Hernia repair surgery in Taunton

Why choose Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital for your hernia repair surgery?

At Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital our specialist consultants are experts in hernia repair, regularly exceeding patient expectations with their minimally invasive techniques and professional practice. By identifying your hernia and discussing the most effective surgical options available, our experienced general surgeons can provide you with a treatment plan completely tailored to you.

Our hospital, located conveniently on the northern outskirts of Taunton's historic town centre, has been leading the way for private primary care in Somerset for decades. Since opening in 1974, our state-of-the-art hospital has attracted some of the South West's leading general surgeons, who have now built an exceptional reputation among the local community for their accurate diagnosis and outcomes from surgery.

How to book a private consultation at Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital:

If you are interested in going private for your hernia repair treatment and skipping the waiting lists, you will need to book an initial consultation with one of our general surgeons in Taunton. To book, please call our dedicated hospital enquiry team on 01823 250612.

What types of hernias can you repair?

There are many different types of abdominal wall hernias. The most common are groin (inguinal) hernia and those arising around the belly-button (umbilical).

Inguinal hernia

This form of hernia presents on one or both sides of the groin area or lower abdomen.

• These are far more common in men, but do occur in females
• These can present with a swelling in the groin area but can be associated with pain and discomfort
• They can grow in size and rarely can cause severe pain requiring an emergency presentation 

Paraumbilical (belly button) hernia

• Surgical repair takes around 40 minutes and a variety of anaesthetics may be used
• Your surgeon will make an incision over the hernia and either repair the defect in the muscle wall with stitches or a synthetic mesh
• Surgery for paraumbilical hernia repair is performed as a day case meaning you can go home the same day

What happens during hernia repair surgery?

We can perform two types of surgery, both with quick recovery times. The vast majority of patients have surgery as a day case procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the merits of both procedures during your consultation.

Open surgery

• Open repair surgery takes around 40 minutes and a variety of anaesthetics may be used
• Your surgeon will make an incision in your groin and remove the "hernial sac"
• 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 and normally takes around 1 hour
• A laparoscope (tiny telescope) connected to a camera will be inserted into your abdomen to allow your surgeon to close the weak spot from inside your abdomen
• They will use a piece of surgical mesh to reinforce the area
• Most patients go home the day of the surgery, but in some cases and overnight stay is required.

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 Taunton 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.