Patient Feedback

I had an inguinal hernia op, under local anaesthetic

At 9:30 I went down for my op which took a mere 30 minutes.

By midday, I had already had lunch and my discharge was being sorted.

I left at 1pm, unaccompanied, taxi to Waterloo and caught the train home.

Within a week I was walking 4-5km and now just short of a month after my op, I went for a 5km run 👍.
The care was fabulous, all the nurses were wonderful, kind, helpful and a good sense of humour.

In summary, very positive experience in the hands of an excellent team.

I’m extremely happy about how the procedure went

After two days I was fully able to walk anywhere without any of the original pain at all, and after three days I resumed my work as a joiner- although gently, for the first week. After the first week I was able to work almost completely normally, and now – two weeks on – I’m working as I was before the procedure (but without the discomfort).

My first repair by yourselves five years ago (on the other side) never gives problems.

Overall, extremely happy with the whole experience. I was kept informed at all times, and the staff and facilities were excellent.
Thank you!

I had an umbilical hernia which was operated on with such care that I experienced no post-operative pain. Excellent care and supervision.

I am so glad that I had the procedure when I did, as I was having symptoms that indicated that I needed to have it done ASAP!!

I now don’t have to worry about it any more & can crack on with being a busy Mum again, doing all the fun & crazy things I do with my toddlers!!!

I am so glad I had it done!!

The hospital environment was also AMAZING!! It was calm, relaxing and the staff were extremely attentive and kind. Thank you.

Being regarded as a ‘Wimp’ by my Good Lady when it comes to pain, I was overjoyed that I did not need ANY painkillers following the operation, which was carried out in an efficient and friendly manner.

I felt at ease as soon as I met my surgeon.

Impressed with the hospital and all the staff that we came into contact with.

I will certainly be recommending The British Hernia Centre to any hernia sufferers. Many thanks.

I had my operation seven weeks ago, after hesitating over it for more than a year. My only regret is wasting all that time when I could have been back to normal so much sooner.

Your team was fantastic – very reassuring, friendly and patient – and the whole process really was quick and easy.

In short, I’m very glad that I had my hernia repaired at The British Hernia Centre by experts and specialists. Should I ever get another, I’ll be going back there, and I shan’t be wasting any time.

Had my hernia operation 10 days ago and am so happy I chose the Hernia centre over my local hospital.

Having been afraid of having a general anaesthetic I was so glad to have been made aware that only light sedation was used. This was my main reason for choosing here for the procedure.

I was even afraid of sedation but now would have no hesitation in the future. I was able to talk to the team during the procedure although I did fall asleep. All staff were most friendly and understanding.

Every day I have improved and been for a 10,000 step walk today. The scar seems to have healed as per the instructions to the point. I have confidence this will improve further and I will be back on the golf course soon.

Many thanks to the team

I was delighted with the result of my femoral hernia surgery. I travelled from the north of England, staying two nights in a hotel close by.

The procedure and after-care treatment were excellent. My surgeon and the anaesthetist are exceptionally skilled and I felt well-informed and completely reassured throughout the day and afterwards. The nursing staff were caring and supportive.

I am someone who bruises easily so I couldn’t believe that I had virtually no bruising around the incision site. I don’t know how that is even possible! After a week I felt good and back to everyday life and exercise.I now have no swelling at all. Six months later I can hardly see any scar. In fact it is difficult to believe that I have even had an operation.

Bravo British Hernia Centre! and Thank you

Took painkillers the first day only. I was back at work 3 days after the op.

My recovery was faster than my other hernia repair you did for me 19 years ago!

It all went very well and the stay overnight with a good dinner and a good breakfast a big help.

The medical and nursing staff were kind and very caring.

I was back to my normal routine in 5 days. I feel I was in very good hands.

Having just recommended a friend to come here for hernia surgery, I am reminded about my own large inguinal hernia which, before having a tension free repair here five months ago, I used to think about every day but now never crosses my mind!

I am so very grateful for the excellent and expert care that I received. My surgeon and anaesthetist, both kind and caring, were highly skilled and the operation seemed to be over very speedily. I returned home the same day after frequent checks by the charming nurses and for the next few days experienced only mild discomfort, easily remedied by the occasional paracetamol.

The aftercare information provided by the unit was detailed and helpful and when I had a query before flying off on holiday a week later, I received an immediate and reassuring email response from my surgeon.

The whole team provided a very positive experience and an excellent result. I can now wear whatever dresses and jeans I choose without the unpleasant bulge of a hernia showing. Many thanks to you all.

