Patient Feedback
Patients’ Reviews, Blog and Comment Forum
Patients’ Own Comments
Any patient who has had a hernia repaired at The British Hernia Centre is invited to post comments on his/her experience on this blog. It is intended to be a guide for others who are contemplating having their hernia repaired.






I am DELIGHTED with the way everything has worked out. On the day of the operation every member of staff was simply wonderful, you have a great team.
I felt relaxed and very confident in the hands of the surgeon and I believe he carried out an excellent hernia repair. Within a week I was gently returning to normal activities and everything was as it had been described to me both verbally by the staff and also in the literature that was given to me on my discharge.
Just a short note to let you know that I am so pleased I chose The British Hernia Centre.
I want to thank you for your help in arranging my first appointment, and then the consequent rearranging of my procedure, which was so very much appreciated. You must have gone through hoops to arrange that second appointment so quickly, in addition to your assistance in arranging a COVID test for me.
The professional and friendly approach of my surgeon and his team was beyond compare. He and the anaesthetist explained everything in layman’s terms ensuring that I felt totally comfortable with the whole procedure.
Although I was helped by many members of the nursing staff, I would particularly like to send extra thanks and appreciation to nurse Michelle, who was so attentive, helpful and kind. A credit to any nursing organization and a star in yours.
I would not hesitate to recommend The British Hernia Center to anyone who is in the same situation that I was in.
Many Grateful Thanks
AS
In the time since we fixed your first hernia we have done more of these procedures than anybody in the world so you might think we must be doing something right!
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.
Excellent, from start to finish.
I called back four months after the op as I thought that the repair may have failed. The surgeon saw me the next day and, after examination, confirmed that the hernia repair was fine but that I had pulled a muscle (following a hip replacement – on the same side – a month earlier). This diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by the hip surgeon.
The post-op care was first class, as was the whole experience, 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.
At the age of 86, I discovered a hernia on the left side of my abdomen, probably caused by overdoing deadlifts at the gym. It was the first health problem I had encountered for over 20 years. In some despair I typed “hernia” on my computer and found The British Hernia Centre. It was, for me, an answer to prayer.
I telephoned the Centre on Friday, there was a cancellation the following morning and by Saturday evening I was home again with the procedure completed.
I have nothing but praise for the skill of my surgeon and anaesthetist and for the care of the nursing staff.
If you carry on doing deadlifts at the gym for another 30 years you will live to a fine old age! The hernia repair will certainly not stop you.
I am delighted with the results. Very happy with regards to my surgeon, the hospital and the staff. I felt like royalty.
I had surgery at The British Hernia Centre to repair an inguinal hernia. I am posting this in particular to make known the excellent work and care that the British Hernia Centre provides and to bash a few myths about hernias.
I am 46, 5’11? and 12 stone and I cycle and kite-surf. I have cycled all my life and windsurfed and kite-surfed since i was 30. When it was diagnosed by the doc at A&E he told me after the operation I’d have to stop riding a bike! This turned out not to be true.
PAIN – at no time during the operation or after it did I experience any pain at all.
CARE AT THE BRITISH HERNIA CENTRE – the level of care from everyone there was exceptional. Very kind, helpful and thoughtful. A very impressive team indeed. My surgeon always had time to talk and explain. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. This is very unusual!
PAINKILLERS – I took painkillers as prescribed and stopped after four days because they were clearly not needed.
RECOVERY – I took it easy on the day of the operation and the day after. By Day 3 it felt fine to drive and go to Sainsburys.
WORK – I work at a desk and work was not affected.
CYCLING – I was back on the bike a week after the operation riding with the kids to school.
Riding off-road two weeks later.
Riding full-tilt, downhill in the Alps five weeks after the operation!!
I wondered how my hernia repair would handle any falls I might have. Riding hard is one thing. Coming off is another. I came off and tumbled twice on my shoulder and then my knee. both pretty hard and painful, but the hernia repair was unaffected!
Having had the same procedure (elsewhere) on my right side 3 or 4 years ago I am able to compare. This time my recovery was much quicker and less painful than the last. I do not like taking painkillers in any shape or form so I stopped taking them after 2 days. Whilst I experienced soreness and a little pain it was nothing that I couldn’t handle.
I have to say that every member of the team I met at the BHC was superb – knowledgeable, caring and good fun (!). Many, many thanks for your attention and care – much appreciated.
The procedure was the best thing I could have done. My Consultant surgeon, Mr Moorthy is up there with the legends.
My Hernia Operation was on Thursday PM. ~ I was back at work on Monday!
2 Days after the op I was back to DRIVING
after 10 Days I was back to YACHT RACING
after 14 Days I was back MOUNTAIN BIKING
I was AMAZED how easy the operation was. That evening my wife and I WALKED ½ mile to a local restaurant and enjoyed a lovely paella!
