Hernia surgery at The Montefiore Hospital

At The Montefiore Hospital, we provide comprehensive private hospital care for our patients across Brighton and Sussex. Located in the heart of Hove, you can expect safe, high-quality care and we’re extremely proud to be rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our consultants have wide experience in performing hernia repair surgery. They’ll offer you a treatment and recovery plan that’s tailored to you. With fast access to tests, scans and treatments, we can help relieve your symptoms and get you back to your everyday activities.

Your consultant will recommend a treatment based on the location, size and type of hernia you have and your general health. We have a range of treatments available. All have their own potential benefits and risks which your consultant will discuss with you.

Trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal laparoscopy (TAPP)

A keyhole procedure where your surgeon inserts the surgical instruments through your abdomen and the lining covering your abdominal organs. The weakened area of your abdomen is strengthened using a mesh insert which is glued or stapled in place. This procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep.

Totally extra-peritoneal laparoscopy (TEP)

A newer keyhole procedure where your surgeon repairs your hernia without needing to cut into the lining covering your abdominal organs. Mesh is used to repair the weakness in your abdominal wall. This procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep.

Coming into hospital

The Montefiore Hospital is approximately a 15 minute walk or a five minute taxi journey from both Hove and Brighton railway stations.

Meeting your consultant

Your appointment will take place in one of our eight consultation rooms. Your consultant will discuss:

• Your symptoms and examine your abdomen and suspected hernia
• Your general health and medical history
• If they recommend any additional tests or scans to help plan your treatment
• Your treatment options and expected recovery timeline
• What inguinal hernia surgery involves and the potential benefits and risks
• The anaesthetic you’ll require – either a general anaesthetic (where you’ll be asleep) or a local or spinal anaesthetic (where you’ll be awake but unable to feel pain in the area being operated on)

You may also need a pre-operative assessment before you can proceed with surgery. This will be to ensure the procedure is suitable for you, especially if you need a general anaesthetic.

Your stay

For most inguinal hernia repair surgery, you can leave on the same day, so you won’t need to stay overnight. However, if you do need to stay with us (for example if you have other medical conditions or live alone), you’ll have one of our private, en-suite rooms, all of which have:

• TV
• En-suite
• Window
• Armchair

For day case procedures, you’ll be able to relax in a private room in our ward or in our day care unit until you’re ready to go home. This will usually be after around two hours after your procedure.

Anaesthetic

For keyhole (laparoscopic) procedures, you’ll need a general anaesthetic, where you’ll be completely asleep. For open surgery, you can usually have a local or spinal anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be awake but unable to feel pain where you’re being operated on.

Procedure duration

Inguinal hernia repair surgery usually takes under one hour.

Pain after hernia surgery

You’re likely to feel some soreness and discomfort once your anaesthetic wears off. Everyone experiences pain differently, and our nurses will be able to give you painkillers to help you manage it.

Recovery time

You should be back to your normal activities in around six weeks. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your consultant around two to six weeks after your surgery.

Your consultant will be able to advise you on your expected recovery time, but as a guide, here’s a typical recovery timeline: