Herniae are very common conditions. They result as a weakness in the muscle layer of the tummy wall and can present with a variety of symptoms. Initially people may notice a discomfort or bulge and sometimes there is a recollection of the feeling of something ‘giving way’. This may be after a prolonged bout of coughing, lifting or straining.

Common sites to get herniae are in the groin (inguinal hernia, femoral hernia), around the naval (umbilical hernia, paraumbilical hernia), in the upper part of the tummy (epigastric hernia), behind a previous scar (incisional hernia), and around stomas (parastomal hernia).

Herniae do not mend themselves and over time they may enlarge gradually. The risk with any hernia is that it can get caught and strangulate and this usually requires emergency surgery. Sometimes scanning techniques can be used to demonstrate the herniae more clearly. This includes ultrasounds and CT scans. If you are seen in clinic with a hernia your Consultant will let you know if one of these is required.

We specialise in fixing all types of herniae with both conventional (open) and keyhole (laparoscopic) hernia repair methods. Specific details and options for fixing the hernia will be discussed with you by your consultant.

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