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Care Opinion

Repetitive laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery

Posted By pictorhe39

"Repetitive laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery"

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Day Surgery

(as the patient),

Procedure was a lot less stressful that I was anticipating and very little pain after the operation compared to two open incision repairs done in the past. However I was not expecting the swelling that occurred in my penis and scrotum. My scrotum in particular was uncomfortable because in addition to the swelling the bottom of the scrotum appeared to had become grazed in some way. The resulting scabs hurt when the scrotum was squeezed such as when sitting down or sleeping on my side if the scrotum got trapped between my legs. It has taken a full two weeks for healing to take place and most of the scabs to peel off.

Overall though it is a great relief not to have to wear a truss any more, this being essential before in order to be able to function normally.

I never at any point met the consultant dealing with me and I was a bit surprised that there is to be no follow-up appointment. Instead if I experience certain symptoms I am to consult my GP or visit A&E.

Overall I am happy with the repair, my only complaint being the time it has taken waiting for surgery. It must be around 9 months since I self diagnosed a hernia to receiving surgery. Much of this time was taken up getting a confirmed diagnosis.

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Responses

Response from Nola Cassidy, Senior Charge Nurse, Day Surgery Unit, NHS Fife 6 years ago
Nola Cassidy
Senior Charge Nurse, Day Surgery Unit,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 08/01/2018 at 12:55
Published on Care Opinion at 15:22

picture of Nola Cassidy

Dear pictorhe 39

Thank you for taking the time to post in Care Opinion, it is good to see that your procedure was a lot less stressful than you were anticipating, however not so good to see that you suffered with a side effect of the surgery.

It was also disappointing that you felt there was delay between diagnosis and treatment. We do work to national waiting times; however as it is not clear at what stage your hernia was clinically diagnosed, I am unable to comment further. If you would like me to look into this further I can do so, please feel free to contact me on 01383 623623 ext 23010

In terms of follow up, it is quite normal not to have a pre-arranged follow up after surgery for this procedure. If there were any concerns after the surgery your GP would contact the Consultant and an appointment would be sent out for review.

I trust the remainder of your recovery is going well

Nola

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Update posted by pictorhe39 (the patient)

I do not have the dates to hand but I should make it quite clear that once there was a clinical diagnosis my surgery took place quite quickly (well within guidelines I suspect). The delay from my initial diagnosis (having had 2 previous hernias I was well placed to recognise the symptoms) was due to events thereafter occurring serially with long delays between each. First a wait to see a GP (local practice has staffing problems). This GP said I did not have a hernia. Made another appointment and saw a different GP who confirmed I did have a hernia and who referred me. Then a wait to see a consultant who was unable to confirm a hernia. Next a wait for a scan which did identify a hernia. Then a wait to see a second consultant at which surgery was discussed. The interval between this consultation and surgery I would guess was well within guidelines. To summarise, the lengthy time to get treatment was due to the local GP practice having had staffing issues over the last year and the difficulties in getting a positive diagnosis. C'est la vie. By purchasing a hernia truss I was able to function almost normally during the wait. Anyone in a lot of pain or with a more serious condition would not have been so happy. Side effects continuing to reduce. No other concerns. Back driving again and trying to remember not to lift anything heavy! Thanks NHS. Over and out.

Response from Nola Cassidy, Senior Charge Nurse, Day Surgery Unit, NHS Fife 6 years ago
Nola Cassidy
Senior Charge Nurse, Day Surgery Unit,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 19/01/2018 at 15:57
Published on Care Opinion at 16:45

picture of Nola Cassidy

Dear Pictorhe39

Thank you for sharing your information, it seems getting the confirmed diagnosis did take a bit of time, glad that you have no other concerns and that your recovery is going well now. Once again thanks for taking the time to post.

Nola

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