Hernia Repair

Hernia repair surgery usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete and you may be able to return home the same day.

Most people feel able to return to work within two weeks of their hernia repair surgery, although you may need to take more time off if your job involves heavy lifting or manual labour.

The total recovery time for hernia repair surgery is around six weeks for most patients, but this varies from person to person. Recovery can also differ depending on the type of hernia – hiatal, inguinal or umbilical, for example. After one week, you should be able to do light activities and move around with ease. You might feel okay doing light exercise after three weeks but should wait at least six weeks before taking part in any strenuous activity or heavy lifting.

The exact hernia repair method your surgeon uses will depend on the nature of your hernia, including its location, type and severity. When you meet your surgeon during your free consultation, they will discuss whether open or keyhole hernia surgery is best for you and explain which method they will use.

Immediately after the procedure, you might feel sore and bruised. This is a normal side effect of hernia surgery and can be managed with appropriate pain medication. You’ll be able to ask any questions you might have about the side effects and possible complications of hernia repair during your consultations with us.

There are several main types of hernia:

• Inguinal hernia – Inguinal hernia surgery focuses on hernias that pass between the inguinal canals in the anterior abdominal wall. The most common type of hernia, they occur between the uterus and abdomen in women, and the abdomen and scrotum in men. They affect 3% of women and 27% of men, according to a 2017 study. This hernia must be operated on and repaired.

• Incisional hernia – Incisional hernias typically happen because of surgery, with the affected organs pushing through areas of the abdomen weakened by an operation. According to Mount Sinai Hospital, 15-20% of hernias are incisional. This hernia must also be operated on.

• Femoral hernia – Femoral hernia repair is required when part of the bowel or the fatty tissue close to it moves into your groin towards the top of your thigh. The University of California Gastrointestinal Surgery Department notes that femoral hernias make up 3% of all hernias but are 10 times more common in women than men. These hernias can go unnoticed but must be quickly operated on if they restrict blood flow.

• Epigastric hernia – Epigastric hernias affect the top of the anterior abdominal wall. They can give rise to symptoms like pain, bulging, nausea and vomiting or be asymptomatic. This hernia must be operated on.

• Umbilical hernia – Affecting both babies and adults, umbilical hernias occur on or around the belly button. These hernias are quite common among newborns.

• Hiatal hernia – Hiatal hernia repair focuses on hernias forcing their way between the diaphragm and oesophagus, causing indigestion and heartburn. These hernias can sometimes go away on their own but often require surgery.

Whether you have open or keyhole hernia surgery, it is unlikely to be painful or uncomfortable during the procedure. That is because your medical staff will use either general anaesthetic (where you are not awake for the procedure) or local anaesthetic (where the site of the surgery is numbed) while they operate. Afterwards, you may experience some pain at the site of your hernia surgery. This can be reduced with pain relief medication and will fade as you heal.