General Surgery
At Probus Surgical Centre, we offer fast access to high quality treatment via NHS or Private routes for you. We deliver a selection of treatments with low waiting times and excellent clinical outcomes, to help get you back to feeling fit and well again sooner.
Listed below are some of the surgical procedures we offer at Probus Surgical Centre.
Hernias
The most common hernias, usually in men, appear in the groin and can be on the right or left side. The hernia appears as a bulge caused by a weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen. Above the groin is a small hole in the muscle wall of the abdomen where arteries and veins pass to the testicle or vulva. A weakness may be caused in this area through heavy lifting or some other strain. This results in a part of the bowel bulging (inguinal or femoral hernia). You may feel discomfort when coughing, standing for long periods, or carrying out some vigorous activity. Another type of hernia occurs around the belly button (umbilical).
You may at first find relief by lying down, which stops the hernia from bulging, but the only cure is an operation. The hernia is not dangerous but the discomfort will continue if not seen-to. If left too long, it may become strangulated. This is when the loop of the bowel, which forms the hernia, twists on itself. Some people have hernias for years, but they have to be aware not to strain themselves which may stifle their lifestyle unnecessarily. It can be better to have the operation.
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A hernia operation can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic. The surgeon will prescribe what is best for you. At Probus Surgical Centre this operation is performed under local anaesthetic.
An incision is made measuring six to ten centimetres long above the groin.
Local anaesthetic is injected into the area of the cut. One of the muscle layers is opened and the hernia is then carefully put back in place and a repair is made to strengthen the weakened area. The repair can consist of two or more layers of stitches or by stitching a mesh over the whole area. Both of these methods give very good lasting results. Once again the surgeon will decide what is required depending on what type of hernia he finds.
Local anaesthetic procedure:
PLEASE NOTE: General anaesthetic and Laparoscopic surgery are also options but these are not available at Probus Surgical Centre. If you wish to have either a general anaesthetic or laparoscopic surgery, please contact us on 01726 885104. -
Our Practice Nurse will telephone you 3-7 days prior to your operation to discuss your pre-op care.
Please take a bath or shower the day or the operation – please follow our shaving instructions before you attend.
On the day, you can have a light meal up to 2 hours before your operation. You may be given a Voltarol suppositories prior to your operation.
If you are on warfarin, clopidgogrel or dipyridamole (persantin) or any another anti-coagulant, please contact our surgical team for further information prior to your operation.
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You will be able to go home on the same day but you MUST have a responsible adult to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
You should not drive until you feel comfortable to do so. You must be confident that you can keep control during an emergency (check with your Insurance Company to make sure you are covered) or as advised by the doctor. You should also avoid heavy lifting until you feel comfortable or as advised by your doctor.
We will advise you on pain relief after your operation to keep you comfortable and you may be prescribed some.
The operation site will be covered with a dressing. The nurse will advise you when you can shower as this can vary.
The wound will be held closed with dissolvable stitches.
Men Only: You are advised to wear tight underwear for at least a week to prevent bruising and swelling of genital area.
You will be telephoned the next working day after your operation to see how you are getting on. You will not routinely receive a follow up appointment and you will be discharged back to your GP, if you have any queries post-op, please contact us on 01726 885104.
If you are worried about your recovery from this operation, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your own doctor or Probus Surgical Centre.
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Any operation may lead to complications and these include the following:
Infection, Bleeding, Haematoma/Seroma, Scrotal Swelling and bruising
Injury to Bowels/Bladder/Nerves/Vas/Blood vessels
Numbness
Men: Testicular atrophy, Reduced fertility, Removal of testis
Blood clots (legs or lungs)
Recurrence of hernia
Chronic wound pain
Mesh infection/Migration/Erosion
Your doctor will help you decide between the advantages and risks.
Click the buttons below to open/ download patient information leaflets and consent forms…
Students
We are a teaching and training practice. Sometimes medical students or doctors in training may wish to observe or participate in procedures or operations. They will always be supervised by a senior doctor and will only participate with your approval.
If you do not wish to be seen by trainees or students you are perfectly entitled to withhold your consent.
Where to get advice
If you have any concerns during your post-op period, you can get advice or help from one of these sources.
Contact our surgical team on 01726 885104 during office hours (Monday - Friday 08:30 - 16:30).
Your own doctor or nurse if it is easier for you.
Out of hours GP service- contact 111 or the OOH number provided by your surgery.
Your local emergency department
“From the lady on reception to the nurses and of course the doctor, I received first class service and treatment. From the bottom of my heart a big, big thank you.”