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Original poster

Hernia op

5 replies

WeeWeegieChick · 10/01/2026 19:07

I've got a really small hernia above my belly button that I have had for 18 years. I saw a consultant at the time but they said as I was planning more children I should just leave it and see how things go.

It's been trouble free but over the last year it's gotten quite achy at times and yesterday the hernia was visible for the first time since it happened. It's popped back in now but still achy.

I'm going to contact my GP on Monday to discuss getting un repaired but wondered if anyone has had surgery for one?

my biggest concern is a general anaesthetic, can the repair be done under local?

OP posts:
Greybeardy · 10/01/2026 19:15

it's routine day case stuff unless it's massive (in which case it might need an overnight stay). Not an operation I'd want done under local though (doi: am an anaesthetist!).

bridezillaincoming · 10/01/2026 21:45

I’ve two epigastric hernias and I'm having the operation at the beginning of Feb. So I’ll come back and let you know! They did say it would be open surgery not keyhole and that they won’t know until they actually do the op whether it’ll be fixed with stitches or mesh. Side note… I’ve been waiting over a year for this operation so waiting lists are long!
edit to add that they said i will have to be put to sleep for the operation and ive had to have blood tests and 2 pre ops! So im not worried about it ☺️

bridezillaincoming · 29/01/2026 21:43

I’ve had mine done today! Home tucked up in bed now. Worst part was not being allowed to eat or have a cup of tea with milk, black tea is gross btw 🤢 was put under general anaesthetic, operation took around 45 mins (I had mine repaired with mesh) they originally said they would probably repair using stitches only but on accessing the size of my ‘bulge’ they opted for the mesh which I’m actually quite pleased about, as less chance of it reoccurring. I was given fentanyl just before they put me to sleep and when I woke, I won’t lie it was incredibly sore and they gave me 2 more lots of fentanyl. That was a few hours ago now and I must admit I’m feeling okay and it’s not really painful now, more uncomfortable if anything. I’ll update if anything changes to prepare you if you do have yours done! Take care!

Original poster
WeeWeegieChick · 30/01/2026 07:16

bridezillaincoming · 29/01/2026 21:43

I’ve had mine done today! Home tucked up in bed now. Worst part was not being allowed to eat or have a cup of tea with milk, black tea is gross btw 🤢 was put under general anaesthetic, operation took around 45 mins (I had mine repaired with mesh) they originally said they would probably repair using stitches only but on accessing the size of my ‘bulge’ they opted for the mesh which I’m actually quite pleased about, as less chance of it reoccurring. I was given fentanyl just before they put me to sleep and when I woke, I won’t lie it was incredibly sore and they gave me 2 more lots of fentanyl. That was a few hours ago now and I must admit I’m feeling okay and it’s not really painful now, more uncomfortable if anything. I’ll update if anything changes to prepare you if you do have yours done! Take care!

Edited

That's really helpful to know.

Hope you managed to sleep well and recovery goes to plan x

OP posts:
HelpMeGetThrough · 30/01/2026 08:04

i had this, an umbilical hernia. Simple operation. I had it done on a Monday afternoon at 2pm and left the hospital at 7pm.

Surgery was apparently 30 minutes. I did a 400 mile drive to Yorkshire a week later.

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