I had a sudden Inguinal Hernia in mid July. My GP warned me – push it back in but ‘if it gets very painful go to A&E because it could go horribly wrong’. My wife was talking to a friend who told us of The British Hernia Centre. Three days later we drove up to them at the Lindo Wing. Seven days later we drove.100 miles again,up early am. Job done – lots of TLC – advice on what to do and not to do – Lovely lunch. Stretched along the back seat of the car – in bed AT HOME by 5:30pm.

Now ten days on I feel so good. Walking gently, nap in early afternoon, dressing off at home with “Peeleasy” – perfect scar -no stitches to worry about.

If you feel a hernia, DO NOT wait for NHS. Get up to The British Hernia Centre. It is the best money I have ever spent. Trust me. I’m 84!

Although after lots of “homework” I had decided to have my inguinal hernia repaired by The British Hernia Centre, I was, I must admit, a bit sceptical about some of their claims of quick recovery periods.

However, I can honestly say that I have been astonished at my rapid recovery after my surgery. Within about 2 hours or so of my operation I was out shopping! YES REALLY!! I have had zero pain and only some very mild discomfort. My social life has not in any way been disrupted and I sit in my office typing this 76 hours after surgery and I will be able to do a full day’s work with ease. I’m about to email my surgeon at the Centre to get a little advice in order to ensure I don’t overdo it physically ……I feel so incredibly well.

I came over from France, had my operation on Friday and then enjoyed the rest of the weekend in the UK shopping with my wife and eating out with friends!!

I remain utterly amazed!

I would like to express my gratitude to you all, especially the surgeon and the team, for your superb service.

Every aspect of my experience was a pleasure, from ward care to surgery, post operation and recovery.

It was a joy to know I was being taken care of by such a professional and good humoured team.
I will not hesitate in recommending The British Hernia Centre.

I am very happy. Went skiing 10 days after the op (still doing so) with no ill-effect.

The surgeon was excellent, ~ nurses too, let me out quickly.

No painkillers needed. Seems to be healing nicely.

I had seen 3 different consultants in 3 different hospitals and all of them advised me not to proceed with surgery as my hernia was extremely large. However when I had my initial consultation at the British Hernia Centre I was delighted that my specialist there told me that he would put me back to my former self.

In my opinion they are the best in this field and successfully repaired my hernia.

My life has been transformed, I am 8 stone lighter and my confidence and outlook in life is totally different since the successful surgery. The difference between before the surgery and after is unbelievable.

Would highly recommend this team to anyone.

At 45 years old this is only the second operation I’ve ever had.

The anaesthetist and surgeon put me completely at ease to the point where the surgeon said “nearly done“ to which I replied that I thought he was still prepping!

The care and professionalism from start to end by all was exceptional. Thank you.

Today just two weeks after the operation I have walked 20,000 steps two days in a row, swam 900m front crawl and have been using the cross trainer/swimming 200 to 300 m every other day for the last week.

I also just booked my first triathlon of the season and a ski holiday in March.

Being self employed I timed the procedure for just before Easter, had 2 weeks work after that and then went on a planned holiday for a week.

It all worked out extremely well. I was cycling after 6 days, taught swimming after 12 days and conservatively left it until this week to go back to the gym.

Very glad I did it and glad to be back to my life before the hernia developed. You never can anticipate how you are going to feel but I have felt as right as rain since the anaesthetic wore off and only really took 1.5 working days off!

Never in history has a surgeon done a 100% operation ie. complete perfection in both the operation and recovery. Thanks to the Almighty, I am that man.

As soon as the operation was completed, I had no pain whatsoever, I had complete movement immediately after the operation, could tie my shoelaces, bend down without any pain, etc. i even danced in my room.

I cannot thank you enough. The surgeon was SUPERB together with the other members of the team. The nurses were suberb. basically, I am your best advert to the public/outside world. It was awesome. In fact, it was as if I never had an operation!!!! Everyone in my community couldn’t believe my miraculous recovery, etc.

Keep up the great work. The best deserves the best, I am more than prepared to spread the word worldwide. Don’t blame me when you will expand so greatly, you won’t be able to cope!!! I owe it to you.

I had my repair in September and felt great from the moment I left the operating table.

I am so glad I had it done at The British Hernia Centre.

I was back on my bike within a few days and back in work within a week. Everything was back to normal, so quickly. I would recommend The British Hernia Centre to everyone.

The experience was world class. Exceptionally professional. Great hospital, nursing staff and surgeon. I was back at work the day after my operation and back in the gym/ playing golf two weeks after the procedure. I never really experienced any pain. Now one month on, the operation site has healed perfectly.

