Patient Feedback

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

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.

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

6 months post-op reminded me to again express my gratitude to all concerned at the British Hernia Centre, particularly my surgeon who did an absolutely brilliant job.

The only issues I have concern the failed repair carried out in the [a major English NHS teaching hospital] in November last year. Their having operated on me twice in one night and failing to repair the hernia I have now been told the surgeon who carried out the operation “no long works for the trust” so I cannot follow up what happened. This is the only painful area.

Please, please pass on my heartfelt thanks to all at the British Hernia Centre for allowing me to return to normal life so quickly!

I always recommend friends and family and work colleagues to the British Hernia Centre whenever hernias are mentioned.

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.

Thanks for the great work , I’m very active , living life to the fullest.

The “wait and see” policy is absurd, why wait in pain, and have it get worse? I’m VERY pleased with my decision to travel from Aruba to the UK , and had you all perform my operation, please thank everyone for me.

I know you are the best and are innovative and are interested in patient feedback.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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’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!

Had I known beforehand how easy it would all be, even the slight anxiety in anticipation was needless; so many thanks indeed

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!

I am 68 years old. On 20 April 2012, I went for an umbilical hernia repair at The British Hernia Centre. When I arrived I was made so welcome by the staff. I then saw my surgeon, who explained everything to me, after which I got ready for my procedure. The nurse who gave me tests was first class. He explained everything as well. I then went to the operating room and again, the nurses in there were so nice. I had a local anaesthetic and my repair was done. After the surgery, I walked to an adjacent recovery room where I had two cups of tea and sandwiches, served to me by a lovely lady.

I then saw the nurse and surgeon again, they checked me out and gave me the all-clear to leave and my wife drove me to a local hotel where we stayed overnight, as we live 140 miles away in Suffolk. We drove back to Suffolk, I had two weeks off my work in traffic management.

I was able to drive again in 6 days (when I was sure I had no pain using the pedals). The nurse also rang me to see if I was okay after a week. I thought that was a lovely touch, by very caring people.

The centre also wrote to me, my surgeon was on call 24/7 if I wanted to speak to him. Where else would you get that service?

I paid for the surgery. On the NHS I would have had to take 3 months off work for recovery, having used other methods that also would have required general anaesthesia.

I hope I have given an insight of my dealings with The British Hernia Centre. First class treatment and care and after-care. I recommend them.

All the staff at The British Hernia Centre were extremely kind and professional at all times. Very impressive!

I have now had TWO (separate) hernia operations at The British Hernia Centre and both have been trouble-free and very successful. My surgeon was always considerate and efficient at every stage of the procedure. My thanks and regards to him.

I would not hesitate to recommend The British Hernia Centre to anyone (and indeed, have done so!).

I was a little apprehensive, but my surgeon put me completely at ease. The local anaesthetic was superb. My recovery after the surgery was very good, I was driving on the Motorway 5 days after the operation.

The hospital staff were delightful.

I am SO glad I had this hernia fixed and to be able to feel my body intact again.

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 must thank all the staff at The British Hernia Centre for the way I was looked after with what was described as a “large inguinal hernia”.

I arrived at The Centre at 0830 and was back in my hotel room by 1145, having been properly examined, the entire procedure, some refreshments and being armed with post-operative instructions.

I was able to fly home 48 hours after the operation, to drive the next day and I returned to work the next week.

All the staff at The Centre were extremely friendly, courteous and very professional in the way they treated me and I cannot sing their praises loud enough! Their dedication to me was, without question, second to none.

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

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.

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!!!

Surgeon and support team are world-class!

I very much appreciated the way my questions/concerns were addressed before the surgery. Surgery was very smooth and I would recommend the team to anyone whole-heartedly.

48 hours after surgery, I drove my car for 3 1/2 hours from Zurich to the Valais. says it all …..

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.

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!

The procedure was the best thing I could have done. My Consultant surgeon, Mr Moorthy is up there with the legends.

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.

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.

After 18 Years living with my hernia, 24 hours at The British Hernia Centre and all my fears were gone.

From the first contact with my surgeon to the telephone calls I received to follow up after I left everything was 100% professional; no pain, back to work, driving.

I would like thank all of you for your care and skills and would highly recommend the British Hernia Centre.

I’m 30 years old and I had an operation at the British Hernia Center in late October 2020 and had a very positive experience. Despite the challenging atmosphere created by the coronavirus, and additional challenges that come along with getting an operation in another country (I live in the US), the team at The British Hernia Center was able to make arrangements to ensure the procedure went forward.

At 6 weeks I chose to resume surfing and running at full tilt without any side effects since then.

The recovery was a challenge, but I would still highly recommend this facility to other Americans that may face sky-high costs depending on their insurance.

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 have recommended your surgeons to many of my patients, but a few months ago you performed an inguinal hernia operation on myself.

The surgeon and the surgical team were top professionals pre and post operation. I was up and walking the same day and fully recovered in a few weeks time. I couldn’t ask for more.
Dr F Eftekhari MD FLCOM
Retired Orthopaedic Surgeon

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.

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

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.

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.

I could not be more pleased.

Everything was as predicted

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.

I flew thousands of miles for this procedure to be done at The British Hernia Centre.

I took NO painkillers!

I was back to my normal activities right away!

EXCELLENT service and EXCELLENT surgery.
I highly recommend the British Hernia Centre

I was very pleased and pleasantly surprised how well the surgery went. It was a DELIGHT to get back to normal activity so soon after the procedure.

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

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.

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