Hernia repair surgery in Plymouth

Why choose Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital for my hernia repair?

Our Plymouth Hospital has provided high quality private healthcare to people in the South West for over 40 years. Our committed team of consultants and matron-led nurses take great pride in delivering treatment that's fast, effective and safe, in a welcoming setting.

We take a holistic approach to the service we provide, always making sure that your comfort and wellbeing are our top priority. Your dedicated consultant will be with you throughout your treatment journey.

If you need to stay in overnight, you'll have your own private bedroom with en-suite, tv and phone. Our team of compassionate nurses will provide 24-hour care and support. For peace of mind, everything is included in your treatment package, from your initial consultation through to any aftercare you need.

What types of hernias can you repair?

There are two 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?

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 in Plymouth 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.