Today I am three weeks beyond the hernia repair I received and just want to write and thank you all for the superb treatment. Everyone I met was entirely professional, very caring, very reassuring and utterly tuned in to the human condition. I would be most grateful if you would pass on my sincere thanks to all who cared for me that day. I will be eternally grateful.

Three weeks ago I spent a relaxing morning at The British Hernia Centre. At times I felt as if I was at a health spa rather than a health clinic, such was the courtesy, care and consideration I received from everyone I came into contact with.

I can’t tell you about the op because I dozed off during it, but I can say that the coffee and sandwiches afterwards were great. I asked for and got biscuits too but don’t tell them it was me who told you! Three days later I was driving and mowing the lawn – the rest as they say is history.

Looking back, I wish I had done this sooner. I realise now that telling myself it wasn’t a problem meant I hadn’t done things I wanted to do because I knew it might cause a problem.

The real bonus has been that my wife has stopped nagging me to get rid of the rowing machine and for that and everything else I thank all the staff at The British Hernia Centre.

Had the operation on the Friday, stopped painkillers and started recovery walking the following day, got up to 20km per day, started jogging the following Saturday, now doing 10k running each day.

Been able to feel the recovery each day. Now fully functioning (except heavy lifting).

Great job done by all. Thank you.

Everything has been amazing. I took a chance coming from the US and hoping that it could all work out, and it has turned out better than expected.

I’m very grateful that this has been fixed after dealing with it for so many years.

My primary care physician [in the US] said that patients he has seen after this particular surgery here are generally flat on their back for 8 weeks straight trying to recover, so he was surprised to see me in his office after less than 14 days.

HIATUS Hernia

I had a Hiatus Hernia repair just over two weeks ago under the care of The British Hernia Centre. The outcome has been outstanding, absolutely zero acid reflux, zero complications and I was able to return to a physical job just 10 days after the operation, I even had no need for painkillers or any other medication 48 hours after the op. The staff were fantastic and the whole thing which I was very anxious about went brilliantly.

For the first time in 7 years since the operation I have had no need for Ompeprazole, have had very little Colic, am able to belch (which they say after such operations is rare) and have had absolutely NO acid reflux which I had so severely led to Barretts Oesophagus by age 27.

If the long-term outcome is as good as it has been so far, these guys will have literally changed my life. The money I spent to have this privately done was worth every penny and I cannot thank these guys enough. If you are still undecided then at the very least go speak to these guys.

I had a sudden Inguinal Hernia in mid July. My GP warned me – push it back in but ‘if it gets very painful go to A&E because it could go horribly wrong’. My wife was talking to a friend who told us of The British Hernia Centre. Three days later we drove up to them at the Lindo Wing. Seven days later we drove.100 miles again,up early am. Job done – lots of TLC – advice on what to do and not to do – Lovely lunch. Stretched along the back seat of the car – in bed AT HOME by 5:30pm.

Now ten days on I feel so good. Walking gently, nap in early afternoon, dressing off at home with “Peeleasy” – perfect scar -no stitches to worry about.

If you feel a hernia, DO NOT wait for NHS. Get up to The British Hernia Centre. It is the best money I have ever spent. Trust me. I’m 84 !

I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia in April 2022, probably brought on by weightlifting. I’m 64, and in otherwise good health. As I researched my choices for a repair, I was surprised to find that almost every U.S. doctor in my area wanted to perform a robotic laparoscopic surgery, which involves general anesthesia and making 3 keyholes to repair one hole (the hernia.) And the recovery period was daunting; it would be six months before I could consider lifting significant weights. Naturally, it’s also very expensive.

Fortunately the British Hernia Centre’s web site came up during my investigation. At first, I thought it was too good to be true: only local anesthetic, a small external incision, and mesh inserted between layers of the abdominal muscles; no mucking about in the abdomen, and no risk of nicking something important or having the intestines attach to the mesh as it heals.

After contacting the Centre for further information, I scheduled a flight from Seattle to London. The Centre was very accommodating. I arrived in the early morning, had a consultation with my surgeon in the afternoon, and surgery was scheduled for the following morning.

The morning of the surgery, I walked two miles from my hotel in Kensington to the hospital. The facilities are modern, the staff were welcoming and cordial, and the doctors were excellent. They do provide a light to medium sedation so that you will be comfortable during the procedure.

The procedure lasted less than 30 minutes. I returned to my hospital room (perhaps I should call it a suite, it was very comfortable), relaxed there a bit, had a delicious lunch, and walked two miles back to my hotel. Try doing that after your laparoscopic surgery!

