Hernia Surgery

Hernias are weak areas of the muscle or fibrous sheaths, (usually of the abdomen), which then develop a blind sac through the weak area. They often cause discomfort on a regular basis, particularly when more strenuous activity is attempted. 

Mark Tomlinson regularly performs both planned and emergency abdominal hernia surgery, with very low risk to patients, and excellent outcomes, and can guide you safely through the various options for your surgery.

The risk of hernias is unpredictable, but part of the bowel can become stuck and trapped within the hernia sac. This can cause severe pain and vomiting due to blockage of the bowel (obstruction). Occasionally the blood supply to the trapped bowel in the hernia can be compromised, and that section of bowel can die (“strangulation of the bowel”). If acute bowel obstruction or strangulation does occur then emergency surgery is required, and a more major operation requiring removal of the dead bowel, with potentially greater risk and complications.

Hernias are structural physical problems, and do not improve unless surgical repair is performed. This is usually done as a planned day case operation, and often uses keyhole (laparoscopic) techniques to reduce wound size and post-operative pain, as well as modern mesh to provide more secure and durable repair. The most common abdominal sites of hernias requiring surgery are the groin (inguinal & femoral hernias), the umbilicus, the upper abdomen (epigastric), and through previous scars (incisional hernias).