When Terry King was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia his GP referred him to Benenden Hospital for treatment.
What is an inguinal hernia?
A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weak area of muscle or surrounding wall tissue. There are several different types of hernia. An inguinal hernia (groin hernia) occurs when fatty tissue, or part of the bowel, pushes through the abdominal wall into the groin. The area the hernia moves into is called the inguinal canal.
Inguinal hernias occur mainly in men but can still affect women too, they can be sensitive or painful and can cause bulging in the groin area. Pain can be experienced during exercise, when coughing or bending over. It can be sharp with a burning sensation. Some people experience swelling in the scrotum and a sensation of fullness or heaviness in the groin.
Terry King's inguinal hernia repair
I was experiencing some pain and discomfort in the lower stomach area, also some swelling which worried me a little bit. So, I consulted my GP in Edenbridge and she swiftly diagnosed an inguinal hernia. After getting home, I realised that I was a patient, a member of Benenden (Health). So I rang up Benenden (Health) and they said, yes, this is something they do and do very well, apparently. So I went down to the doctors and said I'd like to be referred to Benenden (Hospital) and that process happened quite speedily and I was on the list.
So there I was, this was early summer and I quickly had appointments first with Mr Hasan, to make sure that the diagnosis was correct, which he confirmed and he set out the procedure, how it would roll out for me. And the operation was carried out in August, having only received diagnosis in early summer. So that was marvellous.
Well, I had the initial consultation down at Benenden (Hospital), which for me is a lovely drive out into the country and I had to do a COVID test, and also the pre-op and then the operation. So I had four visits and they all went pretty, very smoothly. It's about an hour's journey for me from Edenbridge and my wife accompanied me. It all went well. The nursing care was first class and a little bit like being in a hotel, being on holiday, your every need was pampered to and you're made very comfortable.
At home, my recovery time was probably only a matter of a month or so. I think after about a month I was back playing golf and not feeling any ill effects. I'm not a person to sit around and I was fairly soon on to gardening jobs that needed doing. So that was a real bonus for me. My life has been pretty much the same as it was before. Fully fit and able to do a multitude of hobbies and interests, without health issues hanging over me.
Yes, the highlight of my experience of being in the hospital was the seamlessly smooth transition from operating theatre to my private room, where I enjoyed a light snack in the knowledge that everything had gone fine and I had the rest of my life to look forward to unhindered by having waiting list issues hanging over me. Yes, I would definitely recommend Benenden Hospital and I have done to friends and family.
How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?
“I was experiencing some discomfort in my left side last year so I booked an appointment with my GP. After an examination of the area, I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. Once diagnosed, my GP referred me to Benenden Hospital for a consultation. I have been a member of Benenden Health for many years so it was a first choice for me.”
Laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia surgery
Terry said: “My first visit was for an initial consultation with Consultant General Surgeon, Mr Fazal Hasan who was very agreeable. On 6 August 2021, I had laparoscopic hernia surgery at Benenden Hospital. It was a same-day procedure, so my wife dropped me off at around midday and she picked me up at 7pm ready to return home. We live on the Surrey-Kent border near Sevenoaks so being a same-day procedure meant we didn’t have to do too many trips.”
A hernia repair is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and you’ll be in hospital for up to six hours post operation. Therefore, you may be required to stay overnight if your surgery is later in the day.
“Throughout my patient journey I felt very supported and was put at ease by my Consultant and the Nurses in the recovery area.”
Terry's post-surgery experience
“I had a phone call a week after my surgery as a check-up. I had no other side effects, apart from a slight twinge in the operation area.
“I’m a very active person, I attend a Pilates class every week, I love playing golf, going on long walks, visiting national trust properties and exploring historical places. I’m also very musical and I sing folk music and play concertina for a local Morris dancing side. After my hernia repair surgery, I could return to participating in my hobbies very quickly. Overall, I had a very positive experience at Benenden Hospital.”
Listen to Terry talking about his successful hernia surgery at Benenden Hospital.
Hernia treatments webinar and fast access to general surgery
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Published on 17 January 2023