Hernia Treatment
A hernia, or rupture arising from weakened abdominal muscles, is usually a defect in the abdominal wall, although other forms of hernia include umbilical or ventral hernia.
Both men and women can get a hernia, but it is commoner in men and some hernias are present from birth. A hernia does not “get better” without attention and can develop at any time due to heavy strain on the abdominal muscles, ageing, injury, an old incision or a defect in the abdominal wall present at birth. Most hernias in children are congenital. In adults, a natural weakness or strain for any reason ranging from heavy work or sports injuries to something as simple as constipation or persistent coughing can lead to a hernia.
Hiatus
The abdomen and chest are separated by the diaphragm, through which the oesophagus (gullet) passes via an opening called the hiatus. Normally the last few centimetres of the oesophagus and the whole stomach lies in the abdomen below the diaphragm but when part or whole of the stomach can “poke through” into the chest, this is a Hiatus Hernia. Hiatus hernia can be sliding (the most common type that does not usually require surgery unless you are experiencing reflux symptoms) paraoesophageal or a mixed type. In a sliding hiatus hernia, the lower few centimetres of the oesophagus is pulled up through the diaphragm, dragging part of the stomach with it into the chest cavity. With a paraoesophageal hiatus hernia, part or whole of the stomach rolls up around the oesophagus and lies in the chest cavity. This is less common than sliding hiatus hernia, but it is more dangerous and requires surgical repair. The mixed type hiatus hernia has components of both sliding and paraoesophageal hiatus hernia and usually requires surgical repair.
Inguinal
Refers to a hernia in the groin and is one most common hernias. Indirect inguinal hernia is common in children and young people, mainly in males but it can also occur in females. Direct inguinal hernias mostly afflict adults especially middle-aged and elderly men, while a femoral hernia is rarer than the other types and mainly affects women. The inguinal ligament is a tight band located between the thigh and the stomach and there are several weak spots along it. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, chronic coughing or even constipation can cause the intestine to push against the abdominal wall, and a part of intestine may slip through a weak spot. Any hernia can be dangerous if it gets trapped in the weak spot in the abdominal wall and becomes tender. This is known as a strangulated hernia. If the intestinal loop is damaged, its contents can leak out. Gangrene and peritonitis, which can be life-threatening, may occur and requires urgent emergency surgery. All hernias should be surgically treated to remove the risk of strangulation. At Abbey Hospitals, we routinely undertake surgery to correct and repair these problems. After an initial consultation with the consultant surgeon, you will be advised of the type of hernia you have and will receive details about the treatment and procedure that will be undertaken.
The Cost
All the surgical procedures described here are available on a Fixed Price Surgery scheme. Please contact us for full details.
How Long Will You Stay in Hospital?
That depends entirely on the procedure to be carried out and your rate of recovery but all these procedures are conducted under general anaesthesia, so a hospital stay will be required. On your first consultation, your consultant will advise you on the likely length of stay in hospital.
How to Make an Appointment
A referral from your GP is preferred. We will then arrange an appointment time for you. If your treatment does not require a GP referral, the Consultant will write to your GP before the surgery is carried out.
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