A hernia is described as a protrusion of any part of an organ or tissue through the structures normally containing it.

A hernia may develop in various parts of the body and usually results from a congenital (born with) or an acquired weakness of the abdominal wall.

The more common hernias are:
~ INGUINAL HERNIA occurs when a loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal in the groin, sometimes filling the scrotal sac. These are the most common type of hernia repaired at the day surgery.
~ UMBILICAL HERNIA is a protrusion of the bowel through a weakness in the abdominal wall around the umbilicus.

Please remember: Hernias are major surgery although now performed in Day Surgery units.

Things to arrange before coming to the Day Surgery
~ You will need to arrange for time off work.
~ Your surgeon will have informed you on consultation the length of time required, usually 2-6 weeks, depending on work duties performed.

On the day of your surgery
~ Make sure you shower or bathe prior to admission.
~ Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes - such as a tracksuit
~ Bring along with you all your medications that you would normally take at the time you are in the day surgery. Remember to bring you asthma inhalers.
~ When you arrive at the day surgery, sister will shave a small area around the hernia site. (You may wish to do this at home beforehand).
~ The anaesthetist will visit you prior to your surgery, a general anaesthetic is given for this procedure, also a local anaesthetic is administered post operatively for pain relief. As a result of this you may experience some numbness - this is no cause for concern.