Fast track your treatment
To book an appointment or speak with one of our friendly team, please get in touch using the options below
Welcome to the Circle Health Group website. We've changed our name from BMI Healthcare. Just as before, we have thousands of specialists offering expert healthcare. Click here to find a specialist or a hospital near you.
If you have an inguinal hernia, a hernia repair (TEP) laparoscopic surgery can fix it
There are short and long-term ways of dealing this type of hernia, but it’s always best to discuss the options with your doctor. Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures.
These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers.
Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle, resulting in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal wall.
This produces a lump called a hernia.
Furthermore, an inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal.
This is a narrow passage in which nerves and a ligament pass through your abdominal wall.
Your surgeon will begin by making a small cut on, or near, your umbilicus (belly button) so they can insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity to inflate it with gas (carbon dioxide).
They will make two small cuts on your abdomen, so they can insert tubes (ports) into your abdomen.
This will allow your surgeon to insert surgical instruments through the ports along with a telescope, so they can see inside your abdomen and perform the operation.
Your surgeon will then return the part of your abdomen that is causing the hernia, and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.
Surgery should prevent the serious complications that a hernia can cause and allow you to return to normal activities.
Inguinal hernias can be repaired using keyhole surgery, and this may be appropriate for you.
You can sometimes control the hernia with a truss (padded support belt) or simply leave it alone. It will not get better without surgery.
Like all surgical procedure, there are some levels of risks to consider. Some of these can be serious and can even cause death. However, you can speak to your doctor about the following general and specific complications that may worry you.
Keyhole surgery complications
Hernia repair complications
It is best to never rush recovery. You may return to normal activities when you feel comfortable to do so, usually after a week.
Do not play sports or do strenuous exercise for three weeks. Additionally, having regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible.
Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal activities.
Please bear in mind that the hernia can come back many years later, and you may need another operation.
An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal.
If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications and discomfort. So, it’s best to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
Book an appointment online, or find out more by calling us on 0808 101 0337.
Acknowledgements
Consultant Endocrine and General Surgeon
BA, BM, BcH, DM, FRCS
The Chiltern Hospital 1 more The Shelburne Hospital
Consultant General Surgeon
MBBS, Bsc, PGDip, FHEA, FRCS
The Ridgeway Hospital
Consultant General & Oesophago-Gastric Surgeon
MBBS, MA, PhD, FRCS
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Consultant Laparoscopic Colorectal and General Surgeon
M.B,CH.B, FRCS, MD
The Manor Hospital
Consultant General Surgeon
MBChB (commendation), MD (Glas), FRCS
Ross Hall Hospital 1 more Ross Hall Clinic Braehead
Consultant General Surgeon
MB CHB, MD, FRCS
The Priory Hospital 1 more The Droitwich Spa Hospital