Surgery · Hernia

Surgery for inguinal and umbilical hernia

A lump in the groin or near the navel that gets bigger when you cough and smaller when you lie down? It may be a hernia. Surgery puts the protruding tissue back and closes the weak spot in the muscles. At HR Clinic, MUDr. Martin Kašpar operates as day surgery.

Book a surgical consultation How the operation works
  • No referral from a GP needed
  • Operated on by MUDr. Martin Kašpar

Planned surgery for adults

2 weeksusually from diagnosis to surgery
until surgery
2 weeksusually from the diagnosis
procedure time
30–90 minis how long the procedure itself usually takes
back to work
1–2 weeksusually, up to 6 weeks for heavy physical work
recovery
4–6 weeksis how long full recovery usually takes, sometimes longer

When surgery is considered

A lump in the groin or near the navel

A hernia develops when part of the bowel or surrounding fat pushes through a weak spot in the muscles of the abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia appears in the groin, where the thigh meets the abdomen. An umbilical hernia bulges out below or near the navel.

  1. A bulge that changes

    The lump in the groin or near the navel may get bigger when you cough, sneeze or strain and smaller when you lie down. The skin over it may feel tight.

  2. Heaviness and pulling

    An inguinal hernia often shows as a feeling of heaviness and a pull toward the leg. An umbilical hernia in adults is usually not painful, but it can be uncomfortable when coughing or straining.

  3. Do not ignore pain

    Pain in or around the hernia is more common with smaller hernias and can be a sign of strangulation. A large hernia, on the other hand, may not hurt, because the weak spot is stretched.

  4. Who is at higher risk

    In umbilical hernias in adults, being overweight, several pregnancies or a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, for example due to liver disease, play a role. Smoking and a cough that does not go away also raise the risk of some hernias.

Diagram of a cross-section through the abdominal wall: on the left a healthy wall, on the right a hernia, where the bowel, in a sac of the inner lining, pushes through a weak spot in the muscle layer and makes the skin bulge Healthy abdominal wall Hernia: bulge through a weak spot
  • skin
  • subcutaneous tissue
  • muscles of the abdominal wall
  • inner lining of the abdomen
  • bowel
Simplified diagram of a cross-section through the abdominal wall, not an actual image.

Treatment

Monitor or operate?

Not every hernia needs surgery right away. It depends on the type of hernia, its size and the symptoms it causes. The right approach is decided by the doctor at the consultation.

Step 1

Examination

First, be sure what it is.

  • The surgeon examines the hernia and determines its type
  • An inguinal hernia that causes no symptoms may not need treatment right away

Step 2

What you can do yourself

Less strain on the abdominal wall.

  • If you are overweight, lose weight and keep a healthy weight
  • Regular exercise, no smoking
  • Have a cough that does not go away checked

Step 3

Surgery

When the hernia causes trouble or complications threaten.

  • The hernia causes symptoms, such as pain
  • Surgery prevents strangulation and bowel obstruction
  • An umbilical hernia in adults usually does not go away on its own, so surgery is usually recommended

Not sure whether it is a hernia? An examination will tell. Book a consultation

How the procedure works

From booking to going home

During surgery the hernia is put back in place and the weak spot is closed with stitches or reinforced with a thin mesh. In general, hernias are operated on in two main ways: through several small cuts with a camera (laparoscopically) or through one longer cut (open surgery). The surgeon decides which is right for you based on the location and size of the hernia and your general health.

  1. Booking

    Online or by phone. No referral from a GP is needed.

    online or by phone

  2. Consultation and examination

    MUDr. Kašpar examines the hernia, makes the diagnosis and explains how he will operate.

    diagnosis and treatment plan

  3. Surgery

    We will tell you in advance when to stop eating and drinking. The procedure itself usually takes 30 to 90 minutes.

    usually within 2 weeks of the diagnosis

  4. Home

    You go home as soon as everything is in order. Do not drive after surgery; arrange for someone to take you home.

    we stay in touch

Recovery

Walking yes, heavy lifting no

After surgery it is common to have pain around the wound for a few days, bruising or swelling around the wound or in the genital area for a few weeks, and numbness below the wound that usually fades gradually. After surgery through small cuts, bloating or shoulder pain may bother you for a few days.

Room of the short-stay ward at HR Clinic

  1. The first days

    Painkillers as recommended by your doctor and plenty of light activity, such as walking. When coughing or sneezing, hold your palm against the wound. You can usually shower after a few days with a waterproof dressing.

  2. 1 to 2 weeks

    That is usually how long it takes to return to work, up to 6 weeks for heavy physical work. You can take a bath and swim once the wound has healed, usually after about two weeks.

  3. 4 to 6 weeks

    During this time, do not lift heavy loads and avoid strenuous activity. Full recovery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer. Ask your doctor when you can drive again.

MUDr. Martin Kašpar, head of surgery at HR Clinic

Who operates

MUDr. Martin Kašpar, head of surgery

A surgeon with thirty years of experience in surgery and surgical oncology. He examines you, makes the diagnosis and performs the operation. Throughout your treatment you are in direct contact with him.

More about MUDr. Kašpar Surgery at HR Clinic

Price We will tell you the price of the procedure at the consultation, depending on the findings and the scope of the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What patients ask most often

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Surgery at HR Clinic MUDr. Martin Kašpar How HR Clinic works
Does a hernia need surgery?

Not always right away. An inguinal hernia that causes no symptoms may not need treatment. Surgery is considered when the hernia causes symptoms, such as pain, and to prevent strangulation or bowel obstruction. An umbilical hernia in adults usually does not go away on its own, so surgery is usually recommended. We will discuss the approach at the consultation.

Will I be asleep during surgery?

An umbilical hernia is usually operated on under general anesthesia. An inguinal hernia is operated on under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, where you are awake but feel nothing. We will discuss in advance which anesthesia is right for you.

How soon can I have the operation?

The time from diagnosis to the procedure is usually no more than two weeks. We set the date based on the results of the examination.

How long will I stay at the clinic?

The operation is done as day surgery, and the stay at the clinic does not exceed 24 hours. You go home as soon as everything is in order.

What are the risks?

Complications are not common. They include wound infection, a lump or swelling at the hernia site for several weeks to months, a larger bruise in the groin, pain or numbness in the groin for longer than 3 months, the hernia coming back, injury to nearby organs or a blood clot. Your doctor will explain the risks before the procedure.

When to get in touch after surgery?

If pus comes out of the wound or it is painful, swollen, warm or red, if it bleeds a lot, if you have a fever or chills, the swelling or abdominal pain gets worse, you are still vomiting 24 hours after the operation, you have throbbing or cramping pain in your leg, or you find it harder to breathe.

Does health insurance cover the operation?

No. HR Clinic is a private clinic and patients pay for their care themselves. No referral from a GP is needed.

Booking

Book a surgical consultation

Online or by phone, at the clinic in Znojmo. No referral from a GP is needed.

Book a consultation
Book a consultation