Hernia surgeons in the UK

A hernia is a protrusion of a tissue, structure, or part of an organ through the muscular tissue or the membrane by which it is normally contained.  Most of the time, hernias develop when pressure in the compartment of the residing organ is increased, and the boundary is weak or weakened. Hernias happen more frequently in certain parts of the body, like the abdomen, groin and upper thigh area, and belly button area. Muscles can be weak from birth or become weak as part of the ageing process or after an operation.  Hernias are common and may affect men, women and children at any age.

 

Left untreated, hernias usually get bigger and may cause some pain. Sometimes a section of intestine can slip into the hernia and eventually become trapped, leading to obstruction or strangulation. This causes severe pain and vomiting and is a surgical emergency. Although there are many types of hernia, modern surgical techniques ensure that repairs are safe, straightforward and usually long lasting.

 

Hernia surgeons undertake the surgical repair of hernias. Uncomplicated hernias are principally repaired by pushing back, or "reducing", the herniated tissue, and then mending the weakness in muscle tissue (an operation called herniorraphy).  There are two techniques that Hernia surgeons now consider to be most effective and long-lasting. These are the Open Tension Free mesh repair and the Laparoscopic or Keyhole repair.

 

Hernia surgeons are general surgeons who have had further training and is expert in the diagnosis and treatment of hernias.

 

There are two professional bodies in the UK which represent general surgeons:

 

You can view the profile of one of our featured consultants below, or you can use our online database of 2,500 private consultants to search for a private hernia surgeon.