The pain over the next three or four days was easily managed with a little paracetamol (acetaminophen as it’s called in the U.S.) and ibuprofen. I walked miles every day. They suggest a light jog already the following day, but this was a bit uncomfortable. I remained in the UK for a week, and saw the sights, including an aerial tour of Kent and the Dover coast in a WWII Spitfire — complete with victory rolls. The incision was unaffected.

Now, two weeks later, all pain is gone; only some numbness and itchiness remains. I’ve resumed all normal activity (including running) and expect to be lifting again at the 6 week mark.

I was so impressed with the staff, facilities, and the effectiveness of the procedure itself. The long journey was certainly worth it; the cost was very reasonable; and I very highly recommend the Centre and its staff to anyone. After seeing my results, even my own doctor here in the U.S. (who has developed an umbilical hernia) is planning to have his repaired there this fall.

Splendid experience in every way with friendly, professional assistance from all those involved, particularly Liz of Patient Care, the nursing staff responsible for Coronovirus testing, the Operating Theatre and Recovery Room staff, the helpful anaesthetist and of course my excellent consultant, who was particularly friendly and helpful. The telephone consultation was followed by a completely successful and pain-free repair of my Inguinal hernia under a local anaesthetic.

Subsequently I followed the clear post-operative guidance leaflet and after a couple of days stopped using the recommended pain killers (Ibuprofen and Paracetamol) because they were not needed. Removal of the dressing after the recommended 7 days revealed a small, cleanly healed scar.

Despite the present pandemic, as an 82 year old asthmatic, I was made to feel safe from my arrival for the first Covid test 48 hrs beforehand until my departure when I walked out after the Operation was over, fed and in comfort. I could not have asked for better treatment: my grateful thanks to all concerned.

It is now 3 weeks since my operation and all is going to plan (exactly as you said it would), with no complications or problems whatsoever.

I have been trekking in the hills each day for the last week and have started running again after a gentle build up without any problems or restrictions.

Once again many thanks for your care and attention and please extend my best wishes to your team.

I now look forward to some good mountains in the near future. You made this possible.

My heartfelt thanks to the excellent staff. In particular, my surgeon, my anaesthetist and the nurse with the soft Irish accent (I am sorry I don’t know her name at all) were all utterly superb.

So far I have no immediate plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but it feels entirely plausible to me that I will be able to take up hiking again in Cornwall quite soon!

From my initial telephone contact to leaving The British Hernia Centre after the hernia repair took only 5 days – a major benefit to me.

Everyone I met at the Centre was professional, polite and patient in explaining what was going to happen and what I could expect.

My recovery time was just what was expected, including driving, cycling, going to the gym and gardening. After a couple of weeks, no nervousness about carrying weights or need for any precautions against any physical activity.

My sister had a similar hernia repair last week elsewhere and she was told not to drive for at least two weeks or visit the gym for at least 4 weeks.

I am delighted with the results. Very happy with regards to my surgeon, the hospital and the staff. I felt like royalty.

If you suffer from hernia I would urge you to visit The British Hernia Centre.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and my excellent surgeon at The British Hernia Centre for carrying out my hernia operation just over a month ago. The staff were friendly, attentive and reassuring. I have never felt comfortable in hospitals but I have to say this experience has made me understand that if you are working with experts in the field then the results are quite simply amazing.

I felt no pain prior, during or after my day surgery operation. I was able to walk with ease to the car following surgery. I was prescribed painkillers but found that these weren’t necessary after a couple of days. I also highly recommend the Club Sandwich post operation.

1 month on and I’m back in the gym running several times a week between 6 and 8kms. I have felt no discomfort after the operation and the wound is healing very well. I have decided not to go back for a follow-up checkup with the surgeon as everything has gone so well.

If I ever require a hernia operation again I will most definitely be booking myself into The British Hernia Centre. If you want Hernia specialists this is the best place for your surgery. I would urge you not to use the NHS as you are most likely to be operated on by a general surgeon with less experience in this area. There is also the likelihood they will not use the The British Hernia Centre’s methods. The BHC’s method means that recovery is a lot faster and you can get back to your daily life quickly.

I’m amazed at how life changing this op has been. I feel young again! After just a week I was cycling again. After 4 weeks I’m fine with 60-70 mile rides at my normal fast pace. Amazing!

All I can say is WOW!

After having a bilateral inguinal hernia repair in my home country of Portugal, the thought of having a recurrence filled me with horror, mainly as I was bed-ridden in Portugal for 3 days post-op.

Unfortunately, the worst happened and the hernia recurred. I decided to contact The British Hernia Centre and I was thoroughly impressed from start to finish.

