A Hernia occurs when there is a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall causing a protrusion of tissue through the weakness or a gap in the wall. Usually there is a protrusion of bowel though the gap.

There are several types of hernia. The common ones are

1. Inguinal Hernia: This occurs where there is a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall and bowel protrudes into the groin. In advanced cases, the bowel can protrude into the scrotum.

2. Incisional Hernia: This occurs where a previous operation has resulted in a weakness of the muscle wall

3. Femoral Hernia: This occurs where there is a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall in women following childbirth.  

4. Umibilical Hernia: This is occurs usually in babies around the belly button.

You will need General Anaesthesia for a hernia repair. The operation takes about an hour tocomplete. You can return to normal activities within 1 week. Key Hole Surgery: Surgeons can sometimes repair using Key Hole method. Recovery tends to be quicker with Key Hole surgery and you may not need hospital admission. Open Surgery: Your surgeon will open the area over the weakness and push back the protruding contents back and then close the weakness/gap with stitches. Sometimes it is necessary to place a mesh in addition to the stitches to close the weakness.