Hernia specialists in Southampton

Private hernia surgery in Southampton: what to expect

We pride ourselves on being open and honest with our patients so, in the name of ensuring there are no surprises, the information below details what you can expect from hernia repair surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton.

What conditions do our hernia repair consultants treat?

There are six main types of hernia:

• inguinal
• femoral
• umbilical
• spigelian
• incisional
• epigastric

If you’re struggling with either of the first two, you’re in luck. Our femoral and inguinal hernia specialists are ready to help get you back to your best.

Aside from hernia repair, the other general surgery treatments available at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton include:

• benign skin lesion removal
• gallbladder removal surgery
• haemorrhoids treatment
• anal fissure treatment or surgery
• anal fistula surgery
• pilonidal sinus surgery.

Benefits of private treatment

As with most types of treatment, the benefits of having private hernia treatment are the same. Shorter waiting times, continuity of care, and consultant experience are among the frontrunners but if you’re thinking about having private hernia surgery in Southampton, you should also consider the following factors:

• the ability to choose which consultant carries out your procedure
• the flexibility around the time and date of your procedure.

What happens in your first consultation?

During your initial consultation, your specialist hernia consultant in Southampton will need to get to the bottom of your issue before providing a diagnosis. To do this, he or she may need to do the following:

• carry out a thorough physical examination
• ask about your medical history and current health
• ask for further tests (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, or bloods), if needed.

Your consultant will also provide you with the following:

• information about your specific condition
• the risks of leaving it untreated
• the treatment options available to you
• any potential post-op complications
• post-op instructions and follow-up.

If you’re a private patient, this is all included in the £145 consultation fee and there’s no obligation for you to progress to treatment.

Please note, if further diagnostic tests are needed (such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound scans, these will incur further costs. These are fixed, and your consultant will provide a detailed explanation as to why they’re necessary.

Why choose a private hernia consultant?

When looking for hernia consultation near you, if you live in the Southampton area, you need look no further than Practice Plus Group. All our hernia consultants at Southampton boast a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise in the field of hernia repair surgery. Their consultation profiles will give you a better idea of which one can meet your specific needs.

Types of hernia surgery available in Southampton

Having a hernia can be a painful and debilitating experience. It occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or tissue. They can happen anywhere in your body but are most common between your chest and hips.

What’s the difference between open and laparoscopic repair?

During open hernia repair surgery, the consultant will make an incision directly over the hernia. He or she will then push the protruding tissue back through the muscle which is then strengthened with a mesh. The wound is then stitched back together.

Laparoscopic hernia repair (also called keyhole hernia surgery) involves a laparoscope (a thin telescope with a light) being passed through the abdominal wall via small incisions and repairing the hernia. Then, they push the protruding tissue back and strengthen the weak wall with a mesh applied from inside.

Inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernia treatment explained

Don’t worry if you’re not a hernia expert, the information below explores the different types of hernias.

• Inguinal hernias – where fatty tissue or part of your bowel pokes through into your groin area. It is the most common type of hernia; it mainly affects men and is associated with ageing and repeated strain on the abdomen.
• Femoral hernias – less common but present in similar ways to inguinal hernias – and they affect more women than men.
• Umbilical hernias – where the lump appears near the belly button. It is most common in babies although adults can also be affected, mainly as the result of repeated strain.
• Spigelian hernias – these are rare hernias that occur on the right or left lower side of the abdomen
• Epigastric hernias – this type of hernia mainly develops between the end of the chest wall and the umbilicus (belly button).

Waiting times, costs, and financing options

Now we’re getting to the meat of the article – the cost, how you can pay for it if you want to have your treatment privately, and what the current NHS and private hernia operation waiting times are.

How quickly can you see a hernia specialist in Southampton?

If you’re looking for private hernia surgery in Southampton, Practice plus Group have you covered. With us, you’ll have a consultation with a hernia specialist within 1-2 weeks of your booking inquiry. If needed, you’ll then have your treatment 4-6 afterwards.

Typical costs of private hernia repair

The table below provides an illustration of the costs you can expect to pay for hernia surgery at various different private healthcare providers in Southampton.

Payment plans and insurance coverage explained

If you’d prefer to access your hernia treatment privately but don’t wish to pay a one-off lump sum, there are other options.

First, you could use private medical insurance for your surgery. You’ll need to make sure your existing policy covers hernia repair surgery before you can proceed. Your insurer will give you a list of pre-approved hip consultants from which you’ll need to choose the one you want to carry out your treatment. This is a big decision, so be sure to take your time and do your research.

Second, you can access private hernia repair surgery via financing options. With Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you can spread the cost of your hernia repair surgery over 12 months at 0% APR or, for more long-term options, from 24-60 months at 14.9% APR.

This means you can spread the cost of your treatment and avoid paying a one-off lump sum.

Recovery and aftercare

When it comes to recovery from hernia surgery, in most cases, patients are able to go home on the day of surgery. Your team will give you post-discharge advice and support to ensure that your hernia repair heals properly. As follow-up care isn’t typically needed after private hernia treatment, we typically won’t need you to come back in but this is not goodbye! We’ll give you a call to make sure your recovery is on track. If you need to get in touch with us, call the helpline or use the PIFU (Patient Initiate Follow Up) for an appointment.

How long does recovery take?

Although it’s important to remember that everyone’s different and heals at different rates, here’s a timeline to give you a rough idea of the recovery timeline:

• 0-1 days
  Depending on the severity of your operation and your initial recovery from anaesthesia, you may be discharged on the day of your surgery. Soreness and discomfort around the affected area (as well as bruising and swelling around the scrotum for men) is common.
• 1-2 weeks
  Between one and two weeks after your surgery, you should be able to return to light activities. These include shopping and desk-based work.
• 4-6 weeks
  You should now be able to return to normal daily activities. Ask your doctor about resuming exercise. You can return to driving if you can perform an emergency stop without experiencing pain in the affected area. You may be able to fly again after 4-6 weeks.

Why choose Southampton hospital for hernia surgery?

From incisional to inguinal hernias, at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton, our general surgeons specialise in hernia repair. The hospital is open from 7am-6pm, features free Wi-Fi access, and on-site food and drink facilities for visiting friends and family.

Convenient location and facilities

Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton is based in the city and easily accessible by public transport. On-site parking is available if you’re driving and a porter & wheelchair service available on request.

Book a consultation with a hernia specialist in Southampton

If you are paying for your own treatment, you can self-refer. This means you won’t necessarily need to make a GP appointment beforehand. Simply ring our Private Patient Advisors on 0330 058 1775 to find out what your options are. Once your referral is dealt with, our friendly staff will book you in.

For more information, take a look at our dedicated blog How to book a hernia operation.

James Wood, Content Specialist