The staff were professional and helpful and everything went perfectly to plan, all organized from 1000 miles away!

The operation itself was of an incredible quality. I was up and walking around just 2 hours after the surgery! Now, 3 weeks on, and I am pain free!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You! 100% Recommended to anybody.

Scott (17 years old) – Portugal

This is what happened to me after my hernia operation at The British Hernia Centre:

I took NO painkillers at all
There was NO pain anywhere around the operation site afterwards
I had NO numbness
I was driving two days later and resumed my normal activities IMMEDIATELY. There is nothing I have not gone right back to.

It’s now been 6 months since my operation, I’m male and in my early 30s. Like many people browsing this site you’ll be wondering if it’s better to leave it and do nothing. I just wanted to reassure you that having it done is the best decision. No more worrying about it getting worse.

I had a great experience from the pre-op consultations through to the quality of the hospital on the day and the after care, they have time for your concerns and put me at ease. I was home the next day, back at work within 2 weeks (could have gone sooner). I am now back to intensive cycling every weekend with only a small scar to show for the operation. I would recommend you contact them.

3 days ago I underwent surgery – it was so easy, painless and stress free I could almost have it done all over again!

The entire team from admin, nurses, anaesthetists (who also chose the theatre music soundtracks!) and of course the surgeon are indeed the very best.

A consultation and operation arranged for the same day, fabulous lunch and back to my hotel 7 hours later. Post op all going well and walking around with minimal pain relief required.

Thank you British Hernia Centre – I can now plan my Vietnam cave trek with confidence!

I had an inguinal hernia repair by you about 2 years ago now, and I just wanted to say thank you.

Since having the repair done I have never looked back. I do a lot of exercise and was worried pre-op that I would be restricted in what I could do afterwards. Within a very short space of time however I was back doing everything I did before – weights, running, swimming etc, and all with no issues at all. I regularly compete in obstacle course races and competed in the World Championships this year.

With all that these entail I again have had no issues at all.

I had a previous hernia repair at a different hospital that was never much good and will be need to re-done, but I will have no hesitation in booking in with you again when the time comes.

Again, I just wanted to extend my thanks to The British Hernia Centre for such a fantastic repair, I am extremely grateful.

If I had known you existed and how easy it would have been to recover and resume normal life I would have had the operation last September when I found out I had an incarcerated hiatus hernia! I am ecstatic about how the procedure turned out for me and the care I received.

I was completely satisfied with the whole procedure and the arrangements leading up to it. I am delighted with the outcome and my ability to continue caring for my disabled wife without the inconvenience of pain. I am leading a normal life.

Once again I would like to say how well I was treated and cared for by every member of your team during my visit to your Centre

In 2002, I traveled from New York to have my inguinal hernia repaired at the BHC.

I had wonderful care, a rapid recovery, and have had a trouble-free repair for more than 12 years. I also got to do some sightseeing just 24 hours after surgery.

Going to the BHC was one of the best choices I have ever made. Thanks!!!

I did not forget it was a year today that I had the TRIPLE hernia procedure and was going to send my heartfelt thanks once again. It was a nice touch to receive the follow-up questionnaire.

May I once again pass on my gratitude to my surgeon who carried out the triple repair but also on one had to make good a three time failed previous repair! [performed elsewhere]

I am now teaching PE again and as a former elite level road racing cyclist am enjoying training again bent double with no issues!!

Thank you to everyone who made my experience so positive at a time when I was really struggling. As always I recommend the BHC at every opportunity.

I was delighted with the result of my femoral hernia surgery. I travelled from the north of England, staying two nights in a hotel close by.

The procedure and after-care treatment were excellent. My surgeon and the anaesthetist are exceptionally skilled and I felt well-informed and completely reassured throughout the day and afterwards. The nursing staff were caring and supportive.

I am someone who bruises easily so I couldn’t believe that I had virtually no bruising around the incision site. I don’t know how that is even possible! After a week I felt good and back to everyday life and exercise.I now have no swelling at all. Six months later I can hardly see any scar. In fact it is difficult to believe that I have even had an operation.

Bravo British Hernia Centre! and Thank you

Thank you for your kind care and attention and for giving me back my body!

I will highly, HIGHLY recommend you and all the staff at The British Hernia Centre.

The whole experience of having my hernia repair was first rate, from start to finish. I have nothing but praise for everyone involved in the administration and medical procedures. My recovery following initial inconvenience common with any operation was quite swift and trouble free. I would have no hesitation in recommending treatment at the British Hernia Centre.