Hernia (Inguinal) Repair (Laparoscopic) (TEP)

A hernia may occur when the muscle tissue in your abdomen becomes weak. Sometimes an internal part of your body, such as the intestine, can push through such a weakness resulting in a lump protruding from your abdomen.

Most patients who contract a hernia will notice that it develops somewhere between the chest and hips. The lump that you see there may disappear when you lie down or can often be temporarily pushed back in. Coughing or straining may cause the lump to return again.

There are many types of hernia each of which describes a different cause for the lump that appears on the abdomen.

An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall. A hernia can be dangerous because your intestines or other structures within your abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).

The inguinal hernia repair operation is a surgical procedure that takes roughly 30 minutes and is performed under general anaesthetic. There two laparoscopic versions of the procedure, this one is known as the TEP procedure. Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation. Your surgeon will return the part of the abdomen that is causing the hernia and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.

Patients who undergo the inguinal hernia repair operation should be able to return home on the same day. Your doctor will recommend gradually increasing the speed at which you walk around over about five days. You should be able to return to your work after one or two weeks. It is possible that the hernia will return even after undergoing surgery.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal as quickly as possible. Before beginning a course of exercise consult with your medical team for advice.

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.Inguinal hernia repair (TEP) treatment is available at the One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire and the One Ashford Hospital in Kent.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Hernia (Inguinal) Repair (Laparoscopic) (TEP) treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Ashford Hospital

Why One Ashford Hospital

  • Access to leading Consultants within 48 hours*
  • Spread the cost with finance**
  • Competitive fixed-price packages
  • Modern purpose-built hospital
  • Private, spacious, ensuite rooms
  • Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
  • Little waiting time for surgery
  • Calm, dignified experience


*Dependent on Consultant availability
**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Kent, Maidstone, Dover, Canterbury or Folkestone and would like to visit the One Ashford Hospital please click here

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