Hernia Treatment and Hernia Surgery

A hernia (or “rupture”) occurs where there is a weakness in the wall of the abdomen. As a result, some of the contents within the abdomen can then bulge (push through) under the skin. This leads to a feeling of a soft lump or swelling under the skin.

Hernias can occur in anyone. Men are more likely to have inguinal hernias, as they have a small tunnel in the tissues of their groins which occurred when they were developing as a baby. This tunnel allowed the testes to come down from the abdomen into the scrotum. Intestinal tissue can also pass into this tunnel, forming an inguinal hernia.

Hernias in adults may arise as a result of the strain which raises the pressure in the abdomen causing a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall. This can be caused by:

Persistent coughing.
Being overweight or pregnant.
Lifting, carrying or pushing heavy loads.
Straining on the toilet.

Types

Different types of hernia can occur. The most common types are listed here:

Inguinal hernia
This occurs when some tissue pushes through the lower abdomen in the groin. This is the most common type of hernia, accounting for more than three out of every four hernias. They usually occur in men. They can occur in both sides of the body. These hernias often occur after heavy lifting, during which you may experience a sharp pain in the groin and notice the appearance of a swelling.
Femoral hernia
This also occurs when some tissue pushes through in the groin, a little lower down than where an inguinal hernia occurs. They occur more commonly in women. They tend to be smaller than inguinal hernias.

Incisional hernia
This occurs when tissue pushes through a previous scar or wound. They are more common if you have had a scar in the past that has not healed well. For example, if the wound had an infection after the operation. They usually occur within two years of having an operation.
Umbilical and paraumbilical hernias
These occur when some tissue pushes through the abdomen near to the umbilicus (belly button). Umbilical hernias are present from birth and, if they need treatment, then they are usually repaired in childhood. In most cases of umbilical hernia, the hernia goes back in and the muscles re-seal on their own before the baby is one year old. They are usually only treated if they are large, as small ones cause no problems and do not need repairing.

Paraumbilical hernias occur in adults and appear above the umbilicus. Although they are usually small, they usually need repairing because there is a risk of intestines contained within them becoming strangulated (see below).

You need to know

Sometimes a hernia is noticed after a strain – for example, after lifting a heavy object. Sometimes one may develop for no good reason and you may simply notice a small lump that has develop, usually in the groin area. Usually, at first, the lump can be pushed back, but may pop out after straining again. Coughing is a common strain that brings them out. The swelling often disappears when you lie down.

Hernias are not usually painful, but many people feel an ache over a hernia which worsens after doing any activity. In time, they might become bigger as the gap in their muscle or ligament tissue becomes larger. Sometimes, in men, they track down into the scrotum.

Treatment to fix it is usually advised for two reasons:

It may gradually become bigger and more uncomfortable.
There is a small chance it might strangulate. A hernia strangulates when too much intestine (bowel) has come through the gap in the muscle or ligament and then it becomes squeezed. This can cut off the blood supply to the portion of intestine in the hernia. This can lead to severe pain and some damage to the part of the intestines in the hernia. A strangulated hernia is uncommon and is usually dealt with by emergency surgery. However, it is preferable to have the hernia fixed by routine rather than by emergency surgery.

A hernia can be fixed by a small operation. Wearing a truss (support) was used in the past but is now not recommended.

The type of operation will depend on the type of hernia that you have. A brief overview is given below. There are now various different ways of repairing a hernia which will depend on many factors. For example, the type of hernia, the size of the hernia, your general health. Your surgeon will be able to discuss the type of operation with you in more detail.

Inguinal hernia repair
This is usually done by a “key-hole” operation as the recovery is quicker compared to having an open operation. The operation is performed through three tiny cuts, the largest of which is only around 1.5 cm in size.

