What happens at a hernia consultation?

What is a hernia consultation?

Before you can have your hernia repair surgery, you need a diagnosis. And to get this, you’ll need to book a consultation with a specialist. While this time is mostly about getting a diagnosis for you, it’s also your chance to ask any questions you may have about how a hernia occurs, how you can manage the discomfort caused, or hernia surgery in general.

What can I expect at my hernia surgery consultation?

Good question! First, an initial consultation is an in-depth discussion with a specialist about your hernia issue. It provides an opportunity for your consultant to make a decision on whether you need treatment and what that treatment plan may look like.

But what exactly can you expect at your surgery consultation? Your consultant will likely conduct a physical assessment, ask questions about your general health, and arrive at a treatment plan centred around how best to repair your hernia.

During the consultation, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions. These can be anything from the risks and benefits of hernia surgery and whether you’ll need to stay overnight in hospital, to the kind of surgical instruments the consultant will use for your procedure.

How long does a hernia consultation take?

A hernia consultation typically takes around an hour. On the day of your consultation, it’s a good idea to allow for extra time either side of the appointment. This will give you a buffer in the event of traffic or the consultation running over an hour.

What tests are done before hernia surgery?

To arrive at a surgery diagnosis, your consultant will need to carry out a thorough physical examination and review your symptoms. Depending on the type of hernia you have, and your overall health, your consultant may need to carry out additional tests to ensure the surgery is the right option for you.

These include:

• Imaging tests: such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound scans
• Diagnostic imaging: inserted into the abdomen for hidden or complex hernias. This is only used when imaging is inconclusive
• Routine pre-op tests: based on your age, health, and type of anaesthesia needed, these include blood tests, ECG (Echocardiogram), chest x-ray, and urine tests
• Specialist assessments: if needed, these include sleep studies, pulmonary function tests (for patients with asthma or COPD), and ECG
• Further investigations: includes endoscopy to rule out gastrointestinal issues and further bloodwork if needed.

Who will I see?

Your consultation will be carried out by a consultant general surgeon. This is a technical term for someone who’s really good at carrying out hernia surgery! During your consultation, you’ll likely also get to meet the nursing team who’ll look after you during your time in hospital.

Patient testimonial

“Everything was great with the surgery at my local Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre…the team there were fantastic.”

Derek Toms, hernia repair surgery patient at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth

How much does a private hernia consultation cost?

Aside from wanting to know the physical implications of private hernia repair surgery, you’ll likely also want to learn about hernia surgery costs. So, let’s read on to find out!

Comparing private hernia consultation fees in the UK

The cost of a private hernia consultation can vary depending on where you are in the UK and the healthcare provider you’ve chosen. The table below provides more insight on how hernia consultations at Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group compare to other private healthcare providers.

How to pay

Private hernia consultations with Wellsoon cost £95 and can be paid for upfront in one payment. If surgery is needed, this can be covered the following ways:

• Insurance coverage: some private health insurance plans may cover part or all of the costs associated with your hernia surgery. It’s worth checking with your provider to understand your coverage.
• Finance options: spread the cost of surgery over time to make it more manageable
• Pay for yourself: use savings or money put aside to cover the costs yourself and get fast access to high-quality treatment.

Waiting times for hernia consultations

As with treatment, the waiting times for hernia consultations on the NHS vary depending on hospital location, availability of surgeons, and the type of surgery you need.

The following table shows the current waiting times for a general surgery consultation with the NHS at a selection of hospitals in England.

It’s worth bearing in mind that if left untreated, a hernia can become strangulated and pose a genuine risk to life. With this thought in mind, private hernia consultations with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group are available in just 1-2 weeks, while the waiting times for a hernia operation are just 4-6 weeks.

Preparing for your consultation

As a consultation involves a physical assessment, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You should also bring any medication you’re currently taking, along with the health questionnaire you received with your booking pack all completed and filled out.

Your consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions about your treatment. From travel arrangements to what to eat and drink beforehand, our Top tips for preparing for surgery blog features a whole host of questions you can pose to your consultant.

Choosing a hernia consultant

At Practice Plus Group, choosing a hernia surgeon for your specific needs is simple. Either use the carousel below to cycle through our available consultants or check out our Consultants page for a full list of consultant general surgeons.

Our consultants and surgeons carry out around 5,000 treatments a month, with 99% of patients recommending us. By taking healthcare services closer to where you live and work, we’re reducing surgery waiting times and helping you feel better, sooner.

Book a hernia consultation near you

To book a private hernia consultation, simply call us on 0330 818 8945 or fill out an online enquiry form.

Hernia repair treatment is available at the following Practice Plus Group locations:

• Barlborough
• Emersons Green
• Ilford
• St Mary’s Portsmouth
• Plymouth
• Shepton Mallet
• Southampton
• Gillingham
• Devizes.

Acknowledgements