What's involved?
Hernia surgery is to repair inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, incisional hernia and umbilical hernia.
A hernia is a lump that occurs when some of the contents of the abdomen push through a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall. The aim of a hernia repair operation is to push the intestine back in place and strengthen the abdominal wall.
There are several different types of hernia. A hernia at the navel (belly button) is called an umbilical hernia. Inguinal and femoral hernias are located in the groin. An incisional hernia results from a weakness in the abdominal wall caused by previous surgery.
Hernias are usually repaired under general anaesthetic. Both open and ‘laparoscopic’ (key-hole) surgical techniques can be used. The procedures take around 45 minutes and you may need to stay overnight in hospital.