Amazing – as I never thought, hours after an operation I would have been able to achieve this. THANK YOU!
This past summer while working on my farm, a bulge appeared in my abdomen. I immediately went to my doctor and found that I had bilateral inguinal hernias (a ‘double hernia’). I was then scheduled for surgery here in North Carolina. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance but my cost after co-insurance and deductible was still going to be almost $5,000. This laparoscopic procedure was also going to keep me from any lifting and exercise for several weeks. I started researching if there was any better procedure and also a less expensive alternative.
To my luck, I found the British Hernia Center. They had a different procedure that was done under local anesthesia and had very little down time. Their cost was only £3,500 or around $5,300 total [both hernias]. They also take Blue Cross Insurance. After verifying everything with my insurance, I was on my way to London in less than two weeks. I used air miles so the flight cost was less than $100 round trip.
We booked a bed and breakfast near the hospital. I was tested for MRSA the next morning. We went back to the hospital that afternoon and had the procedure. Four hours later (including cab ride) we were back at our bed and breakfast. The hospital was immaculate and the staff very kind and professional. The next afternoon, I spent six hours touring London with my wife. The following morning we took a bus to Southampton and went on a ten night Baltic Cruise. Two days into the cruise we rented bicycles in Copenhagen and spent the day touring. I could also handle my luggage on the way to the ship.
All and all, we flew to London had the surgery, toured London, went on a 10 night Cruise and still saved a few thousand dollars.
I would highly recommend anyone with a hernia to go to The British Hernia Center for the best hernia repair possible. I am eight months out now and have experienced no complications and only minor soreness for the first few days after the initial procedure.
I had a massive hiatus hernia where my stomach was in my chest displacing my heart and squashing my lungs, I couldn’t breathe and I was exhausted every day. My own GP said he thought it was unlikely that any surgeon at our local hospital would attempt the operation due to the fact that it was a very difficult operation to do and also because of my age (82) and medical history.
I came for an appointment at The British Hernia Centre to talk over my problems with the surgeon who then told me he would be happy to do my operation.
Everything was absolutely first class right from the surgeon, the anaesthetist, the doctors and nurses even the very pleasant young man that brought my food. I have nothing but praise for the whole team who took very great care of me throughout the operation and recovery, each and every one that made my operation and recovery possible.
They literally saved my life and I and my family will be forever grateful x
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.
We endeavour to give the best hernia repairs in the world known to surgical science but it seems the good breakfast is what is remembered! Oh well, as long as the patient is happy, we are.
I shall be age 73 next month. I had a right-side inguinal hernia operation on 3 June 2019. Recovery has been very quick – 95% complete. Nine days after the operation, I am generally unaware that I have had surgery. Zero pain getting out of bed. No bruising. A slight ache is noticeable when I walk for too long, which is to be expected one week after an operation. No neuropathic (nerve) pain.
I am sure the operation has been 100% successful. Brilliant surgeon and medical team. The whole process from first consultation to operation took only five days. My only problem was having my blood pressure taken. I must have the worst example of ‘white coat hypertension’ in the UK!!
Definitely a 5 star medical centre.
I had an inguinal hernia repair at the Lindo Wing in late March. From my admission at midday through to my discharge at 6 p.m. I found that all the staff I met were thoroughly professional and extremely kind and caring. I was allocated a well appointed room, where the nursing staff were at pains to ensure I was well looked after. I was visited by the anaesthetist and the surgeon who explained the procedure and answered any queries. The operation went smoothly and I was able to talk to the surgeon and anaesthetist throughout. I was then monitored in recovery before being returned to my room, where I was served a very satisfactory meal. Again, the nursing staff were most attentive.
The following morning I was able to take my dogs on their normal 2 mile walk and again, for a similar distance in the afternoon. There was bruising and swelling as anticipated, but post-operative pain was much less than I expected and paracetamol provided adequate relief and was required for less than 48 hours.
The bruising and swelling had almost entirely disappeared after ten days. Yesterday, 12 days after the operation I had an hour hitting with a tennis coach and was able to play the full range of shots without any discomfort and with no repercussions later.
My sincere thanks to all the staff, who looked after me so well
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.
There are two major points here:
1) Maturity of age is far less of a risk here, especially when in the hands of experts specialising in the procedures.
2) Complexity of a case is also less of a challenge to specialist surgeons with that kind of experience.
We are, of course, delighted to read such lovely observations by our patients and we wish this, and all our patients a long, pain-free and happy life free of the condition they came to us to remedy.
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
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.
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.
Two weeks on, I have resumed all my normal activities and the only reason I am not playing golf is because the course is waterlogged!!
