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Founded in 1856, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals. Our commitment to our patients is in the quality of our care, the range of our services and the quality of our consultants and staff.
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St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is renowned for its highly specialised clinics that provide exemplary care for patients. Our expert Consultants cover the full range of specialties and are able to treat almost any medical condition.
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Spigelian hernia is a less common hernia in the abdominal wall, slightly to the side of the upper abdomen. They are repaired in the same way as the majority of hernias with tension-free mesh reinforcement. Early symptoms may include a bulge appearing to the side and below your navel and a certain amount of discomfort that may become more painful when lifting heavy objects or through coughing.
A Spigelian hernia is a rare type of hernia that occurs in the abdominal wall, slightly to the side of the upper abdomen. It can be repaired using tension-free mesh reinforcement, like the majority of other hernias. The most common sign of a Spigelian Hernia is a bulge to the side or below your navel that may become more painful when lifting heavy objects or when coughing.
This type of hernia protrudes through a weakness in the muscle fibres of the abdominal wall.
Factors that can contribute towards a Spigelian Hernia include:
1: Linea semilunaris (spigelian); 2: Rectus abdominis muscle;
3: Transversus abdominal muscle; 4: Spigelian aponeurosis; 5: Linea semicircularis
A Spigelian Hernia can be difficult to diagnose as there often aren’t any physical symptoms.
Common symptoms:
Spigelian Hernias tricky to detect. As they tend to have a narrow neck, are usually quite small and are situated under the aponeurosis (a sheet of fibrous tissue), they are often not often seen or felt (by doctors). Therefore an ultrasound or CT-scan may be required to confirm of the diagnosis. A consultant can then begin Spigelian Hernia repair.
The Spigelian Hernia repair procedure can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic. Surgery is usually required to treat this type of hernia as it can be prone to strangulation. The tension-free open mesh procure that has been perfected by London Hernia consultants over many years, can be used.
Many hernias do not hurt so the temptation is to ignore them. However, failing to get medical advice can be damaging and is not recommended. If left the hernia will grow and discomfort and pain, even if negligible to start with, will intensify.
To ask a question or book an appointment you can contact us by calling 020 3370 1014 or by emailing [email protected].
The Hernia Unit provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of all hernia types and can offer a number of surgery options depending on the individual needs of each patient.
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 3370 1014.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
