Understanding Hernias
Abdominal wall hernias are among the most common surgical conditions worldwide. They occur when tissue or a part of an organ pushes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. Some hernias cause little more than discomfort, but others can enlarge, become painful, or lead to complications that need urgent surgery.
RCG Health — a multidisciplinary team founded and led by consultant surgeon Mr Ricardo Camprodon — provides patients with careful assessment, clear explanations, and safe, evidence-based hernia repair when needed.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia forms when the abdominal wall muscles weaken or split, allowing tissue such as fat or bowel to protrude through. This often creates a visible or palpable lump, which may increase in size when standing or straining and reduce when lying down.
Common symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling in the abdomen or groin
- Pain or discomfort, especially when coughing, lifting, or exercising
- A dragging or heavy sensation
- Nausea, vomiting, or severe pain if the hernia becomes trapped (incarcerated) or strangulated (blood supply cut off)
Types of Abdominal Wall Hernias
Epigastric Hernia
- Found in the upper abdomen between the breastbone and the navel
- Usually small and containing fat, but can cause pain or cosmetic concern
- Surgical repair is straightforward and often performed as a day case
Ventral Hernia
- Occurs anywhere in the abdominal wall
- May develop naturally or after surgery (incisional hernia)
- Can enlarge with time, sometimes requiring mesh reinforcement for a strong repair
Umbilical and Paraumbilical Hernia
- Occur around the belly button
- Umbilical hernias are common in children and may close naturally
- Paraumbilical hernias develop in adults and often enlarge
- Repair is usually recommended once symptoms appear or the hernia increases in size
Inguinal Hernia
- The most common type, affecting the groin
- More frequent in men due to natural weakness in the groin canal
- Can cause bulging, pain, and limit daily activities
- Repair may be open or laparoscopic, often with mesh for strength
Femoral Hernia
- Less common, but more frequent in women
- Occurs in the upper thigh, just below the groin crease
- Higher risk of complications such as strangulation, so prompt repair is usually recommended
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually straightforward with a clinical examination. Ultrasound or CT scans may be arranged if the diagnosis is unclear or if the hernia is complex.
Treatment Options
Watchful Waiting
Small, symptom-free hernias may be monitored. However, most hernias enlarge with time, and there is always a risk of incarceration or strangulation.
Surgery
Surgery is the only permanent treatment. Options include:
- Open repair: an incision over the hernia site, with or without mesh reinforcement
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair: several small incisions, a camera, and delicate instruments, usually with mesh placement
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include:
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster return to normal activities and work
- Lower recurrence rates in certain hernia types
The choice of repair depends on the hernia type, size, and each patient’s health and lifestyle.
Surgical Expertise and Outcomes
Hernia repairs are performed by Mr Ricardo Camprodon, consultant general and upper GI surgeon, supported by the wider RCG Health multidisciplinary team. His practice includes everything from routine inguinal and umbilical repairs to complex ventral and recurrent hernias.
- Annual volume: 120+ hernia repairs
- Last 3 years: over 350 hernia operations
- Laparoscopic approach: ~75% of cases (well above the UK average of ~40%)
- Independent benchmarking: outcomes consistently above national standards (NHS Model Hospital data)
Laparoscopic vs Open – Last 3 Years
| Hernia Type | Laparoscopic | Open | National Average (laparoscopic)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inguinal | ~85% | ~15% | ~50% |
| Umbilical / Paraumbilical | ~60% | ~40% | ~25% |
| Ventral / Epigastric | ~70% | ~30% | ~30% |
| Femoral | ~65% | ~35% | ~20% |
* NHS Model Hospital and national audit data
➡️ This high adoption of laparoscopy reflects a commitment to modern, minimally invasive surgery, which is associated with:
- Faster recovery and return to activity
- Lower risk of wound infection
- Less pain after surgery
- Reduced recurrence in selected hernia types
Overall Results vs National Average
| Measure | RCG Health | National Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual hernia repairs | ~120+ cases/year | - |
| Laparoscopic approach | ~75% | ~40% |
| Readmission (30 days) | <2% | 5–7% |
| Same-day/overnight discharge | >90% | ~65% |
| Complication rate | <2% | ~5% |
* NHS Model Hospital and national audit data
Recovery After Hernia Surgery
Most patients recover quickly after modern hernia repair:
- Same day: up and walking within hours
- Next day: light activity encouraged
- Return to work: 1–2 weeks for desk-based jobs; 3–4 weeks for manual work
- Exercise: gentle activity early; return to sport/gym after 4–6 weeks
- Pain: usually mild and managed with simple painkillers
Risks
Hernia repair is very safe, but as with all operations, small risks exist:
- Wound infection
- Bruising or bleeding
- Mesh-related complications (rare with modern techniques)
- Recurrence of the hernia (minimised with mesh and specialist repair)
Complication and recurrence rates with Mr Camprodon and the RCG Health team are consistently lower than national averages, thanks to high surgical volumes, consultant-led operating, and a strong laparoscopic focus.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you have a hernia and develop:
- Sudden, severe abdominal or groin pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- A hernia lump that becomes hard, tender, or irreducible
These may indicate incarceration or strangulation, which are surgical emergencies.
Where Private Patients Are Seen
- Spire Little Aston Hospital – Sutton Coldfield
- The Priory Hospital (Circle Health Group) – Edgbaston
📞 07708 029 566 • ✉️ debbieshields.medsec@gmail.com