Hernia Surgery in Cape Town

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents, usually fat or bowel, through a defect in the abdominal wall. It typically presents as a swelling that enlarges on standing, coughing or straining and reduces on lying down.

• Inguinal hernia: in the groin; the most common type.
• Umbilical and paraumbilical hernia: at or near the umbilicus.
• Incisional hernia: through a previous surgical scar.
• Epigastric hernia: in the midline above the umbilicus.

When Is Repair Recommended?

Repair is generally advised when a hernia:

• causes pain or discomfort
• is enlarging
• limits work, exercise or lifting
• has become difficult to reduce

Small, asymptomatic hernias may be observed. Dr. Loots will discuss the merits of repair and of observation in your case.

Seek urgent assessment if a hernia becomes firm, tender and irreducible, particularly with nausea or vomiting. This may indicate strangulation and requires emergency treatment. Contact the practice or attend the Mediclinic Cape Town emergency centre.

To have a hernia assessed, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Loots. Appointments can be booked online or made by calling the practice on 021 224 0077.

Surgical Approach

Repair is performed under general anaesthetic at Mediclinic Cape Town. The hernia contents are reduced and the defect is closed and reinforced, usually with a synthetic mesh.

• Laparoscopic repair uses several small incisions, a camera and fine instruments. It is often offered for hernias on both sides or a hernia that has returned after a previous repair.
• Open repair is performed through a single incision over the hernia. It is often used for larger or more complex hernias.

The choice depends on the type and size of the hernia, any previous repair and your general health. Dr. Loots will explain her recommendation.

Preparation

• Provide a complete list of medication, including supplements. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and warfarin, usually need to be stopped before surgery, as advised.
• Follow the fasting instructions provided by the practice.
• Avoid alcohol and stop any recreational drugs.
• Follow the skin preparation guide: Pre-operative Skin Preparation (PDF).
• The practice will assist with medical aid pre-authorisation.

Recovery

• Recovery differs between patients. Dr. Loots will advise you on discharge, pain relief, return to work, lifting and driving.
• Walking is encouraged early after surgery.
• A follow-up appointment with Dr. Loots is arranged after surgery.

Contact the practice if you develop fever, spreading redness, wound discharge or increasing pain.

Medical Aid, Referral and Private Patients

Hernia repair is covered by most medical schemes, subject to pre-authorisation; the practice will assist with this. A GP referral is welcome but not required.

Patients without South African medical aid, including visitors to Cape Town, are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting to the Practice

Suite A115, Mediclinic Cape Town Hospital, 21 Hof Street, Oranjezicht. Surgery is performed in the same hospital.

• City Bowl: Gardens, Tamboerskloof, Vredehoek, Oranjezicht and the CBD.
• Atlantic Seaboard: Green Point, Sea Point, Camps Bay and Clifton, via Kloof Nek or the city.
• Southern Suburbs: Observatory, Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont and Constantia, via the M3.
• Northern Suburbs: Milnerton, Parow, Bellville and Durbanville, via the N1.

About Dr. Loots

Dr. Loots is a specialist general surgeon at Cape Town Mediclinic with a special interest in breast and thyroid surgery and endoscopy. MBChB (University of the Free State, 2004); MMed Surgery (Stellenbosch University, 2015); FCS SA.

Related Reading

• How Is a Hernia Repaired?
• Patient Information: Preparing for Your Surgery