Hernia surgery at Spire Nottingham Hospital

At Spire Nottingham Hospital, we provide comprehensive private hospital care and the latest generation imaging and diagnostic technology. We put our patients at the heart of everything we do.

We have a team of expert consultants who have wide experience in performing hernia repair surgery. With a consultant of your choice, you can expect fast access to diagnostic tests and scans, consultations and treatment.

We offer a variety of techniques for inguinal hernia surgery. The treatments available to you will depend on the type, size and location of your hernia and your general health. Your consultant will discuss which option is best for you.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

A keyhole procedure where your surgeon inserts small surgical instruments through small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. 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.

Open surgery

Open surgery is typically performed with either local or spinal anaesthetic which means you’ll be awake but unable to feel pain in the area being operated on. Your abdominal wall is repaired using mesh.

Finding us

Spire Nottingham Hospital is situated five miles south from Nottingham city centre off the A52. Nottingham station is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the hospital. We have 300 free parking spaces for you and your visitors.

Your consultation

Your initial consultation will be in one of our 20 private consultation rooms. During your appointment, your consultant will discuss:

• Your symptoms and check your abdomen and suspected hernia
• Your health and medical history
• What you’d like to achieve through treatment
• Which surgical method is best for you and what it involves
• The anaesthetic you’ll need – 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)

Your consultant will also explain if you need to have further tests and scans to diagnose your hernia and decide which surgical technique they recommend for you. Before proceeding, you may also need to have a pre-operative assessment. This is to make sure the surgery is right for you, particularly if you’re having a general anaesthetic.

They’ll then outline a treatment and recovery plan that’s tailored to you.

In hospital

With hernia surgery, you can usually leave hospital on the same day. After your procedure you’ll be taken to a private room to relax until you’re ready to go home. This will normally be around four to six hours after surgery.

If you need to stay overnight, you'll stay in one of our 42 private, en-suite rooms. All of our rooms have:

• Freeview TV
• En-suite Bathroom
• Walk-in shower
• Armchair
• Free WiFi
• Complimentary toiletries
• Robe and slippers
• Nurse call system

Anaesthetic

Hernia surgery is often carried out under local or spinal anaesthetic, meaning you won’t be able to feel anything in the area being operated on but you will be awake. Sometimes, a general anaesthetic may be required, meaning you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure.

Your operation

The hernia repair surgery will usually take no more than an hour.

Pain management

After your operation, you’ll probably feel some pain or discomfort – this is normal after surgery. Our nursing team will give you painkillers to help you with this.

Your recovery

Your consultant will provide you with your expected recovery timeline. You should be back to most activities within six weeks of your operation, though it may be sooner depending on the type of hernia repair you had. You’ll return for a check-up appointment with your consultant around four to six weeks after your operation. As a guide, here’s a typical recovery timeline for hernia repair: