About
Need to know
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Symptoms of femoral hernia icon plus
Hernias generally cause no or very few symptoms. However, they can get painful and you may feel an aching sensation where it pokes through your skin. You may be able to push the lump back in or it might disappear when you lie down. Coughing or straining may make the lump appear.
Sometimes hernias can suddenly cause severe pain and vomiting. This happens when fatty tissue or parts of the bowel get caught in the hernia. This is called strangulation or incarceration and emergency surgery is needed to solve the problem. -
Diagnosis icon plus
Your GP or consultant will examine your lump and the affected area.
It may be necessary to carry out an ultrasound scan. This is a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure that will help to confirm your diagnosis and assess its severity.
During your consultation, the following factors may be taken into consideration before surgery is recommended:
- The risk of strangulation (this can be higher with certain types of hernia or if the hernia contains muscle, other tissue or parts of your bowel).
- If your symptoms are changing or getting worse.
- The effect it is having on you and your ability to perform everyday tasks.
- How you are feeling in general
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Potential treatment options icon plus
If your consultant recommends surgery, the procedure is relatively straightforward and usually involves a general anaesthetic.
There are two ways hernias can be treated surgically:
- Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. This involves two to four tiny cuts made near your naval, so the hernia can be pushed back into your abdomen.
- Open surgery. In this procedure, a larger cut is made in the skin and your recovery time may be longer.
A special mesh is often used to strengthen the area and prevent the hernia returning. Alternatively, the muscle layers may be stitched together to make them stronger.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
Appointments 020 7908 8001
Enquiries 020 7486 1234
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Appointments 0207 483 5148
Enquiries 0207 586 5959
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Appointments & Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments 020 7234 2773
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London
W1G 8BJ
Appointments 020 7034 8181
Enquiries 020 7935 7700
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 5AH
Children's enquiries 020 7390 8020
Maternity enquiries 020 7390 6068
Gynaecology enquiries 020 7390 6200 -
Chiswick Medical Centre
Chiswick Medical Centre, Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
Call 020 3131 6248