, above your belly button and below your breastbone (sternum). It is a common type of hernia in both adults and children. Epigastric hernias tend to get bigger over time.

Causes of epigastric hernias

An epigastric hernia occurs when the muscles in the abdominal wall don’t close completely during development. The causes of epigastric hernias are largely unknown.

Symptoms of epigastric hernias

Epigastric hernias often don’t have any symptoms and may go undiagnosed. If you do experience symptoms, they may include:

• A bump in the area below your breastbone, and above your belly button. This bump may be visible all the time or only when you cough, sneeze, or laugh
• Pain and tenderness in the epigastric region

Treatment for epigastric hernias

Surgery is the only treatment for an epigastric hernia. Without surgery, the hernia is likely to get bigger and could lead to complications.

Epigastric hernia repair is usually performed under general anaesthetic but in some cases, may be carried out under local or spinal anaesthesia. It usually takes about 30 minutes.

During epigastric hernia repair:

1. Your consultant will make an incision over the hernia and free up the hernial sac
2. If there is only fat pushing through the weakened abdominal wall, your surgeon will either remove it, or push it back. If your bowels are also pushing through, they will place them back inside your abdominal cavity
3. Your surgeon will remove the hernial sac and close the weakened abdominal wall with either stitches or surgical mesh
4. Your incision is closed with stitches

What are the risks of epigastric hernia surgery?

All surgery carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have with your consultant and make sure you are fully informed about any potential risks and complications before your procedure.

Possible complications of any type of surgery include:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Chest infection
• Wound infection
• Blood clots

Possible complications of epigastric hernia repair include:

• A build up of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under your wound
• Damage to structures within your abdomen

A sports hernia is not strictly speaking a hernia, but a strain or tear of soft tissue, such as a muscle, tendon, or ligament in the lower abdomen or groin. Sports hernias commonly affect the oblique muscles in the lower abdomen, the tendons that attach these muscles to the pubic bone, and the tendons that attach the thigh muscles to the pubic bone. If left untreated, a sports hernia can result in chronic, disabling pain.

Causes of sports hernias

Sports hernias usually occur suddenly during sports such as football, tennis, or rugby, during a sudden change of direction or intense twisting movement. In some cases, a sports hernia can lead to an inguinal hernia.

Symptoms of sports hernias

Symptoms of a sports hernia may include:

• Severe pain in the groin area at the time of the injury. The pain often gets better with rest but returns when you resume activity
• Ongoing (chronic) dull or burning pain
• Pain may radiate to your scrotum and/or inner thigh
• Pain may be worse during activity, particularly during movements such as kicking, twisting, or sitting up
• Pain in your groin when you cough or sneeze
• A sports hernia doesn’t cause a visible bulge but may lead to an inguinal hernia over time. If this happens, you may notice a lump or bulge in your groin as your abdominal organs press against the weakened soft tissues

Treatment for sports hernias

Treatment for sports hernias depends on many factors, such as the type and severity of your injury, your age, general health, lifestyle, and expectations for treatment.

Sports hernias can be treated non-surgically or with surgery. Non-surgical treatments are usually tried first and may include:

• Rest — it is recommended that you rest for the first seven to 10 days after the initial injury
• Ice packs — to reduce swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as ibuprofen and naproxen help to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation
• Physiotherapy — is an important part of your recovery. Our expert team of physiotherapists can show you exercises to improve strength and flexibility in your abdominal and thigh muscles
• Steroid injections — work by reducing inflammation and may be offered if NSAIDs haven’t worked

If you’re still experiencing pain after a few months of non-surgical treatment, your consultant may recommend surgery to repair your sports hernia.

Surgery for a sports hernia can be performed as open or laparoscopic surgery. Your surgery may be carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon rather than a general surgeon, as is the case with other hernia repairs.

During sports hernia repair surgery:

1. Your consultant will make one long incision (open surgery), or several small incisions (laparoscopic surgery)
2. The torn tissues are repaired and reattached using a combination of sutures, drill holes, anchors, skin glue and/or surgical mesh
3. The incisions are closed with stitches
4. In some cases, your consultant may need to cut a small nerve in your groin (inguinal nerve) to relieve pain. This procedure is called an inguinal neurectomy

After your surgery, your healthcare team will create a rehabilitation and physiotherapy plan tailored to your needs. This is an important part of your recovery and helps you to regain your muscle strength, flexibility, and range of movement.

What are the risks of sports hernia surgery?

All surgery carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have with your consultant and make sure you are fully informed about any potential risks and complications before your procedure.

Possible complications of any type of surgery include:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Chest infection
• Wound infection
• Blood clots

Possible complications of sports hernia repair include:

• Pain
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Unsightly scars
• Blood clots
• Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention)

Recovery from any type of surgery is different for everyone and depends on factors such as your age, general health, the type of surgery you had and whether any complications occurred during your surgery or recovery.

You can help your recovery to go more smoothly by being as healthy as possible before your operation and following your healthcare team’s instructions carefully during your recovery.

