Ventral Hernias
Abdominal Wall Hernias
There are several different types of ventral hernias, also called abdominal wall hernias. At Hernia Clinic Hampshire, we have extensive experience with the types of hernias listed below. Our Consultant Surgeon is an expert in repairing ventral hernias in all manner of patients, young and old, male and female and with different health conditions and needs.
Here, we provide information on what the different types of ventral hernias are and our approach to repairing them. We aim to give you peace of mind about your hernia and your options.
4 Types of Ventral Hernias We Repair
Repairing hernias is a specialist task. Our team focuses on delivering the best personalised care and, therefore, only provides surgery for the following 4 types of ventral hernias:
1. What Are Paraumbilical Hernias?
Paraumbilical hernias are also known as belly button hernias or umbilical hernias. These affect a weakness in your abdominal wall called the umbilicus, where the umbilical cord joins a growing foetus to the mum. While these hernias are common and can be present in anyone, obesity and pregnancy are common causes.
A true umbilical hernia is caused by an umbilical weakness that is present since birth, while a paraumbilical hernia is a new weakness located to the side of the umbilicus.
How Do We Repair Paraumbilical Hernias?
We recommend and offer paraumbilical hernia repairs under local anaesthetic and sedation . This innovative approach has been refined by our Consultant Surgeon over a number of years, and we are one of the only experts in Hampshire using this approach.
We chose this approach when possible because the recovery time is quicker, we can test your repair during your operation and patients are able to walk out of the hospital within hours after their hernia surgery.
Read more about the benefits of Local Anaesthetic and Sedation for Hernia Surgery
Repair is straightforward but recurrence can be higher for this type of hernia than other types. Surgical repairs can only be attempted 2-3 times. To improve the chances of success, it is important to modify risks prior to the surgery, such as stopping smoking and achieving a BMI less than 33.
We have created an approach to repairing paraumbilical hernias that, in almost all cases, eliminates recurrence.
2. What Are Epigastric Hernias?
Epigastric hernias occur halfway between the bottom of the breastbone and the belly button. There is no natural weakness here, but damage to this site is a common cause. These hernias can push through one or both layers of connective tissue.
If they only come through one layer, some argue they are not technically a hernia, but they can still cause symptoms the same way a hernia can.
How Do We Repair Epigastric Hernias?
We recommend and repair epigastric hernias under local anaesthetic and sedation , in much the same way as a paraumbilical hernia (described above) with very similar results.
3. What Are Spigelian Hernias or Lateral Hernias?
A spigelian hernia and a lateral hernia are the same thing. They are rare, and quite complex to explain.
Spigelian hernias come through muscle rather than connective tissue. They can be caused as our muscles weaken and are partially replaced by fatty tissue as we age. Spigelian hernias, or lateral hernias, also become more likely as abdominal pressure increases with activity or weight gain.
Increased pressure can cause the muscle fibres to part and a spigelian hernia to push through. While these hernias can push through 3 layers of muscles, they do not always push through all 3 layers which can make them symptomatic but hard to spot on clinical examination or imaging.
How Do We Repair Spigelian Hernias?
Spigelian hernias can be repaired under local anaesthetic and sedation, if it better suits the patient.
While these hernias are uncommon, at Hernia Clinic Hampshire we repair as many spigelian hernias in a year as most general surgeons will repair in their career. This experience has helped us gain expertise in the treatment and recovery from these hernias.
4. What Are Incisional Hernias?
Incisional hernias occur through an old surgical incision. The wound remodels and gains strength over the first year after surgery, but is never as strong as it was before the incision was made. The more times the same incision is opened, the weaker it becomes.
Additional risks include smoking, which prevents strong connective tissue, and a higher BMI, which puts more pressure on the abdominal wall, particularly where there is an old incision.
How Do We Repair Incisional Hernias?
Repair of an incisional hernia is more complex and needs imaging as there are usually multiple defects that need repairs. When these additional defects are identified during surgery, they too can be repaired. This means incisional hernia repair surgery is performed under general anaesthetic .
It is particularly important to use a hernia support while recovering from this operation.
I was worried about having surgery for my spigelian hernia as it is considered a rare occurrence. However, Mr Kirkby-Bott put me at ease and explained everything regarding the procedure and what to expect afterwards. The operation went ahead as planned in this excellent facility and I was home within a few hours.
Apart from a couple of days of discomfort afterwards, I healed very quickly and was back to normal within four weeks. I am very impressed with Mr Kirkby-Bott’s surgery and my scar looks like just a scratch.
How Much Does Ventral Hernia Treatment Cost?
Depending on your hernia type, the surgery package price may vary, but they are all competitively priced and all-inclusive, covering your expert Consultant Surgeon, Anaesthetist fees, Hospital fees, post-surgery follow up and access to our bespoke Rehabilitation Exercise Programme
Check out details about our hernia Rehabilitation Exercise Programme here
By choosing to go private for your hernia surgery, you choose to reactivate your life through quick, high-quality hernia treatment. Financing can be arranged, and we also work with all medical insurance providers. We are able to provide the following price estimates:
Umbilical/Paraumbilical Hernia Surgery under local anaesthetic and sedation from: £3,700
Epigastric Hernia Surgery under local anaesthetic and sedation from: £4,000
Spigelian Hernia Surgery under local anaesthetic and sedation from: £4,900
Incisional Hernia Surgery under general anaesthetic from: around £5,500* (*prices can vary – talk to us for a price estimate)