A hernia is a bulge or swelling that happens as an inner body part pokes through a weak area of muscle or tissue wall. Hernia repair surgery is the world’s most common surgical procedure and also the most common treatment for a hernia.
A hernia operation can be performed by either open surgery or keyhole surgery, which is minimally invasive. The surgery can help to relieve pain, return the hernia abdominal organs to their correct place and, strengthen the weak muscle area.
A hernia means something coming through. It most frequently occurs when an organ or internal tissue pokes through a hole or weakness in your abdominal muscle wall. Most hernias form in your abdomen area or groin. Hernia surgery allows your surgeon to correct the hernia by pushing the organ and protruting tissue back in place.
You get a hernia when tissue or an organ, such as your intestine, pushes or bulges through a weak spot in your muscle wall. This bulging tissue creates a lump that tends to be painful or uncomfortable when you cough or strain.
Surgery is the most common treatment for a hernia, although not all hernias require immediate treatment, they usually do result in treatment as they worsen over time.
If hernia repair surgery is recommended, your surgeon will advise on the most appropriate type of surgery based on the location and severity of your hernia. If they do advise hernia surgery is for you, click here to find out more information about how to prepare for your surgery.
• Open surgery – under local or general anaesthetic, an incision usually around 2.5 to 3 inches is made to your skin near your hernia and your surgeon will push your hernia back into your abdomen. The incision is then either stitched closed or much more commonly a mesh is placed over the hole and fixed using fine stitches. The mesh acts like a scaffold and your own tissue will grow through the mesh to reinforce the weakened area without putting tension on the surrounding tissues.
• Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery – under general anaesthetic, several smaller incisions are made to allow your surgeon to use a less invasive technique using various special instruments including a tiny telescopic camera to repair your hernia. A mesh may then be used to strengthen your abdominal wall.
A hernia operation typically takes one to two hours. It depends on the type and location of the hernia, the surgical approach used (open surgery or laparoscopic), and the patient’s overall health.
Laparoscopic hernia repairs are generally quicker than open hernia surgery. A laparoscopic hernia repair usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes whereas an open incisional hernia repair can take 90 minutes to 3 hours.
Hernia surgery will be performed either under local or general anaesthetic, if under general anaesthetic you won't feel anything as you will be asleep. Under local anaesthetic you may feel some slight discomfort.
If you are feeling in pain following surgery, you may be advised to take some pain relief medication to help ease the pain during the recovery process.
Surgery is the only way of permanently treating a hernia. The sooner you get it fixed, the easier the surgery and the quicker you will heal.
By repairing the hernia, you rule out the possibility of developing any complications, including those severe, life-threatening conditions. Find out more about benefits of a hernia repair here.
Hernia surgery is a routine procedure, but as with all surgeries there are risks of complications. These may vary depending upon the exact hernia operation you have and your health. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail.
Often the greatest complication risk is a reoccurrence of the hernia. Other hernia surgery side effects include: build-up of seroma or a fluid-filled sac under the surface of the skin, inability or difficulty urinating, organ or tissue damage, wound infection and, rejection of the mesh.
Recovery time from hernia surgery depends on the type of surgery, your health, and your hernia's location.
General recovery guidelines are:
You should follow your doctor’s instructions following hernia surgery.
If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.
Hernia surgery may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.
Find out more information around how you can access private treatment with us here.
In many cases, people have no or very few hernia symptoms. You may notice a swelling or lump in your stomach area or groin. Often you have no hernia pain.
If your hernia causes sudden pain and especially if it can’t be pushed back in, you should seek urgent medical care. It may mean that your hernia is trapped or tightly pinched where it pokes through the muscle wall (obstruction) and in extreme cases it may cut off the blood supply to your intestines and tissues in your abdomen (strangulation).
A hernia is not usually a serious condition but it will not go away without hernia treatment known as a hernia repair surgery.
A hernia will typically feel like a lump under your skin in your groin or stomach area. This is where the bulging tissue or organ is pushing through a weak area in your abdominal wall. You can push the lump back in or it disappears when you lie down. Coughing, lifting heavy objects, straining and standing up may make your lump appear. Some people do not feel a lump and have no symptoms.
You get a hernia when tissue or an organ, such as your intestine, pushes or bulges through a weak spot in your muscle wall. This bulging tissue creates a lump that tends to be painful or uncomfortable when you cough or strain.
Most hernias are found in the abdomen. Areas of weakness in the abdominal wall where hernias are commonly found include the groin, upper stomach, belly button and, where you have a surgical scar.
The most frequently seen types of hernia include:
A hernia can range from being relatively minor to very serious. It depends on the type, size, and whether your hernia causes symptoms or complications.
Minor hernias are small, cause minimal or no symptoms. They may not require immediate, or sometimes any, treatment. More serious hernias can have complications that may require urgent medical or surgical attention such as strangulation and bowel obstruction.
It’s best to get your hernia evaluated by a healthcare professional who can recommend treatment based on its type and severity.
Yes, you can typically walk after hernia surgery. In fact, light walking is usually encouraged to promote healing and reduce your risk of complications like blood clots. Walking helps improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and can support your digestion and recovery.
Most patients are advised to start with gentle, short walks as soon as possible, often within a day or two after surgery.
Hernia surgery can be major or minor. It depends on your hernia's severity, location, and the surgical technique used.
Laparoscopic surgery is typically used for smaller or uncomplicated hernias and is often performed as an outpatient procedure. It is considered minor surgery as it is minimally invasive, has a quick recovery, and a low risk of complications.
Open surgery may be required for hernias that are large, complicated, or strangulated. Open hernia repair is more invasive and often has a longer recovery. it is considered major surgery.
The main cause of a hernia is an opening or weakness in a muscle or connective tissue that allows an organ or fatty tissue to push through. Common causes of hernia include:
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