Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgeon
Secretary: Elizabeth Venn
Telephone: 07903 069 861
Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgeon
As a specialist in abdominal wall and groin hernia surgery, Mr Clarke follows current national and international guidelines (see resources) using both keyhole (laparoscopic) and open techniques.
A hernia is a hole in the muscles of the abdominal wall, through which the contents of the abdomen (such as fat and/or the intestines) can protrude.
They can be present at birth or occur later in life. They often occur at points of natural weakness in the abdominal wall as a result of factors such as smoking, obesity, repeated heavy lifting or coughing. They can affect one or both sides.
When the hernia protrudes, commonly on standing or coughing, it may cause an aching or painful sensation. This often resolves on lying down so that the hernia can drop back inside or by pushing the hernia away. Sometimes the hernia will not drop back inside (irreducible). In severe cases this may cause ‘strangulation’ of the bowel or fat resulting in the need for emergency surgery. Alarm symptoms for this are redness or tenderness over the hernia, with or without vomiting.
A hernia will not normally heal on its own and may become bigger over time. In asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic male inguinal hernia patients, or in those with any type of hernia who are not fit for surgery or who wish to avoid surgery, a ‘watch and wait’ policy may be advised.
Surgery may be recommended:-
This will be discussed in detail in the outpatient clinic with Mr Clarke. There are several options available and the right one will depend on the type of hernia, patients’ symptoms and patient choice.
Open hernia repair can be carried out under local anaesthetic for simple groin, paraumbilical or incisional herniae, particularly if the patient is elderly, has a number of other medical conditions or if the patient chooses. This means that you are awake, but the area is numbed using an injection of local anaesthetic so that you don’t feel any pain. Advantages may include safety, earlier discharge and less risk of post-operative urinary problems than with general anaesthetic.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. It is thought to have advantages in reducing immediate and long-term post-operative pain, with quicker recovery. It is also recommended as treatment of choice for patients with bilateral groin herniae (i.e. both sides), recurrent herniae (has come back after previous repair), female groin herniae and those at risk of chronic pain (younger patients, those where pain is main symptom or those with chronic pain issues normally). In some cases the keyhole approach cannot be used due to previous major abdominal surgery or the size of the hernia which will be discussed with you in the clinic.
Once a decision is made to go ahead with surgery, you will need to attend the pre-assessment clinic, at which a number of routine checks and blood tests will be performed. The choice of procedure will have been discussed in clinic.
This will be performed under general or local anaesthetic. A single cut (incision) is made over the hernia (around 5-8cm long). The contents of the hernia are pushed away (reduced) and a piece of mesh is secured with stitching (suturing) at the weakened area. The skin is injected with local anaeshetic for post-operative pain relief and the skin closed with a dissolvable stitch.
General anaesthetic is used, so you will be asleep during the operation. 3 small cuts (incisions) measuring <1cm are made in the lower abdomen beneath the belly button. A thin camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one of these incisions. Instruments are then passed through the muscle wall and a space is created between the muscle wall and the peritoneal cavity (lining covering your organs). The hernia contents are pushed away (reduced) and a piece of mesh material is placed to cover the weakened area. The incisions are injected with local anaesthetic for post-operative pain relief and then closed using dissolvable stitches.
This will be performed under general or local anaesthetic. A single cut (incision) is made over the hernia, the hernia contents are pushed away (reduced) and the weakened area is closed using a stitch (suture) +/- mesh material. The incision is injected with local anaesthetic for post-operative pain relief and closed using a dissolvable stitch.
This will be performed under general anaesthetic. 3 small cuts (incjsions) <1cm are made on one side of the abdomen. A thin camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one of these incisions into the peritoneal cavity (lining containing your organs). Instruments are passed through the muscle wall, the contents of the hernia are pushed away (reduced) and a mesh is secured at the weakened area using small staples or glue. The incisions are injected with local anaesthetic for post-operative pain relief and closed with dissolvable stitches.
This will be performed under general or local anaesthetic. A single cut (incision) is made over the old scar, the hernia contents are pushed away (reduced) and the weakened area is closed using stitches (sutures) and mesh material. The incision is injected with local anaesthetic for post-operative pain relief and closed using a dissolvable stitch.
This will be performed under general anaesthetic. 3-5 small cuts (incjsions) <1cm are made at the side(s) of the abdomen away from the old scar. A thin camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one of these incisions into the peritoneal cavity (lining containing your organs). Instruments are passed through the muscle wall, the contents of the hernia are pushed away (reduced) and a mesh is secured at the weakened area using small staples or glue. The incisions are injected with local anaesthetic for post-operative pain relief and closed with dissolvable stitches.
These less common types of hernia may be performed with laparoscopic (keyhole) or open surgery depending on their size and site. The exact details of surgery would be discussed with you in the outpatient clinic.
Most patients undergoing simple groin, paraumbilical and incisional hernia repair are discharged on the same day as the operation (daycase). Patients are normally ready to be discharged around 3-6 hours following surgery. You will be discharged with painkillers and written post-operative instructions. All stitches are dissolvable. The waterproof dressings are suitable for the shower and can be removed after 7 days.
Full recovery takes 1-2 weeks after open and laparoscopic (keyhole) groin or paraumbilical hernia surgery. Recovery after laparoscopic (keyhole) incisional hernia surgery is similar but may take 4-6 weeks after open incisional hernia surgery.
I highly commend his approachable friendly manner. He made me feel at ease and informed through all aspects of my treatment and surgery.
Surgery, care and follow-up were carried out to a very high standard. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mr Clarke to others.
I found Mr Clarke extremely confident in this line of surgery, knowledgeable and very nice. Had a great ability to keep me at ease throughout.
Perfect from referral to discharge. Everything explained fully. Every discussion with Mr Clarke was perfectly judged.
Mr Clarke was outstanding from the start of my treatment to the end. He was empathetic, knowledgeable, respectful and made you feel at ease.
Mr Clarke was extremely efficient both in consultation and surgery. He was very caring and took time to explain procedures.I would highly recommend him.
Very pleased with outcome of op from Mr Clarke. Just like 2016 he was very helpful and so professional. Would definitely recommend.
Excellent manner both in consultation, pre- and post-op. Would definitely be happy to see him and recommend to others requiring surgery.
Mr Clarke made the whole experience a breeze. So calm, polite and understanding of patients' needs.
My introduction to Mr Clarke was met with a warm smile and a firm handshake. He was professional and friendly and put me at ease. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr Clarke.
Mr Clarke did everything he said he would. Appointments came through quickly and I was made to feel comfortable and I had confidence in Mr Clarke from the outset.
Mr Clarke has been most helpful to my specific situation. He made allowances for me and adapted to my particular health issues.
Mr Clarke could not have done more for me. He looked after me and made me feel important and safe.
Whole experience was very professional, so felt safe in his hands. Communication so important and Mr Clarke was brilliant.