Hernia repair at Exeter Hospital

Why choose Nuffield Health for your hernia repair?

Hernia repair surgery at Nuffield Health is like nowhere else. We’ll support you every step of the way, making sure you get the best treatment and encouraging a speedy recovery.

We offer you:

• Competitive all-inclusive pricing
• Quick access to treatment
• Exceptional matron-led care
• First-class patient accommodation
• Flexible visiting hours
• As much aftercare as you need at no extra cost, where clinically required.

What is a hernia?

A hernia is when weak spots or tears develop in the abdominal wall muscle, resulting in the contents of the abdomen pushing through. This often results in the appearance of a lump called a hernia.

Generally, hernias are not harmful, however, a hernia can be dangerous because the intestines or other structures within the abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia) which can result in pain and further complications. That's why it's important to seek help as soon as possible if you suspect you have a hernia.

Types of hernia

Hernias can be categorised based on where there appear on the abdomen:

• Groin (inguinal) hernias: This type of hernia is found on the groin (at the inguinal canal), these are the most common type of hernia. They're more frequent in men as they have a hole in their abdominal wall where blood vessels supply the testicles
• Femoral hernia:  Femoral hernias can appear below the groin, at the hole in the abdomen wall where the femoral artery and vein pass from the abdomen into the leg. These are more common in women following childbirth
• Umbilical hernia: These can form on or around the belly button, these are common in newborn babies and children, as well as those who are overweight and women following childbirth
• Incisional hernias: These hernias can develop on scars from previous abdominal surgery.

Hernias can also be grouped depending on how many occur at once:

• Bilateral hernias: This form of hernia presents itself on both sides of the body at the same time
• Unilateral hernias: This type of hernia occurs on one side of the body.

What is hernia repair surgery?

Hernia repair surgery aims to replace the internal organs to their normal position and to repair the weakness in the muscle and body wall.

What happens during hernia repair surgery?

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

Open hernia surgery

Open repair surgery takes about 1 hour. A variety of anaesthetics may be used.

1. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your groin and remove the hernial sac
2. They'll use stitches to strengthen the muscle layer
3. Finally, they'll insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.

Open surgery for a groin hernia repair is usually done as a day case, meaning you can go home the day of the procedure.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia surgery

Laparoscopic hernia repair is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 1 hour

1. Your surgeon will insert a laparoscope (tiny telescope) connected to a camera via a very small tube (cannula) 
2. They'll close the weak spot from inside your abdomen
3. Finally, they'll use a piece of surgical mesh and surgical staples to reinforce the area.

You'll probably go home the day of the surgery or you may spend one night in hospital.

How fast is the recovery after hernia surgery?

Recovery time for hernia repair surgery is usually very quick. You'll be mobile very soon after the operation and we'll encourage you to gradually increase how much you walk around over the first few days after surgery.

Our team of specialist physiotherapists will provide expert treatment, rehabilitation and advice during your hospital stay, and if appropriate, follow-up as an outpatient to support your full recovery. 

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a week. Your consultant will inform you of any specific dos and don'ts, depending on your type of hernia and surgery.