Find the best hernia repair surgeons in Kent for expert care

What to look for in a hernia surgeon

Finding the perfect surgeon can be challenging, but we’re here to guide you. The information below is designed to highlight the key factors you should consider when searching for a hernia surgeon.

Experience

Among the most important things to look for in any consultant is their experience. You’ll want to know that your chosen surgeon is capable and experienced in carrying out your specific procedure. Look for surgeons who have completed specialist training with a focus on hernia repair surgery. The more experienced the surgeon, the more likely it is they’ve encountered and managed a wide range of different hernia cases, which may increase their success rates.

Reviews and testimonials

British poet John Cooper Clarke once said: “Word of mouth is a force of nature.” Given his career, he should know, and he’s absolutely right. Good reviews are worth their weight in gold for consultants, so be sure to see what past patients have said about their experiences. Reviews from past hernia patients at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham are available on our patient reviews page.

Qualifications you should expect from a hernia specialist

The following qualifications and credentials are common among consultant general surgeons:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
• MD (Bachelor of Medicine)
• FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons)
• MS (Master of Surgery)

He or she may also have specialties or even PhDs in general surgery alongside specialist interest in other general surgery procedures.

Meet one of our hernia surgeons in Kent

Name: Richard Dickson-Lowe

Qualifications:
– MBChB Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
– MSc Master of Science
– FRCS Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons

Specialties:
– General surgery
– Hernia repair surgery
– Colorectal surgery
– Gallbladder removal

Quote:
“My training in South-east England allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the region and the patients within it. I have an interest in trauma and worked in a Trauma Unit in South Africa from 2017 to 2018.”

Review:
“An excellent communicator and a fine surgeon. I would highly recommend Richard after having bilateral inguinal hernia surgery.”

Questions to ask at your initial consultation

Before your initial consultation, it’s a great idea to write down any questions you may have. These can range from being about the hernia repair surgery itself to more logistical things such as what you need to wear on the day of your procedure.

Regardless of whether this is your first surgery or you’ve been under the knife before, the prospect can be daunting. So, to make things easier for you, here’s a list of questions you may want to ask:

• What are the potential short and long-term side effects of my hernia surgery?
• How can I reduce the risk?
• How do I know if hernia surgery is right for me?
• What happens during my hernia surgery?
• What are the pros and cons of my surgery?
• Are there any alternative treatments instead of surgery?
• What happens if I delay hernia surgery?
• How healthy do I need to be before surgery?
• Will my insurance cover my hernia surgery?
• How can I pay for my surgery?
• Can I eat and drink the day before my surgery?

More hernia-specific information can be found here: What happens at a hernia consultation?

When to see a specialist for a hernia

In the majority of cases, hernias don’t actually manifest any symptoms at all – apart from the physical lump itself. However, the following are tell-tale symptoms:

• sudden, severe pain
• vomiting
• constipation or wind
• a tenderness in the area of the hernia.

If you suspect you have a hernia, your first port of call should be to your GP who can assess you. They may decide that you need treatment, in which case you will be referred for a surgical consultation. As with most consultations for general surgery, this will entail a physical exam, followed by a consultant discussion about your symptoms and medical history.

On a more serious note, the following is a sign you should worry about hernia pain:

• being unable to push the hernia back in.

This may mean that your hernia has become ‘strangulated’ and you should seek immediate medical treatment.

Types of hernia repair surgery in Kent

At Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham we offer two types of hernia surgery:

• Keyhole – involves the use of a small camera and surgical tools that are passed through the body via tiny incisions. These tools locate and repair the hernia.
• Open – this is where the surgeon makes an incision over the top of your hernia and pushes it back through the muscle. This muscle is then glued or stapled back together and the wound closed with stitches.

The most effective hernia repair surgery for you depends on the type of hernia you have and where it is on your body. Your consultant will be able to recommend the best course of action.

What to expect on the day of surgery

Depending on what type of hernia you have, you’ll be given either local or general anaesthetic. The type of surgery you have will also depend on your hernia and where it is on your body.

Please note that if you’re returning home the same-day, your surgery will take place at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham.

If your hernia procedure requires an overnight stay, you’ll be transferred to our sister hospital at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.

Real stories from hernia patients in Kent

While it’s helpful to know about the quality of our hernia repair treatment, hearing about the experiences of actual patients can be even more informative. Below is a recent testimonial from a hernia patient at our Gillingham Surgical Centre.

“I had a hernia procedure on 27/11/2025 and would thoroughly recommend this practice. The team are wonderful & nothing was too much trouble. Aftercare has also been great with phone calls checking on my wellbeing. Thank you once again.”

Lee Harris, hernia surgery patient at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham

Benefits of private hernia repair in Kent

Insurance and self-pay options

At Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham, hernia repair surgery patients can access their surgery with private medical insurance or via a one-off lump sum.

Paying for yourself

For those wishing to pay for themselves, this is done either in a one-off lump sum or by spreading the cost using a payment plan.

Private health insurance

Patients with existing private health insurance will need to first check their policy covers the procedure before booking hernia surgery.