Frequently asked questions
FAQs
We are busy working on our Information Booklet. In the meantime, please take a look at our FAQ page. Hopefully your question will be covered below but if not, it’s worth looking at the other pages of our website for more detail. If we still have not got it covered, we will do our best to answer individual queries via our e-mail contact address
General FAQs
How much experience do your surgeons have?
Our surgeons have over 50 years of surgical experience between them, specialising in ‘walk-in walk-out’ local anaesthetic surgery. They have performed over 3000 local anaesthetic hernia repairs to date.
Where are you located?
Our appointments and procedures take place at the Carlisle Healthcare South Hub. The address is Locke Road, Carlisle, CA1 3UB. What3Words – ///dart.rift.wished
What procedures are covered?
We specialise in hernia repair and carpal tunnel decompression. We can treat most Inguinal, Femoral, Umbilical, Epigastric and Spigelian hernias. At the current time, we will not be able to help with any incisional (hernias that occur in a scar from a previous operation) or sports hernias (not strictly a hernia but chronic groin pain usually associated with exercise), or re-occurring hernias.
What is the MRSA rate of infection?
There is a 0% rate of infection for MRSA at the Carlisle Healthcare South Hub to date.
Do I need to shave before I come to hospital?
You do not need to shave before coming into the clinic.
Will there be any parking?
There is ample free parking available for patients and their drivers on site at the Carlisle Healthcare South Hub
Are there any hotels nearby?
The Halston is located right next to Carlisle station.
There are 2 Premier Inns nearby, just off J42 and J43 of the M6, for those wanting a more budget option.
Or if you would like to spend some more time in the Cumbrian countryside, the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith or the Crown Hotel in Wetheral are both great options.
What is Carebit?
Carebit is an online digital healthcare platform that helps us manage your appointments, payments and information. When making a booking with us, you will be redirected to the Carebit patient portal and asked to enter some basic information to set up an account.
Hernia Repairs
How does the booking system work?
The first step is to book and attend an initial consultation appointment with our surgeon. This will be a 20-30minute appointment, at the Carlisle Healthcare South Hub, where you will meet your surgeon face to face and discuss your diagnosis and possible treatment options. If you decide to proceed with surgery, an appointment can be booked for you at the end of the consultation appointment, typically within 4 weeks.
Initial consultation appointments can be booked online using the Carebit Patient Portal. Surgery appointments can be booked directly with us, either at the end of your consultation appointment or by calling or emailing us.
How soon can you fix my hernia?
Once you have attended a consultation appointment with our surgeon to confirm you have a hernia and to discuss your options, if you wish to proceed, a surgical appointment can normally be arranged within 4 weeks. Take a look at our Carebit Patient Portal booking page for available time slots.
Do I need a GP referral?
You do not need a doctor’s referral to attend our clinic. If you suspect you have a hernia, or carpal tunnel, the next step is to make an appointment to see one of our team to diagnose your condition and discuss your treatment options. Unless you request otherwise, we will inform your GP to update their records.
Will I be in any pain during or following the procedure?
The local anaesthetic will be injected under the skin to completely numb the operation site. It works within seconds and will provide long-lasting pain relief for several hours after your operation. We will provide you with medication for further pain relief.
Will I be conscious during the procedure?
Yes you will be fully conscious, but you will not experience any pain during the procedure. A surgical drape will be in place, so you won’t see the operation site.
How long will my hernia surgery take?
The time to complete the procedure itself varies from patient to patient but is typically between 30 and 45minutes.
Can I travel home the same day of my procedure?
We specialise in walk-in walk-out surgery. We only undertake procedures using local anaesthetic and patients typically spend 1 to 1.5 hours at our clinic before heading home. You are not legally allowed to drive after your operation and ideally should have someone to accompany you. If this isn’t possible, a taxi can be arranged.
How soon can I drive after my hernia repair?
Typically 1 week. You need to wait until you are able to safely carry out an emergency stop. Some car insurers may have specific requirements, so check if you are unsure.
When can I return to work?
If you work does not involve any lifting or physical activity, patients can return to work 1-2 weeks after your procedure.
Are there any long-term side effects?
There is a small risk of developing chronic pain after surgery for an inguinal repair. Our Consultant Surgeon will discuss the risks with you.
Do hernias always require surgery?
