Day theatre procedure
About this service
Recurrent hernia repair is day-theatre surgery to fix a hernia that has reappeared after an earlier repair, and it is available in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic. A hernia can recur when the original repair weakens or the tissue around it stretches again, causing a bulge or discomfort to return in the same area. Because the tissue has already been operated on once, recurrent repairs are approached carefully, often reinforcing the area for a more durable result.
The surgery takes place in our on-site day theatre under general or regional anaesthesia. Your doctor will examine you and discuss the best repair technique for your particular hernia.
What to expect
- A physical examination to confirm the hernia has recurred and assess its size
- General or regional anaesthesia, depending on your health and the hernia's location
- Because the area has been operated on before, the surgeon works around scar tissue and usually reinforces the repair with mesh
- Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site is normal during recovery
- Your doctor will advise on activity limits and follow-up to check healing
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- A bulge returning in the same place as a previous hernia repair
- Discomfort or aching at an old hernia repair site
- A lump that appears or worsens with straining, lifting, or coughing
- Swelling near a scar from earlier hernia surgery
- Concern that a repaired hernia has failed and come back
Frequently asked questions
Why has my hernia come back after it was repaired?
The tissue around a repair can weaken again with heavy lifting, chronic cough, weight gain, smoking or infection at the original wound. Sometimes the first repair was under tension. Your doctor will look for the cause so the next repair lasts.
Is recurrent hernia repair harder than the first operation?
It can be, because scar tissue changes the anatomy. Surgeons often approach from a different direction or use a different technique and mesh to reinforce the area. This is why recurrent hernias are best handled by an experienced general surgeon.
Should I see a specialist for a recurrent hernia?
You can book directly with our GP team, who will examine the hernia and refer you to the visiting general surgeon who operates in our on-site day theatre. Bring any notes from your previous repair if you have them.
For referring doctors
Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek is equipped for recurrent hernia repairs, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your recurrent hernia repair?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.