It is more common that inguinal hernias be repaired by using a mesh. This is a thin sheet of material which is usually stitched or glued over the hole of the hernia. This has been shown to be stronger and more effective than sewing the edges of the hole together for inguinal hernias. With time, the mesh safely becomes incorporated into the muscle layer, which results in a very strong, permanent repair.
Femoral hernia repair
As the hole through which a femoral hernia has to pass is very tight, there is a significant chance that any bowel that passes into it will become strangulated. This means that a femoral repair should be repaired early. Like inguinal hernias, femoral hernias are usually repaired using a mesh.
Incisional hernia repair
Incisional hernias vary enormously in size which means that treatment may differ depending on the size of the incisional hernia. Again, a mesh is usually used, especially for larger hernias.
Umbilical and paraumbilical hernia repair
Most umbilical hernias do not need repairing. Smaller hernias are usually repaired by an operation which simply closes the defect with stitches. However, umbilical and parumbilical hernias over 2 cm in length are usually repaired by using a mesh.

Newer techniques mean that people tend to be off work for much shorter periods than in the past. Even workers in heavy work can often be back in two weeks. The operation is usually very successful. However, hernias can recur in a small number of people, when a further operation may be advised.

15 Dec 2025

My experience was very positive. Mr Sanjay Agrawal is an extremely nice man and he provided me with comfort from initial consultation to being discharged. Everything was explained to me in a clear and concise manner, and he spent time answering my questions.

25 Nov 2025

Sanjay explained everthing in great depth and at every stage put my mind at rest with his very calm attitude. The whole experience was handled in a very professional and sympathetic and caring manner by everyone, from the receptionist, catering staff and the theatre personnel.

25 Nov 2025

Dr Sanjay explained everything to me before my procedure telling me what to expect and what could go wrong. The procedure went well and I am very pleased with the outcome, not only is Dr Sanjay a great surgeon but he is a lovely man and I can’t thank him enough.

07 Nov 2025

I saw Mr Agrawal for a bilateral inguinal hernia repair. The operation was completed quickly and efficiently and despite being in quite some discomfort for a few days after the operation, by the end of the week I was feeling a lot better and much more mobile.

01 Oct 2025

Mr Agrawal was extremely professional and courteous throughout the consultation, preparation, operation and follow-up. Particularly he gave clear advice, laid out all options and made sure I was left with sufficient information to make good choices. I can’t recommend. Mr Agrawal Highly enough.

23 Sep 2025

A very friendly and efficient surgeon. Would highly recommend.

01 Sep 2025

I was extremely concerned about my abdominal pain and Mr Agrawal explained what the possibilities could be clearly and professionally. I chose to have the laparoscopic procedure done and was treated extremely well and felt at all times confident under his care.

20 Aug 2025

I contacted Mr Agrawal about a hernia. From my first consultation to the operation was 21 days . In that time I had further consultations, scans and tests. Mr Agrawal always explained the next step and answer any questions clearly. I had consultations and scan in Brentwood Nuffield followed by pre oops and actual operation in the London Independent at Stepney Green.

08 Aug 2025

Dr Agrawal was extremely friendly and professional during all my appointments and I have been impressed with the results of my surgery. His work was very neat and tidy, leaving with the barest of scars.

06 Aug 2025

My consultations with Mr Agrawal were clear and concise and I had no unexpected experiences at the time of the operation. The procedure went superbly well on the day and I have had no complications during my rehab. I have had no pain at all post operation.

06 Aug 2025

19 Jul 2025

My visit exceeded expectations. I was kind of on the fence about getting my umbilical hernia surgery done but Dr. Agrawal laid out everything for me in ways that I could easily understand and it was a seamless process from there. 10/10.

06 Jul 2025

From the first appointment, Dr Agrawal provided an end to end professional approach. He made me feel at ease and was very transparent, both pre and post op, enabling my family and I to make fact based descions for my treatment.

07 Jun 2025

Diagnosis and treatment of a hernia was first class. I'd have no hesitation in being treated again by Mr Agrawal and his team.

14 Apr 2025

A very professional experience, from beginning to end. Nothing was any problem, all questions answered.

06 Apr 2025

A calm, confident and polite man who set me at ease straight away. Explained the procedure very thoroughly and in a way that was fully understood. After surgery and aftercare have again been very thorough and delivered amazingly well.

06 Apr 2025

Could not imagine a better experience. First ever operation at 74, he made me feel really at ease and fully informed. Lovely bedside manner.

