Hernia repair surgery in Hampshire

Why choose Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital for my hernia repair?

For over 30 years, we've been providing people in Hampshire with the highest standards of private healthcare. We've recently modernised our hospital, creating state-of-the-art medical facilities in a clean and safe environment.

Patients receive individual care and efficient treatment at our hospital. You'll see the same specialist consultant throughout your hernia treatment. If you need to stay overnight, you'll have your own private bedroom with en-suite and our team of nurses will offer you full care and support.

Your all-inclusive treatment package covers everything from your initial consultation through to any aftercare you need. Your safety, recovery and well-being are our priority.

Types of hernias

There are 2 common types of hernias that we can repair at our Wessex Hospital, hernia bilateralhernia bilateraland 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 offer 2 types of hernia repair surgery, both with fast recovery times. You may not even need to stay in hospital overnight.

Open surgery

Open repair surgery takes about 1 hour to complete and a variety of anaesthetics may be used. Your surgeon in Hampshire 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 the day of the procedure.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately 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 at the Wessex.

How fast is the recovery after hernia surgery?

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

Are there any risks to this surgery?

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