Guide
Hernia repair on the NHS: what it involves and what it costs
Updated
Every figure on this site has a free alternative. Here is the NHS account of the same operation, in the NHS's own terms, including the parts that vary by area.
What the operation involves
The NHS describes an inguinal hernia as a swelling or lump caused by tissue or part of your bowel pushing through a weak spot in the top of your inner thigh, and repair as surgery to treat it. There are two main routes: laparoscopic keyhole surgery with a few small cuts in the tummy, or open surgery with one larger cut in the groin. You have either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic, and which is offered depends on where the hernia is, how big it is and your general health (nhs.uk).
The NHS sets out the steps: cuts are made, the hernia is pushed back into place, and a thin sheet of material called mesh is put over it and fixed with small stitches, though sometimes stitches alone are used. The surgery usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, and you can usually go home the same day.
Recovery, in the NHS's words
- How long
- The NHS says it usually takes up to 4 to 6 weeks to recover from an inguinal hernia repair, but that it can take longer.
- Time off work
- The NHS advises staying off work usually for at least 1 to 2 weeks, or up to 6 weeks if your job involves heavy lifting, and to speak to your surgeon about how long you need.
- Lifting
- The NHS says not to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
- What is normal afterwards
- The NHS lists some bleeding from the wound for a couple of days, pain around the wound for a few days, bruising or swelling for a couple of weeks, and numbness below the wound that usually fades.
- Baths and swimming
- The NHS says not to bathe or swim until the wound has healed, usually around 2 weeks, though you can normally shower a few days after surgery with a waterproof dressing.
Getting it done on the NHS
There is no charge. The NHS notes that an inguinal hernia may not need treatment at all if it is not causing symptoms, and that repair may be done where the hernia causes symptoms such as pain, or to prevent a blocked bowel or a strangulated hernia. Waiting times differ by hospital, so rather than quote a national figure we point you at the two things that are precise: in England the NHS sets a maximum 18-week wait for non-urgent consultant-led treatment and a right to ask for a different provider if you are likely to wait longer (nhs.uk), and your own hospital's waiting information is published weekly on My Planned Care.
The NHS lists symptoms that need urgent attention after a hernia repair, including a wound with pus, a high temperature, a worsening swollen or painful tummy, and throbbing or cramping pain in the leg. If any of that applies to you, contact NHS 111 or 999 as the NHS advises, not a price comparison page.