Nuffield Health
Warwickshire Hospital
Old Milverton Lane
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 6RW
Hernias
Mr Ferguson is an expert in the surgical management of hernias, and is part of the regional complex abdominal wall multidisciplinary team. He regularly undertakes open and keyhole surgery to manage a wide variety of hernias.
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A hernia occurs when there is a gap in the muscle of the abdominal wall. Not all hernias cause symptoms or require repair, but it is important that if you think you have a hernia, that you are assessed by a specialist, such as Mr Ferguson.
Types of Hernia
Mr Ferguson offers surgery for the following types of hernia.
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal Hernias occur high in your groin, but can extend into the scrotum or labia.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical and Paraumbilical Hernias occur at or just next to your belly button.
Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernias occur low in your groin, next to the main blood vessels of the leg.
Incisional Hernia
Incisional Hernias occur at sites of previous surgery
Epigastric Hernia
Epigastric Hernias occur above the belly button, but below your ribs.
Parastomal Hernia
Parastomal hernias occur next to or behind stomas created during previous surgery.
Surgical Options
Mr Ferguson will be happy to discuss both open and keyhole repairs with you. Your own preference will be taken into account, but Mr Ferguson will guide you as to which approach is most suitable for your hernia. Most surgery for hernias is performed under a general anaesthetic, but patients normally are able to return home the same day.
Open Surgery
Open surgery involves a single cut, normally directly over the hernia. The gap in the muscle is then closed, and a mesh is normally placed behind or in front of the muscle as appropriate.
It is generally very safe, and almost everyone is suitable for an open repair.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic, or 'standard' keyhole surgery involves making several small cuts in the abdomen to repair the hernia and place a mesh behind the muscle. It is often less painful than open surgery, but carries more serious risks, although these are very rare.
It is not always the best approach for some hernias, and not everyone is suitable for keyhole surgery.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery. It carries the same risks and benefits as standard keyhole surgery, but with better visual quality and surgical precision.
Mr Ferguson currently only offers Robotic Surgery within the NHS at Warwick Hospital.
Recovering from Hernia Surgery
Recovery from hernia surgery involves a period of rest and gradual return to normal activities. Most people can go home on the same day as the surgery, particularly with minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic surgery.
On the day of surgery:
While local anaesthetic is injected as part of the operation, you may experience some pain and discomfort at the site of the incision, which can usually be managed with simple pain medications. Swelling and bruising around the incision are also common and should subside over the course of a few weeks. Mr Ferguson will want you to have manageable pain, be eating, drinking and passing urine normally before you are discharged.
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Over the next few days:
It is important to follow Mr Ferguson's instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, managing wound care, and avoiding strenuous activities. You will be advised to refrain from heavy lifting, bending, or any activity that puts pressure on the abdominal area for at least 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the type and complexity of the hernia repair. Walking is encouraged early on to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Most people can return to work and regular activities within 1 to 2 weeks for desk jobs, while those with physically demanding work may need to wait longer. Full recovery, including the healing of the internal tissue, can take up to 3 months.
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Recognising Complications:
While complications are rare, it’s important to watch for signs of infection at the surgical site, increased pain, or any unusual symptoms like fever, swelling, or changes in bowel movements, and report these to Mr Ferguson promptly. With proper care and patience, the majority of individuals recover fully from hernia surgery and can return to their normal lifestyle without the recurrence of the hernia or any long lasting effects of surgery.
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