About
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
If you’ve had surgery to repair an incisional hernia, there is always a small risk that the hernia will reoccur. If this happens, your consultant may be able to repair it; however it is a more complex procedure.
Your consultant will make a cut higher than your previous surgery scar to gain access to the hernia behind the weakness in your abdominal muscles. The tissue or organ is then pushed back into the abdomen and the hernia opening inside your body is covered with a synthetic mesh to strengthen your abdominal wall and prevent the hernia recurring. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your GP or consultant will examine the affected area and may refer you for an ultrasound scan. This is a painless, non-invasive test, but it will help to confirm the diagnosis.
Your consultant will decide what type of anaesthetic to give you – this may be a general anaesthetic which means you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure or a local anaesthetic.
You will be admitted on the day of surgery unless there are any reasons which may require you to be admitted the day before.
Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your surgery. They will take time to talk you through the risks and side effects involved and answer any questions. -
Afterwards icon plus
You may experience bruising, swelling and discomfort after the procedure. Painkillers should help with this in the first 24-48 hours.
You may be able to go home on the same day as your surgery.
It's important to follow your consultant’s instructions. This includes eating plenty of fibre and drinking lots of fluids to avoid straining when you go to the toilet.
You should make a full recovery within about six weeks. Some people are able to return to light activity, work and driving in about two weeks.
You may experience numbness in the area or a different sensation – this may be temporary or it may be permanent but shouldn’t cause any problems.
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 0207 908 8001
Enquiries 020 3130 6833
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Appointments 0207 483 5148
Enquiries 020 3131 7478
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Appointments and Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments. 020 7234 2773
Switchboard 020 7407 3100 -
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London
W1G 8BJ
Appointments 020 7034 8181
Enquiries 020 3131 7962
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
Appointments 020 7811 4000
Enquiries 020 3131 4978
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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