Hernia surgery repairs weak spots or holes in the muscle wall where a hernia has formed. A hernia is a lump of tissue from another part of the body, such as fat or intestine, which has started to poke through the hole or weak spot. 

A hernia can be present from birth or develops because of wear-and-tear due to activities like heavy lifting, straining or bouts of coughing. 

Conditions such as constipation and lung disorders can make you more susceptible to hernias, as can pregnancy, obesity and general aging. 

Hernia repair surgery puts tissue back into the correct position and strengthens the muscle wall to relieve pain and discomfort.

At The London Clinic our surgeons perform hernia operations using keyhole surgery (laparoscopic), or open surgery under general or local anaesthetic.

Keyhole surgery involves making tiny incisions in the muscle wall so that miniaturised surgical equipment can be inserted into the body. 

A thin light tube and a camera (laparoscope) is placed through one of these incisions so the surgeon can see inside your abdomen or groin. 

The miniaturised instruments are placed through the other incisions so the surgeon can repair the hernia.

The weak spot or hole is then closed using dissolvable stitches and a prosthetic mesh applied, which helps the hernia repair more quickly. 

An incision larger than 2 cm is normal for open surgery. It allows your surgeon to push the protruding tissue back into your abdomen or groin.

A mesh to strengthen any weakness in the muscle wall may be applied. The hole will usually be stitched using dissolvable stitches and a pressure dressing applied.

You’ll stay with us for a few hours after surgery to make sure you’re OK, then you’ll be free to go home. But if you have other medical conditions you may need to stay overnight.

Hernia repair surgery puts tissue back into the correct position and strengthens the muscle wall to relieve pain and discomfort. 

Some hernias may not require immediate surgery and others like a strangulated hernia can be life threatening.

At The London Clinic, we offer the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique, which is a new less invasive method of keyhole surgery for inguinal hernias. 

Keyhole surgery including TEP usually provides a faster recovery with fewer complications and minimal scarring.

Open surgery is normally used to treat umbilical hernias but can also be used for repairing inguinal, femoral and epigastric hernias.

Your surgeon will have an open conversation with you about the most beneficial hernia surgery technique to suit you and your health needs.

How long it takes to recover from hernia surgery depends on how fit and healthy you are before surgery.

Most people are able to return to work and do normal day-to-day activities after a week or two, but it usually takes four to six weeks for your body to properly recover from the operation.

You should avoid heavy lifting for up to six weeks and avoid driving for about two weeks.

If you have constipation after surgery your care team will provide you with laxatives or may suggest dietary changes before your surgery, as straining to open your bowels can slow down your recovery.  

One of our highly trained physiotherapists will give you a number of specific exercises to help you heal and recover more quickly.

Your care team will be on hand to help and if there’s anything you’re worried about you can contact them at any time.

Hernia repair surgery is a routine operation with relatively few risks. 

In a small number of cases side effects can develop or the surgery may not work.

Inguinal or femoral hernia surgery to the groin or scrotum carries a slight risk of: 

• Swelling or bruising of the testicles or base of the penis 
• Numbness in the groin 
• Temporary weakness in the leg
• Difficulty passing urine 
• Damage to the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm to the testicles).
• Injury to the femoral vein Side effects that can develop as a result of epigastric or umbilical hernia surgery include:
• Infection and bleeding
• Rupture of the wound
• Belly button may look different
• Hernia may return

Most people make a full recovery from hernia repair surgery within 6 weeks and return to normal activities such as work and driving within 2 weeks. 

Your consultant and care team will be on hand to advise you if you have any questions.