General Surgery

At Probus Surgical Centre, we offer fast access to high quality treatment via NHS or Private routes for you. We deliver a selection of treatments with low waiting times and excellent clinical outcomes, to help get you back to feeling fit and well again sooner.

Listed below are some of the surgical procedures we offer at Probus Surgical Centre.

Hernias

The most common hernias, usually in men, appear in the groin and can be on the right or left side. The hernia appears as a bulge caused by a weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen. Above the groin is a small hole in the muscle wall of the abdomen where arteries and veins pass to the testicle or vulva. A weakness may be caused in this area through heavy lifting or some other strain. This results in a part of the bowel bulging (inguinal or femoral hernia). You may feel discomfort when coughing, standing for long periods, or carrying out some vigorous activity. Another type of hernia occurs around the belly button (umbilical).

You may at first find relief by lying down, which stops the hernia from bulging, but the only cure is an operation. The hernia is not dangerous but the discomfort will continue if not seen-to. If left too long, it may become strangulated. This is when the loop of the bowel, which forms the hernia, twists on itself. Some people have hernias for years, but they have to be aware not to strain themselves which may stifle their lifestyle unnecessarily. It can be better to have the operation.

A hernia operation can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic. The surgeon will prescribe what is best for you. At Probus Surgical Centre this operation is performed under local anaesthetic.
An incision is made measuring six to ten centimetres long above the groin.
Local anaesthetic is injected into the area of the cut. One of the muscle layers is opened and the hernia is then carefully put back in place and a repair is made to strengthen the weakened area. The repair can consist of two or more layers of stitches or by stitching a mesh over the whole area. Both of these methods give very good lasting results. Once again the surgeon will decide what is required depending on what type of hernia he finds.
Local anaesthetic procedure:
PLEASE NOTE: General anaesthetic and Laparoscopic surgery are also options but these are not available at Probus Surgical Centre. If you wish to have either a general anaesthetic or laparoscopic surgery, please contact us on 01726 885104.
Our Practice Nurse will telephone you 3-7 days prior to your operation to discuss your pre-op care.
Please take a bath or shower the day or the operation – please follow our shaving instructions before you attend.
On the day, you can have a light meal up to 2 hours before your operation. You may be given a Voltarol suppositories prior to your operation.
If you are on warfarin, clopidgogrel or dipyridamole (persantin) or any another anti-coagulant, please contact our surgical team for further information prior to your operation.
You will be able to go home on the same day but you MUST have a responsible adult to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
You should not drive until you feel comfortable to do so. You must be confident that you can keep control during an emergency (check with your Insurance Company to make sure you are covered) or as advised by the doctor. You should also avoid heavy lifting until you feel comfortable or as advised by your doctor.
We will advise you on pain relief after your operation to keep you comfortable and you may be prescribed some.
The operation site will be covered with a dressing. The nurse will advise you when you can shower as this can vary.
The wound will be held closed with dissolvable stitches.
Men Only: You are advised to wear tight underwear for at least a week to prevent bruising and swelling of genital area.
You will be telephoned the next working day after your operation to see how you are getting on. You will not routinely receive a follow up appointment and you will be discharged back to your GP, if you have any queries post-op, please contact us on 01726 885104.
If you are worried about your recovery from this operation, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your own doctor or Probus Surgical Centre.
Any operation may lead to complications and these include the following:
- Infection, Bleeding, Haematoma/Seroma, Scrotal Swelling and bruising
- Injury to Bowels/Bladder/Nerves/Vas/Blood vessels
- Numbness
- Men: Testicular atrophy, Reduced fertility, Removal of testis
- Blood clots (legs or lungs)
- Recurrence of hernia
- Chronic wound pain
- Mesh infection/Migration/Erosion
Your doctor will help you decide between the advantages and risks.

Click the buttons below to open/ download patient information leaflets and consent forms…

Epigastric Hernia

Epigastric hernia consent form

Inguinal & Femoral Hernia

Inguinal & Femoral Hernia consent form

Spigelian Hernia

Spigelian Hernia consent form

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical hernia consent form

Students

We are a teaching and training practice. Sometimes medical students or doctors in training may wish to observe or participate in procedures or operations. They will always be supervised by a senior doctor and will only participate with your approval.

If you do not wish to be seen by trainees or students you are perfectly entitled to withhold your consent.

Where to get advice

If you have any concerns during your post-op period, you can get advice or help from one of these sources.

Contact our surgical team on 01726 885104 during office hours (Monday - Friday 08:30 - 16:30).
Your own doctor or nurse if it is easier for you.
Out of hours GP service- contact 111 or the OOH number provided by your surgery.
Your local emergency department

Adult Lumps and Bumps

All our procedures are performed under local anaesthetic. During the procedure, you will still be able to feel the sensation of touch and pressure and there may be some feelings of discomfort at certain stages of the procedure. We endeavour to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
In general, all tissue samples removed are sent to histological diagnosis and confirmation, Results generally take about 4 weeks and once they are back, they will be communicated to you.
We advise that someone else drives you home after your minor surgery, if that is not possible, we recommend you stay in our reception area for about half an hour before driving home, ensuring you feel absolutely well.
We will advise you if any sutures require removal, which can be done at your local GP surgery.
We will also advise you on wound care, depending on what has been done. In general, the area will need to be kept clean and dry for 2-5 days. We will also advise you whether you need to avoid any activities before the wound is dry and healed.
For minor surgery in general, complications are:
1. Scar: they can be red and raised in the beginning, but they tend to fade and flatten over time, which can take several months. However, some scars can remain raised (hypertrophic) or even keloid especially on the torso and shoulder areas.
2. Wound Infections- The wound would look red and feel hot to touch and there may be some pus. They typically happen from day 2-5. This may require a course of oral antibiotics. Contact your Practice Nurse at GP surgery if you suspect a wound infection.
3. Local bruising and bleeding- This is more frequent in patients who take anti-platelet drugs or anti-coagulants If you have any excessive bleeding, apply pressure for 20 minutes but if it doesn’t stop, seek medical help or attend your nearest minor injury unit.
4. Damage to surrounding vessels or nerves- although great care is taken, there is a risk depending on the area being operated.
5. Recurrence of the problem- there is always a small risk that the problem could return in the future.