Attend any follow-up appointments you are given and call your healthcare team if you feel unwell or have any questions or concerns.

How long will I need to spend in hospital?

Most hernia repair surgery is performed as a day case, meaning you should be able to go home the same day. In some cases, you may need to stay in hospital. The amount of time you need to stay in hospital depends on the type of surgery you had, your general health, how well your surgery went and how well you recover after your surgery. Talk to your consultant about how long you can expect to stay in hospital after your hernia repair surgery.

Will I be able to drive myself home from the hospital?

Please arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital after your operation, as you will not be able to drive yourself home.

What can I expect during the first few days after surgery?

We recommend that someone stays with you for the first 24 hours after your operation.

It’s normal to have some pain and discomfort after your surgery. Take any medication you are given as prescribed and follow the instructions for caring for your wound given by your healthcare team.

After your surgery, applying gentle pressure to your wound with a small cushion or pillow can make you more comfortable when standing, moving around, coughing or sneezing.

Avoid putting pressure on your wound by straining when opening your bowels. Following a high fibre diet and drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation, or you can try a gentle laxative if needed. Your consultant, GP, or pharmacist can recommend one.

When will I be back to normal?

Recovery from surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone. It’s important to go at your own pace during your recovery and stop if you have pain or feel tired. It’s very normal to have “good days” and “bad days” after surgery, and you may feel more tired on some days than on others. Gentle exercise, such as walking, is beneficial to your recovery, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for about 4 to 6 weeks.

Recovery time for a sports hernia depends on the severity of your injury and the treatment you had. Mild sports hernias normally heal with non-surgical treatment within around 8 weeks, but if you need surgery, it may take six to 12 weeks to make a full recovery.

Should I follow a special diet after hernia repair surgery?

After some types of hernia repair surgery, your consultant may recommend a special diet for several weeks. This may involve clear liquids for the first 24 hours after surgery, moving to soft or pureed foods the next day. For the next three to six weeks, you may be advised to eat several small meals a day and avoid foods that can cause gas or bloating and acid reflux, such as acidic foods, legumes, fried foods, and cruciferous vegetables. Your healthcare team will advise you on what to eat and avoid after your surgery.

When can I go back to work after my surgery?

Most people can return to work after between 1 and 6 weeks, depending on the type of hernia repair surgery you had. If you have a very active job that requires manual work or heavy lifting, you may need to take more time off work. Talk to your consultant about when you can return to work after your hernia repair surgery.

When can I drive after hernia repair surgery?

You can drive when you can perform an emergency stop without pain or discomfort. This is normally around 1 to 2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery, but may be longer after open surgery. Check with your consultant and inform your insurance company before driving after your hernia repair surgery.

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing a hernia. Some, like genetics and gender, cannot be avoided, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing a hernia such as stopping smoking and losing weight.

Risk factors for hernias include:

• Genetics — hernias tend to run in families
• Gender — men have a greater risk of developing a hernia than women
• Obesity — being obese increases your risk of developing a hernia, especially after abdominal surgery. It also increases your risk of your hernia coming back after hernia repair surgery
• Persistent cough — coughing increases abdominal pressure which may lead to a hernia. People with a persistent cough due to smoking, bronchitis, asthma, or COPD have a higher risk of developing an inguinal hernia
• Constipation — straining to move your bowels increases abdominal pressure, which can increase your risk of hernia
• Heavy Lifting — lifting heavy weights regularly, such as at work, can increase abdominal pressure and cause a hernia to develop
• Smoking — coughing due to smoking can increase abdominal pressure and increase your risk of developing a hernia. Smoking is also associated with poor wound healing and may increase your risk of complications or recurrence after a hernia repair
• Pregnancy and labour — there is currently no direct evidence to suggest that pregnancy can lead to a hernia, but it may increase your risk of developing one if you have a weakness in your abdominal wall. During labour, abdominal pressure increases dramatically and can increase your risk of developing a hernia
• Sleep Apnoea — it isn’t known why sleep apnoea can increase the risk of hernia, but may be related to a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues and increased abdominal pressure from snoring
• Abdominal surgery — an incisional hernia can occur at the incision site after abdominal surgery
• Enlarged Prostate — men with an enlarged prostate may strain to pass urine, which can increase abdominal pressure
• Certain medications — steroids, immunosuppressants and chemotherapy drugs decrease wound healing and may increase the risk of incisional hernia
• Ascites — a build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity, usually due to liver disease, increases abdominal pressure and increases the risk of hernia development
• Diabetes — patients with diabetes may have problems with wound healing, and may be at a higher risk of incisional hernia
• Sports or traumatic injury — can lead to a sports hernia
• Previous hernia — if you have had a hernia on one side of your abdomen, you may have a higher risk of developing a hernia on the other side
• Premature birth — babies born prematurely have a higher risk of developing a hernia

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care, including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about hernia surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

• Overview. Inguinal hernia repair NHS
• Hernia surgery American Society of Anaesthesiologists
• Hernia Patient