NHS Hernia | Deeping Surgical

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. Common hernias include:

Inguinal (groin)

Umbilical or Paraumbilical (navel, at the belly button level)

Femoral (upper thigh)

When Should I Seek Treatment?

If the hernia is painful, growing, or restricting your activity

If there are signs of strangulation (severe pain, vomiting, red skin) — this is an emergency and urgent medical treatment must be sought.

What is the NHS Criteria for this procedure?
HERNIAS NO prior approval needed

Surgical treatment can be considered at Deepings Surgical for the following type of hernia provided the Patient's BMI 35 or under:

Inguinal hernia
Femoral hernia
Spigelian hernia
Epigastric hernia
Umbilical hernias
Para-umbilical hernias

Where one or more of the following criteria are met:

Symptoms of significant pain or discomfort are such that they interfere with activities of daily living

OR
The hernia is difficult or impossible to reduce

OR
It is an inguino-scrotal hernia

OR
The hernia increases in size month on month

EXCLUSIONS:
The following can be referred direct to secondary care:

• Incisional hernia

• Irreducible hernia (including partially reducible)

• Recurrent hernia which has occurred within 12 months of the original hernia repair or

are complex repair

• In women, all suspected groin hernias should be referred urgently to secondary care

Can It Be Treated Without Surgery?

No. Once a hernia forms, surgery is the only definitive treatment. Delaying surgery can increase the risk of complications.

What Happens During Surgery?

We offer open hernia repair under local anaesthetic, where the bulging tissue is repositioned, and the weakness is reinforced with a mesh. The procedure usually lasts around 70 minutes and you will be able to walk immediately following the procedure.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before the surgery:

There will be an initial consultation with the surgeon to discuss benefits and risks of the procedure.

If you take any blood thinning medication, any changes will be discussed with the surgeon during your consultation.

After the surgery:

You will be able to go home same day

You will experience some soreness and discomfort for a few days

Normally, you can return to work within 1–2 weeks (desk jobs), 4–6 weeks (manual work)

What Are the Risks?

Infection

Bleeding or bruising

Recurrence of hernia

Chronic discomfort at the site (rare)

How Do I Prepare?

Follow pre-procedure instructions sent in the Patient Information Leaflet

Medications: take as advised by the surgeon during your consultation

Eat and drink as normal on the day of the procedure

Transportation: arrangements must be made for someone to drive you home.

Patients Asking a doctor Questions _edit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I need a general anaesthetic?
A: No — we perform most hernia repairs under local anaesthetic safely and comfortably.

Q: Will I have a visible scar?
A: A small scar is expected but usually fades well.

NHS Hernia Repair