Hernia (Inguinal) Repair (Open)

A hernia may occur when the muscle tissue in your abdomen becomes weak. Sometimes an internal part of your body, such as the intestine, can push through such a weakness resulting in a lump protruding from your abdomen.

Most patients who contract a hernia will notice that it develops somewhere between the chest and hips. The lump that you see there may disappear when you lie down or can often be temporarily pushed back in. Coughing or straining may cause the lump to return again.

There are many types of hernia each of which describes a different cause for the lump that appears on the abdomen.

An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall. A hernia can be dangerous because your intestines or other structures within your abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).

The inguinal hernia repair (open) operation is a surgical procedure that takes roughly 45 minutes and is performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will cut into the hernial sac and assess the cause of the problem. Your surgeon will strengthen the muscle layer with stitches, usually inserting a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot and close your skin.

Patients who undergo the inguinal hernia repair operation should be able to return home on the same day. Your doctor will recommend gradually increasing the speed at which you walk around over about five days. You should be able to return to your work after one or two weeks. It is possible that the hernia will return even after undergoing surgery.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal as quickly as possible. Before beginning a course of exercise consult with your medical team for advice.

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.Inguinal hernia repair (open) treatment is available at the One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire and the One Ashford Hospital in Kent.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Hernia (Inguinal) Repair (Open) treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• 0% and low finance options**
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Barnet, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.