A hernia does not repair itself. However, if you have a hernia that causes no discomfort, you may decide to watch and wait. There is a possibility that at some time the hernia will get bigger and give discomfort though. Hernias that cause pain or limit activity should be repaired, and surgery is the only option for repair. If they are not repaired, there is a risk that an emergency procedure may be required at a later date which can be more impactful on your life in terms of personal plans and travel.
Do I need to have an operation urgently?
In most cases a hernia is simply a painful nuisance. However, there is a danger that the bowel or fatty tissue that is present within the hernia becomes trapped. This can lead to strangulation of the tissues and would require emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia. We do not carry out emergency repairs.
My hernia is not causing any major problems. Should I undergo repair or wait?
Most hernias do not cause major problems nor pain. The main concerns are around the swelling and risk of strangulation. It’s important to remember a hernia will not simply go away in time and may get bigger. Our advice is to consider repair if you are reasonably fit and healthy.
How likely is it that my hernia will come back?
The national recurrence rate for hernias is between 1% – 5%. The risk depends on many factors including the initial size of your hernia, your overall health and weight, whether you smoke and the volume of strenuous exercise you undertake.
I had a hernia repair, but the hernia has come back. Can you help?
We are unable to help with recurrent hernias as these typically require general anaesthetic. Laparoscopic or keyhole repair is normally required, as the new hernia repair must be made behind the muscle and previous hernia repair site. Your best option is to contact your local GP and ask for guidance.
How can I tell if a lump or swelling is a hernia?
A lump or bulge is a common symptom of a hernia. However, not all lumps or swellings on the abdominal wall or in the groin are due to hernias. Other possible causes of lumps and swellings include growths or enlarged lymph nodes. During an initial consultation with our surgeon, we will be able to assess the problem and identify your best treatment options. Take a look at our Hernia Information page for more information.
Am I too old to have hernia surgery?
Your age is not a limiting factor in preventing you from accessing surgery. Your general health and suitability for surgery is assessed during your consultation appointment.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
How does the booking system work?
We initially request you to fill in a Q&A assessment online to ascertain the level of discomfort you are in. The scoring will help advise the best cause of action for you.
The Q&A form can be found here.
For moderate to severe cases (Scores 5+), a decompression ‘One-Stop Shop’ appointment will be offered. During this appointment we will carry out a further consultation with you in person, and perform the decompression procedure. The procedure involves making a small cut in the ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve.
For mild syndromes (Scores 3-4), a non-surgical appointment option can be provided. You can either book an in-person assessment appointment where we can discuss your diagnosis further and where appropriate, provide a steroid injection which can alleviate your symptoms for good, alongside the use of a night splint. Alternatively you can book a virtual consultation appointment to discuss your symptoms on a remote call with our doctor.
If you’ve had a previous steroid injection which has failed to help, or your symptoms have come back (recurred), a decompression will also be offered.
How soon can you fix my carpal tunnel?
A procedure can typically be arranged for 4 weeks time. Look at our Carebit Patient Portal for available appointment slots.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you do not need a GP referral.
Will I be in any pain during or following the procedure?
When the local anaesthetic is infiltrated, it can sting a little. We use a special additive to minimise the stinging sensation. The local anaesthetic works immediately and will wear off a few hours later.
Will I be conscious during the procedure?
Yes, we like to talk to you whilst performing the surgery.
How long will my surgery take?
Carpal tunnel surgery typically takes only ten minutes.
Can I travel home the same day of my procedure?
You can travel home immediately following surgery.
How soon can I drive after my surgery?
We suggest a week before you consider driving again. You may want to check with your insurance company.
When can I return to work?
This is dependent on how much you use your hands and what type of work you do. If you are desk based 1-2 weeks will normally be fine. If you do heavy manual work it can be 6 weeks before you are comfortable enough to undertake your normal duties.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Depending on how severe your carpal tunnel syndrome is, and how long you have suffered it before having an operation, influences how well your nerve will recover. Your age and any underlying medical conditions also affect the outcome.
Does carpal tunnel always require surgery?
No. If your symptoms are only mild the use of a splint and potentially a steroid injection can settle the problem. Unfortunately, it does tend to come back in time.
How likely is it that the carpal tunnel syndrome pain will come back?
The chance of carpal tunnel syndrome recurring after an operation is very low. The rate is quoted as 1 person in 2000 up to 20 years after surgery.