The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Laparoscopic hernia repair
KEYHOLE SURGERY TO REPAIR A HERNIA
If you need to have a hernia repaired, HCA UK provides laparoscopic hernia repair
About having a hernia repair
Hernias are caused by a weakness in the muscle or tissue wall which allows an internal part of the body to push through. There are few or no symptoms other than a lump or swelling that may appear after coughing or straining. Usually the lump can be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down.
Some of the more common types of hernia are:
- Inguinal hernias (groin area)
- Femoral hernias (groin area)
- Umbilical hernias (naval or belly button area)
- Hiatus hernias (chest area)
Advantages of laparoscopic repair
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and this means it has several advantages over traditional open surgery. These include:
- shorter hospital stay
- faster recovery time
- less pain and bleeding after the procedure
- reduced scarring
Need to know
Surgery is the only way to completely repair a hernia and your GP or consultant may refer you for an ultrasound scan to assess the extent of your condition.
To treat a hernia, a procedure called laparoscopic hernia repair is carried out.
A laparoscopic hernia repair is performed via keyhole surgery. Your consultant will make several small cuts in your abdomen and use an instrument called a laparoscope. The contents of the hernia will be returned back into the abdomen and then the abdominal wall will be strengthened. This is done by either using a special mesh or by stitching the muscle layers together to help prevent the hernia returning.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is generally very safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you might have.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is carried out under general anaesthetic. Afterwards, the area will be closed with stitches or staples.
We will let you know in advance how long to avoid eating and drinking before your surgery.
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery unit, where our dedicated team will look after you. You will be given pain relief medication if needed.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is sometimes performed as a day case. You may be able to go home after one day, or you may need to stay in hospital overnight. Your consultant or specialist nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital.
You will be advised on how to manage your recovery and when you can get back to your usual daily routines, but most people make a full recovery within a few weeks.
Our Laparoscopic hernia repair locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.