What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear in the groin or stomach.
The wall of the abdomen has natural areas of weakness. Hernias can develop at these and other sites due to heavy strain on the abdominal wall, ageing, injury, an old incision, or weakness from birth.
In men especially, groin (or inguinal) hernia is very common, but both men and women can have them. Even babies and adolescents get hernias.
Do you have a hernia?
You may suspect or know that you have a hernia and have visited a general practitioner, who has confirmed this diagnosis and possibly recommended surgery.
Prompt surgery means that the hernia is operated on at its easiest stage to repair and before possible complications can develop.
Does a hernia always require surgery?
Surgery is not always required, but the vast majority of hernias do eventually end up being operated upon.
Surgery is usually safe and recovery is excellent. Many patients have a short general anaesthetic and generally can go home soon after the operation.
Most patients resume their normal day-to-day routines, with nothing too strenuous, within about a week after their procedure. If patients are experiencing pain or fatigue after this time, we recommend they contact us.