The whole procedure was excellent. The medical and hospital staff were all efficient, caring and professional resulting in an anxiety-free time in the British Hernia Centre.
I was put at ease on my first meeting with the surgeon at my consultation. I was given the opportunity to ask questions about my hernia. The surgeon answered all my questions and explained the hernia repair process. This gave me great confidence.
On the day of the operation I was made comfortable in a private room where my partner was able to wait with me. All staff were excellent and I was well cared for both before and after the operation. I was particularly pleased that I was able to have the operation under local anaesthesia rather than general anaesthesia. This gave me great confidence. The operation was straightforward and I was well cared for throughout.
On removing the dressing I was both surprised and delighted to find no sign of bruising. I was glad to meet my surgeon again at my Follow-up appointment to show him what a good job he had done and thank him again.
I was also impressed and thankful to receive phone calls from the surgeon himself the day after the operation and from the admin staff the following week.
Result: Excellent!
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.
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.
Absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish – even down to the music choice (i.e. mine!) and humour, which put me at my ease:).
Thanks to everyone: the nurses, including the one who did the regular checks (sorry I can’t remember a name but you were lovely to me), the anaesthetist and the surgeon. It was only a small routine op but that didn’t make any difference: I came away feeling thoroughly cared for.
Complete success. Happy New Year to everyone and thank you again. If there is such a thing as karma, and I rather think there is, good things will happen for you in 2019.
Rachel
One of the great joys in our work is that we have such wonderful patients. So many of you make such lovely comments it really makes us immensely happy. We wish ALL of you a Happy New Year for 2019 – our 30th birthday year!
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.
Thrilled! My surgeon is an outstanding surgeon. I only had very mild discomfort for about 48 hours and absolutely no pain. I took an Ibuprofen before the taxi ride home, plus another dose the first night just in case, then abandoned painkillers as pointless. The incision has now virtually healed with just a small firm ridge.
Before the operation my hernia was causing discomfort making hiking not pleasurable. Since the operation I have hiked a genuine 100+ miles with no discomfort or pain whatsoever, and am looking forward to hiking the South Downs Way in a few weeks time.
Asking the British Hernia Centre to perform the operation was the best thing I ever did. The whole experience was stress-free, the surgical team were kind, friendly and good humoured, the nursing care thorough and careful, even my lunch was beautifully cooked!
Thank you, all of you, for putting me back on the road. You did a great job for which I am profoundly grateful.
I am am very pleased with the procedure. The recovery time has been significantly shorter than my past experience of the same procedure (elsewhere) – less swelling, less inflammation and less discomfort.
The consultant and staff were most excellent.
had a very large abdominal hernia which was causing me considerable distress. It was extremely unsightly and was causing severe pain and vomiting on an increasingly regular basis.
Despite a number of enquiries and private consultations, I could not find anyone in Scotland who was willing to operate, either privately or within the NHS.
From my first contact with my surgeon at The British Hernia Centre, I was treated with kindness and compassion and given hope that I could be helped and that life could return to normal..
I returned about 3 weeks later for repair of my hernia and reconstruction of my abdominal wall.
At all times I was treated with kindness, compassion and professionalism by all members of the team (my surgeon and anaesthetist and the rest of the surgical team, all nursing staff and physiotherapy) Also the many others in the background such as admin, cleaning staff and catering.
I was admitted for 4 days and my surgeon visited me on each of those which was SO reassuring.
He followed me up as an outpatient prior to my return to Glasgow and again at 3 months when I attended for review. On one occasion he contacted my GP to request bloods and has remained available to me for advice by text or phone.
After recovery I was able to return to running, swimming and walking my wee dog
At six months, life is almost back to normal. I have a flat abdomen and can (much to my delight) fit back into my favourite dresses.My scar is very feint and barely noticeable.
I have only positive things to say about all aspects of my care.
Finally, the food was just fabulous and served with such flair by the lovely catering staff in their smart uniforms. Definitely a highlight of my stay.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The British Hernia Centre.
Many thanks for giving me my life back 🙏
I could not be more pleased.
Everything was as predicted
I had surgery about 6 months ago to repair an Inguinal Hernia which had become very large over some 2 1/2 years following diagnosis by my G P. My local hospital said that I needed surgery, but I was simply left on the waiting list. It was seriously affecting my life, limiting what I could do, and I was in considerable discomfort.
I decided that I would have the procedure done privately by the British Hernia Centre, and consider it the best decision I have ever taken.
Weeks after the surgery I was able to do a cross country walk of around 15 miles without any problem. I am 67 years old, and I suspect this is the reason that my local hospital did not treat my case with any degree of urgency.
I have nothing but praise for the surgeon and nurses at the British Hernia Centre who treated me. Thank you all.
I am kicking myself for dithering so long before going to The British Hernia Centre!
