Private hernia repair in Guildford

Hernia assessment and treatment

Mr Rob Walker sees private patients at Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital for assessment and treatment of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, epigastric and selected abdominal wall hernias.

A hernia is a weakness in the muscle or tissue wall that allows a lump or bulge to appear. Hernias may cause aching, dragging discomfort, pain during activity or concern about the lump increasing in size.

When to seek assessment

You may benefit from assessment if you have:

  • a groin lump or abdominal wall lump;

  • discomfort when standing, lifting, coughing or exercising;

  • an enlarging hernia;

  • a hernia affecting work, sport or daily activity;

  • uncertainty about whether a lump is a hernia.

Seek urgent medical advice if a hernia becomes very painful, cannot be pushed back in, becomes associated with vomiting, abdominal distension or you feel acutely unwell.

What happens at the first appointment?

Mr Walker will examine the hernia, review your symptoms and discuss your general health, occupation, activity level and treatment preferences. Some patients need ultrasound or cross-sectional imaging, particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain or the hernia is complex.

Treatment options

Not every hernia needs immediate surgery. Some minimally symptomatic hernias can be monitored after assessment. Surgery may be recommended if the hernia is painful, enlarging, limiting activity or causing concern.

Repair may be open or keyhole depending on the type of hernia, your previous surgery, anatomy, symptoms and preferences. Mesh is often used in adult hernia repair, but the exact approach should be individualised.