15 Mar 2025

Dr Agrawal was extremely professional , he was kind considerate and understanding. Took time to explain the whole procedure to me witch i greatly appreciated making the whole process more comfortable.

09 Jan 2025

From my initial consultation with Sanjay Agrawal, my initial concerns and questions were answered in a non rushed and professional manner. For me, the correct amount of detail was discussed and provided, which helped me to understand what was needed to be done and why, and how it would all be resolved. I was very satisfied with the experience

30 Dec 2024

Mr Agrawal was a very calming and assuring consultant; he took the time to explain the procedure carefully and ensured I understood the benefits and potential risks. The procedure itself, seemed to go well and my recovery has been smooth and painful free.

17 Dec 2024

Mr Agrawal was excellent. He explained my condition clearly, as well as the risks of both living with the issue and surgery. The operation was successful and my recovery post op has been very good.

04 Dec 2024

The only minor complaint I have is that the expected pre-discharge visit by Sanjay didn't happen. It was never mentioned but in my experience the surgeon has always dropped by just to check all is well. It left the process feeling a little impersonal. All other aspects were 100%.

16 Nov 2024

Always willing to give all the time in the world to make you as comfortable and informed as possible

02 Nov 2024

The treatment and service I received from my surgeon were exceptional. The entire process was thoroughly explained, keeping me informed and at ease at every step. My surgeon’s reassuring manner and clear communication made me feel confident and supported throughout, and I am grateful for the professional care provided.

08 Oct 2024

enjoyable experience. well explained, very efficient communication, and good after care service

29 Jul 2024

Flawless experience, clear descriptions of health problems and surgery available to help. Very accommodating and responsive.

24 Jul 2024

Honest and professional initial consultancy, with informative realistic time line to recovery. Trusted and successful surgery carried out with great recovery results. I would use again in the future.

21 May 2024

Sanjay promised a stress free experience during the consultation process, this was reassuring considering I was in for a double Hernia and hadn't been under the knife for 25 years, he delivered on every aspect, I was in and out in under 5 hours, he made me feel at ease both before and after and I couldn't be happier with the results.

16 Apr 2024

Mr Sanjay Agrawal was both insightful and compassionate, giving me about as positive as an experience you can hope for at a hospital. Very Thankful.

04 Apr 2024

Mr Agrawal has a very calm and reassuring manner, providing clear and concise detail regarding the operation to be undertaken and during the post surgury examination. More importantly I found Mr Agrawal to be a patient listener, taking time to ensure my concerns and questions were fully explained. Consequently I beleive my confidence in the procedure, subsequent recovery and recouperation were greatly enhanced.

27 Mar 2024

From walking into his office Mr Agrawal put me at ease. Everything was explained clearly and I felt a lot more relaxed about the procedure. Surgery went well and after recovering from the anaesthetic I would have hardly know I had just had surgery apart from the dressings covering the three little entrance holes. Went to see him this evening for my post op check and it was a pleasure chatting to him. A very nice man, experienced consultant and surgeon with a great bed side manner.

17 Jan 2024

Dr AGrawal was a most impressive surgeon, I felt comfortable with the explanation/ operation and post op review I would not hesitate to recommend him as an accomplished professional, who clearly has many years experience.

17 Jan 2024

Mr A is open, prepared to spend time explaining technicals and answers all questions hoestky and fairly. Overall extraordinarily professional friendly and caring THANK YOU MR A!!!!!

05 Dec 2023

Mr Agrawal was very clear and reassuring and i feel i will be in very good hands

10 Mar 2022

Mr Agrawal does not try to talk above your level of knowledge, he explains the issue, the process and recovery in basic terms with the consequences if you don't follow his recovery guidelines

09 Mar 2022

Mr Sanjay Agrawal is a very experienced competent and great surgeon. For me he has empathy, he was very kind and he provided me with all the honest information and confidence you can expect from a top Doctor. My surgery went very well and I am very pleased with the outcome. He is highly recommended.

11 Jan 2022

Excellent experience from start to finish. The procedure was clearly explained beforehand, as were potential complications, recovery times etc. The surgery itself went exactly as expected and without issue. Thank you.

25 Mar 2021