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.
I was totally astonished by the sheer quickness of both the surgery and the recovery period.
I have heard HORROR stories from others having surgery elsewhere. I am SO glad I used The British Hernia Centre rather than an NHS hospital.
I would certainly recommend The British Hernia Centre. In fact I have told several people about your centre.
A true ‘Five Star’ service! Many thanks.
I was getting desperate due to complete local neglect by NHS AND private hospitals plus my local GP practice, resulting in heart problems.
The Hernia by now was very severe when I found your wonderful specialist unit’s procedure was unlikely to do more damage to my Heart.
Everyone was so helpful, cheerful and kind from the ladies in Admin to the surgeon and the others in theatre, along with such good surroundings and pleasant banter which I appreciated.
The total service – including food – was of unexpected quality. I keep telling everyone how good you were and that during the operation I enjoyed the experience.
I slept for only three hours that night – not due to pain or soreness, but sheer disbelief and elation. I did not have any bruising or bleeding. It was one of the best and most memorable, good things that I have ever experienced from the medical profession.
Thanks to all concerned. Since the operation so many acquaintances seeing me again for the first time have started with “You’re looking very well!”. It has lifted a lot of worries from my shoulders.
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!
I would just like to thank my surgeon and the wonderful staff for the care and attention received at the British Hernia Centre.
The whole operation lasted about 1.5 hrs including recovery etc but at no point did I feel discomfort or lacking in confidence because I was surrounded by genuine caring nurses/staff.
I had the opposite side hernia repaired some 10 yrs ago at the British Hernia Centre. Touch wood I have never had a problem with this previous repair hence my reasons for selecting the British Hernia Centre to undertake the current repair.
I am 68 yrs old and have already returned to bowling some 7 days after the repair and intend to start gym next week – 1 month after the procedure.
I am happy and relieved that this procedure is concluded, and thrilled that the result appears to have been so successful.
I was surprised at the lack of post-operative pain I experienced (compared with a previous hernia procedure) and I returned to normal activities sooner than I anticipated after the operation.
I have nothing but respect and admiration for the surgeon and his team, who showed great professionalism and kindness towards me at every stage. Thank you!
This, coming from a consultant specialist in another field of medicine is praise indeed. We are all quite touched. Thank you.
Many thanks for a BRILLIANT service!
I was a little apprehensive about having surgery but the whole process was handled very professionally and I’m SO glad I had the operation at The British Hernia Centre and soon recovered back to normal!
I am now one year on and after my last surgery and there have been no problems from the start. I had previously had 3 recurrences and one of them strangulated.
After my op at The British Hernia Centre I was back to normal and now a year exactly after my op I am pleased to report I am back to normal physically can give young fencers (sport) less than 1/2 my age a good run for their money. Also the process of booking and attending the centre was simple. The surgeon was very attentative and accomodating. I would recommend the The British Hernia Centre.
At the age of 78 I had a hernia repair at a local private hospital which was carried out by a general surgeon. This left me in considerable pain for several days afterwards. Six months later the hernia recurred. During the following twelve months I tried natural healing methods but without success.
By this time the hernia had worsened and something had to be done. My internet searches found The British Hernia Centre. I was particularly impressed by the video broadcasting to other surgeons of their hernia repair technique. In March 2013 I had the hernia repaired at the BHC and what a totally different experience this turned out to be. The Consultant was caring and charming and surrendered as much time as I needed. He even telephoned me the evening before surgery and twice afterwards. Immediately following surgery I was comfortable and pain free. Seven weeks on hernia discomfort now seems a distant memory and I wish I had been driven earlier to find a solution. Also, the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth sets standards that would be hard to beat.
Had I not experienced the original unsatisfactory hernia repair I probably would not have fully appreciated the quality of the BHC’s whole approach.
Accordingly, I would recommend The British Hernia Centre without reservation.
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.
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!
I am so pleased I had my operation performed at the British Hernia Centre, every aspect of the experience was first class! I had no pain with minimum discomfort. I was up and about hours after my operation.
“The Gold standard in hernia repair”
I have no hesitation in recommending anyone with a hernia to consult The British Hernia Centre.
For me the operation has given me my life back again.
I am 78 but I still wanted to lead an active life. The hernia put paid to most of the things I wished to do. After some research and reading various forums where people have related some frightening post operation experiences I decided that a Specialist Hernia Centre was the prudent choice for my operation.
I had the operation 30 days ago and my life is well on track to being back to normal. I was able to drive after 4 days and (with caution) able to do most things after 10 days. The pain early days was minimal – I took ibuprofen for the first 2 days mainly to reduce possible inflammation. I am confident that in another 2 months I will be fully recovered well in time for the ski season!
My grateful thanks to my surgeon and The British Hernia Centre.
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 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