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Hernia Advice

hernia-advice

Hernia Advice

Have you noticed a lump or a sore spot in your belly? Or maybe you’ve been told you have a hernia and want to know more about your diagnosis.

At Hernia Clinic Hampshire we want to help you better understand your situation and get you on the path to recovery.

Buy our Hernia Recovery Exercise Programme

What is a Hernia?

Sometimes the muscles of your abdomen can develop a weak spot. A hernia is the protrusion of tissue through this defect in the abdominal wall.

If relaxed (for example, when you are lying down) this lump should go back in (reduce), or you should be able to push it back in. It might pop out again once you use your tummy muscles or stand up.

While this may seem scary, hernias are fairly common. Signs you may need urgent care of a hernia include having a tender, irreducible lump with hot, reddening skin.

Find out what factors make a hernia more likely to occur/reoccur

Types of Hernia

Did you know there are different types of hernia depending on where they appear on the body? A consultation with our highly experienced Consultant Surgeon can help determine what type of hernia you have.

At Hernia Clinic Hampshire we treat and advise on hernias occurring in the abdominal wall. This kind of hernia can be split into two different groups: Groin Hernias and Ventral (Abdominal Wall) Hernias.

Stylised image showing different locations of hernias, as treated by the team at Hernia Clinic Hampshire

Groin Hernias

Inguinal Hernias

These are in the groin, in the inguinal canal, and are commonly called groin hernias. These are the most common type of hernia, affecting 1 in 8 men.

Femoral Hernias

These are very low in the groin, in the femoral canal, and are more frequent in women than in men. During the operation for these types of hernias, we check both the inguinal and femoral canal to ensure that there we do not miss a second hernia type. This is particularly important in women who are more likely to have both. Find out more about hernia repairs for women.

Ventral (Abdominal Wall) Hernias​

Umbilical/Paraumbilical Hernias

These pop through close to the belly button.

Epigastric Hernias

These are halfway between the bottom of the breastbone and the belly button.

Incisional Hernias

These are herniations through an old operation site.

Spigelian/Lateral Hernias

These are rare and occur in your side.

Read more about ventral hernias

*Please note: We do not repair hiatus or parastomal hernias.

What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia?

What is a hernia? When patients describe a hernia, it typically goes something like this:
  • they have noticed a lump that comes and goes somewhere on the wall of their tummy or groin.
  • they experience an ache or a pulling sensation and feel pain, and this is often made worse by lifting or exercising.
  • Symptoms might get worse as the day progresses.
  • When they go to bed or stop activity, the hernia reduces and often feels comfortable again.
  • When they wake up in the morning, the symptoms are better, but the lump protrudes out when they are up and moving around, and the cycle repeats.
Hernias can also just be lumps with no other symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get in touch with us. Our expert Consultant Surgeon will provide advice on how to manage your hernia symptoms while preparing for surgery. Your hernia repair with Hernia Clinic Hampshire will free you from your symptoms and get you back to the things that matter. There are defined stages of a hernia that, if you ignore your symptoms, can get worse over time.

Concerned about your hernia symptoms?

Contact our friendly team today

How Do You Diagnose a Hernia?

It is important to note that pain or tenderness without a palpable and reducible lump is not a symptom of a hernia.

To diagnose a hernia, you usually need to speak with a trained hernia expert. They will perform an examination and/or take a detailed description of symptoms to confirm if you have a hernia. Ultrasound and other forms of imaging can be used to diagnose and learn more about hernias, but they need to be discussed with a hernia expert to get the best solution for you.

If you are concerned that you might have a hernia, our highly experienced Consultant Surgeon can help you understand your symptoms and options. Call us today and let us give you peace of mind.

Book your consultation today

No GP referral required
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Nuffield health Wessex – SO53 2DZ

Spire Southampton Hospital – SO16 6UY