Open & Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery

On the day of your surgery, your consultant will talk you through what will happen and answer any last questions you may have. Your nurse will check your heart rate, blood pressure, and test your urine, and you’ll be asked to put on a gown and wear compression stockings to prevent blood clots from forming in your leg veins.

When you’re ready, an anaesthetist will administer a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep for the operation. Most hernia repairs are carried out under general anaesthesia, although some smaller hernias can be repaired under local anaesthesia. 

During an open hernia repair, your surgeon makes a small cut over the affected area. The tissue that has pushed through the muscle wall is gently placed back into position, and the weakened muscle is strengthened using fine stitches or a lightweight surgical mesh. The incision will be closed with stitches, leaving only a small scar once healed.

In a laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair, typically 3 very small incisions are made instead of 1. A tiny camera (laparoscope) and fine instruments are inserted through these openings, allowing your surgeon to view the hernia on a screen and repair it with great precision using mesh reinforcement. The small incisions are closed with stitches, leaving only small scars once healed. 

There are 2 main laparoscopic (keyhole) approaches your surgeon may use:

Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair – The hernia is accessed through the abdominal cavity, and a mesh is placed over the weak area from the inside. The lining of the abdomen is then closed over the mesh to keep it in place.

Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair – The hernia is repaired between the layers of the abdominal wall without entering the abdominal cavity. This method can be more complex, but it may reduce the risk of internal organ injury.

Hernia repair usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the hernia. When your surgery is complete, you’ll be able to relax and recover from the anaesthetic in private, comfortable surroundings supported by our dedicated nursing team. 

After a short recovery period, you’ll be able to go home the same day with clear aftercare instructions to help you recover. 

Hernia repair is a common and safe operation. However, as with all types of surgery, there are certain risks and potential complications that your doctor will discuss with you beforehand. 

Some of these potential risks may include: 

• pain 

• bleeding

• wound infection

• hernia recurrence

Hernia repair surgery also carries a small risk of haematoma – where blood collects around the site of the surgery, and sometimes needs to be drained.

Your consultant will give you specific instructions based on your health and the type of surgery planned. 

You may be asked to:

• fast for 6 hours before surgery 

• stop drinking 2 hours before surgery

• stop smoking before your operation, as this helps with healing

• stop certain medications, such as blood thinners

If you have any long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, your consultant will ensure they’re well controlled before your procedure.

You’ll need to arrange for someone to accompany you home, and you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours after having a general anaesthetic. 

After your hernia repair, your consultant and nursing team will give you clear instructions to support a smooth and comfortable recovery.

You’ll need someone to escort you home after surgery, and you typically won’t be able to drive for around 10 days. During the first 24 hours, as you recover from the general anaesthetic, you should avoid alcohol, operating machinery, or signing important documents, and focus on getting plenty of rest.

Most people experience only mild discomfort, which can be managed with simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Your surgeon may prescribe a short course of stronger painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, or a laxative to help prevent constipation while you recover.

Your wounds will be covered with a waterproof dressing, which you can keep on while showering for the first week. During this time, avoid bathing or swimming.

After the first week:

• gently soak off the dressing in the shower and dispose of it in the bin

• you may notice a thin, flaky, purple layer on your skin — this is waterproof medical glue and should not be removed. The glue will naturally peel away over the following days

• any stitches will gradually dissolve and don’t need to be removed

In the first 2 weeks, you should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sports. Gentle movement and short walks are encouraged, as these help with circulation and recovery. If your job is office-based, you may feel ready to return to work within a few days. However, if your role is more physical, you may be advised to take at least a week off.

After 2 weeks, your wounds should be fully healed, and you can return to swimming, bathing, and gradually increase your activity levels. Most people recover from hernia surgery within about 2 weeks, although everyone’s recovery is different. Your surgeon will review your progress after surgery and advise when it’s safe to resume all normal activities.

Please contact our Surgery Centre for pricing information. 

At Welbeck, our consultant general surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book hernia repair surgery, you must be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.