Specialist Hernia Repair Centre

Nucleus Healthcare has developed a centre of excellence for the assessment, investigation and treatment of all types of hernias and groin problems.

Our hernia clinics are consultant-led by dedicated specialists with years of extensive experience. Our highly qualified surgeons offer the latest technology in state-of-the-art surrounds, enabling rapid access for all patients to consultation, diagnosis and surgery.

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ beyond its normal confines. There can be swelling which may not be obvious on laying down (reducible hernia) or will remain obvious (irreducible hernia). The most common types of hernias requiring surgery include:

• Abdominal – umbilical, epigastric
• Groin – inguinal, femoral

Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a rapidly evolving speciality within the field of general surgery. Since the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1987 many more operations are now performed through a laparoscopic approach and the treatment of hernias is no exception.

Laparoscopic surgery has the advantages to the patient of smaller scars, less pain and an earlier return to normal activities.

A variety of different hernias can be repaired via a laparoscopic approach.

Groin (Inguinal) Hernias

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed operations in Wales. However, the extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique (TEP) is not widely available with only a small number of surgeons trained to perform the procedure.

NICE guidance for the treatment of inguinal hernia has stated that all patients are suitable for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and that it is the treatment of choice for recurrent and bilateral hernias.

A significant number of patients (up to 20% in some series) experience chronic groin pain and numbness after traditional “open” hernia repair. A number of randomized controlled trials have shown significant reductions in post-operative pain associated with the TEP technique. There were also significantly reduced rates of chronic groin pain, numbness and reduced times for return to work and other activities.

Additionally it is estimated that 20-25% of patients presenting with a unilateral hernia will have an occult defect on the contralateral side. Bilateral hernias can be repaired laparoscopically using the same incisions as for unilateral repairs.

Incisional Hernias

These are hernias that form in relation to scars from previous surgery.

“Open” techniques, which involve re-incising the old scar, have high complication and recurrence rates.

The laparoscopic approach utilizes ports placed away from the scar and enables the hernia to be repaired by use of a mesh placed inside the abdominal cavity. Often multiple, subclinical defects can be identified and repaired at the same time.

Umbilical (“Belly-Button”) and Epigastric (Ventral) Hernias

The laparoscopic route can be used to repair larger defects at the umbilicus and abdominal wall midline. Again a mesh is placed inside the abdominal cavity so reducing the infection rates and the risk of recurrence.

Nucleus Healthcare offers packages for both insured and self pay patients. For more information or to make an appointment with one of our specialists, please contact 01633 815900.

0% interest-free finance available – please ask for details.

Simply pick up the phone and call 01633 815900 to book an appointment.