Mr Adam Howard MBBS BSc MD FRCS Laparoscopic and Vascular Consultant Surgeon
Mr Adam Howard MBBS BSc MD FRCSLaparoscopic and Vascular Consultant Surgeon

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair - an inguinal hernia is a common type of hernia that causes a lump and sometimes pain in your groin.  Hernias can be held at bay with a hernia truss belt or sports hernia support garments, however, they need surgery for them to be removed.  The surgery involves the insertion of a plastic mesh over the hole in the muscle wall of the abdomen.  This mesh can be inserted laparoscopically through a "keyhole" in the umbilicus (belly button) or via an open incision in the groin (traditional repair).  

 

What does the surgery involve? - the operation is performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately 30-40 minutes.  Usually three 1cm incisions are required for laparoscopic access and insertion of the mesh.  The abdomen is inflated with gas (carbon dioxide) in order to provide a clear view of the hernia defect.  The surgeon places a mesh over the defect and this can be held in place by absorbable tacks or sutures.  The complications of surgery are uncommon and they are listed on the Consent section of the Patient Information page of this website.  

 

How soon will I recover? - Usually it takes 1-2 hours to wake up from the anaesthetic, sometimes you may feel a little nauseous but this normally passes after a few hours.  You will be able to eat and drink before getting ready to leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery.  Mr Howard would like you to wear anti-DVT stockings and carry out daily walks for one month after the surgery to prevent blood clots.  You should be back to normal activities after two weeks but heavy lifting should be avoided for at least three months.  

 

Laparoscopic Umbilical and Incisional Abdominal Hernia Repair - repair of these hernias are very similar to the inguinal mesh repair except that the three incisions are usually along the side of the abdomen. There is no added risk, however, with very large hernias, sometimes a combination of laparoscopic and open surgery is required.  The recovery period is very similar, however, large incisional hernias require a large mesh and this can be painful for a number of weeks after the surgery.  This pain normally settles down after 4-6 weeks with the occasional "pulling" sensation from the mesh for about a year.  

How to contact us

Oaks Hospital

Personal Assistant for Mr Adam Howard - 

Megan Wood

 

Email:

megan.wood@ramsayhealth.co.uk

Phone 01206 522413

Mobile & Text 07596 895974 

 

Oaks Hospital, Mile End Road,  
Colchester, Essex

CO4 5XR

Hospital Phone 

01206 752121 

 

East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Secretary for Mr Adam Howard - Nadine Martin

 

nadine.martin@esneft.nhs.uk

Phone 01206 742454

Colchester University Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex

CO4 5JL