Hernia repair surgery at The Vale Hospital

Why choose Nuffield Health, The Vale Hospital for your hernia repair surgery?

At Nuffield Health The Vale Hospital our experienced general surgeons can quickly identify the type of hernia you have and recommend the most effective procedure to remove it without causing unnecessary discomfort. All of our hernia experts can provide you with rapid access to treatment with a personalised treatment plan unique to you.

Our technologically advanced private hospital located in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, has been leading the way for private general surgery in South Wales for a number of years. Our specialist consultants are experts in hernia repair and regularly exceed patient expectations with their minimally invasive techniques and professional practice.

How to book a private consultation at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals

If you are considering to go private for your hernia repair surgery or want expert advice from a men's health professional, you can discuss your treatment options with one of our general surgery consultants in either Cardiff or Vale, by booking a private consultation via our dedicated hospital enquiry team on 02920 009856.

Our 2 hospital locations in South Wales allow you to shape your own hernia repair treatment

All in-patient procedures are performed at our Vale Hospital, however patients have the flexibility to decide where their initial consultation takes place.

As well as the Vale Hospital, our general surgeons operate out of Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital for initial consultations, diagnostic imaging and pre-op tests.

Subsequently, you can choose which of our two locations you want to undertake your post surgery aftercare with.

What types of hernias can you repair?

There are 2 common types of hernias that we can repair, hernia bilateral and hernia unilateral.

Hernia bilateral

This form of hernia presents itself on both sides of the groin area or lower abdomen at the same time.

Hernia unilateral

• This type of hernia occurs on one side of the body
• In men, an inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which blood vessels supplying the testicle pass through the abdominal wall
• More common in women, a femoral hernia appears in the groin
• Femoral hernias happen at the hole in the wall of the abdomen where the femoral artery and vein pass from the abdomen into the leg
• These hernias tend to occur following childbirth.

What happens during hernia repair surgery in South Wales?

We can perform two types of surgery, both with quick recovery times. You may not even need to stay in hospital overnight.

Open surgery

• Open repair surgery takes about 1 hour and a variety of anaesthetics may be used
• Your surgeon will make an incision in your groin and remove the "hernial sac"
• To strengthen the muscle layer, stitches will be used
• They insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot
• Open surgery for groin hernia repair is usually done as a day case meaning you can go home same day.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

• This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic
• It normally takes about 1 hour
• A laparoscope (tiny telescope) connected to a camera will be inserted via a very small tube (cannula) to allow your surgeon to close the weak spot from inside your abdomen
• They will use a piece of surgical mesh and surgical staples to reinforce the area
• You will probably go home the day of the surgery or you may spend 1 night in hospital.

How quick is recovery?

• Recovery from hernia repair surgery is usually very quick
• You'll be mobile very soon after the procedure and will be encouraged to increase how much you walk around over the first few days post surgery
• Most patients return to normal daily activities within a week
• Your consultant at The Vale will inform you of any specific "dos and don'ts", depending on your type of hernia and the chosen surgery.

Are there any risks with hernia repair?

As with all operations, hernia repair surgery has a risk of complications. Be sure to discuss any concerns you might have about these risks with your surgeon.