Core Hernia Surgery

 Your first consultation is a two-way conversation. It's your chance to tell us what's been going on, and our chance to give you clear, honest answers.At this appointment, you can expect:

• A thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history and any previous operations
• A physical examination
• Review of any scans you've had, or arrangement of further imaging (such as a CT scan, which is often important when planning hernia repairs)
• A clear explanation of your diagnosis and all of your options — including non-surgical management where appropriate
• If surgery is recommended, a plain-simple language explanation of the procedure, the expected recovery and the possible risks
• An open discussion about costs, Medicare and private health insurance cover

Helpful things to bring: your referral letter, any scans or test results, an up-to-date list of your medications, and a family member or friend for support — two pairs of ears are always better than one.For complex hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction, a second planning consultation is sometimes arranged so your repair can be carefully tailored to you. No question is too small — we want you leaving feeling informed and confident, not confused. 

 Once surgery is planned, we complete a series of routine checks to make sure you are medically fit for the procedure and the anaesthetic, and that nothing is left to chance.Depending on your health and the planned operation, this may include:

• Blood tests, a heart tracing (ECG), and occasionally a chest X-ray
• A review by your anaesthetist, who will discuss your anaesthetic plan and how your pain will be managed afterwards
• A careful review of your regular medications, with clear instructions on what to continue and what to pause (particularly blood thinners and some diabetes medicines)
• Clear fasting instructions — typically no solid food for around six hours before surgery, with clear fluids allowed up to a couple of hours beforehand. You will receive specific instructions from our team.

For larger or more complex hernia repairs, additional planning may be involved, such as detailed imaging review or input from other specialists. All of this is routine — its purpose is to pick up and address anything before your operation day, not on it. 

 Optimisation simply means making a few positive changes to your health before surgery, so your operation is safer and your recovery is smoother. It is especially important in complex hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction surgery, where good healing is the key to a lasting result.Common optimisation steps include:

• Stopping smoking and vaping — ideally at least four to eight weeks before surgery. This is one of the most powerful changes you can make: it dramatically improves wound healing and reduces the chance of a hernia coming back.
• Weight — if advised, even a modest amount of weight loss can meaningfully reduce surgical risk.
• Diabetes control — well-controlled blood sugars reduce the risk of infection and improve healing.
• Nutrition and anaemia — good nutrition and treating low iron or anaemia give your body the building blocks it needs to recover.
• Alcohol — reducing intake in the weeks before surgery helps your liver, sleep and recovery.
• Gentle activity — staying as active as your condition allows is a form of "pre-training" for recovery.

Sometimes surgery is deliberately scheduled a few weeks or months ahead to allow time for these changes. Far from being a delay, this is a positive, safety-focused decision. We work closely with your GP and other specialists to get you in the best possible shape for your operation. 

 Knowing what the day holds goes a long way to easing nerves. Here's the typical journey:

• Arrival: You'll check in at the hospital admissions desk at the time we've given you, and be welcomed by the nursing team.
• Preparation: You'll change into a hospital gown, have your details and allergy checks confirmed, and your surgical site may be marked.
• Final meetings: You'll meet your anaesthetist (and your surgeon, if you haven't already) for a final chat and to complete consent paperwork.
• The operation: An IV line is placed, you're gently moved to theatre, and you're asleep before you know anything is happening. The vast majority of hernia and abdominal wall procedures are performed under a general anaesthetic.
• Waking up: You'll wake in the recovery area with your pain already being managed, then move to the ward once comfortable. Your family is kept updated throughout.
• Recovering: We encourage early sips of fluid, light eating and gentle movement — all of which help recovery. For more complex reconstructions, small drains may be in place for a short time.
• Going home: Many straightforward hernia repairs go home the same day. Complex abdominal wall reconstruction usually involves a stay of one to several days, depending on your progress.

You'll leave with written instructions, a pain management plan and a follow-up appointment — and our team is only a phone call away if you need anything at all.