Welcome to the Melbourne Hernia Clinic Website!
Australia's first hernia clinic
> 15,000 hernia operations performed
• Day surgery
• Local anaesthesia
• Mesh reinforcement
• Prompt return to work
• Insured and non-insured patients
• Adult and Paediatric hernia |
The Melbourne Hernia Clinic provides a comprehensive service for the treatment of all types of hernias of the abdominal wall. It was initially established almost twenty-five years ago by Assoc Prof Maurice Brygel who adopted the "tension-free" method of repairing inguinal (groin) hernias, using mesh under Local Anaesthetic with sedation as a day-case (the Lichtenstein technique). There are significant safety advantages with this method. The clinic has now evolved into one, which treats all varieties of hernias of the abdominal wall, in either adults or children, using open or laparoscopic techniques.
The Melbourne Hernia Clinic surgeons have extensive experience using the Lichtenstein technique but also have specific skills and experience in treating all types of hernias.
SURGEONS:
We find that the clinic concept works well because:
- There is always a second surgeon available with whom to discuss a complex issue.
- We are able to offer early consultation (within one week) and prompt surgery (usually within two weeks).
- One of our surgeons is always available for urgent problems.
Because most hernias can be treated as a day-case, non-insured patients can often afford private treatment.
We also offer advice to patients by email or telephone.
VENUES
212 Clayton Road
CLAYTON VIC 3168 AUSTRALIA
181-183 Wattletree Road
MALVERN VIC 3144 AUSTRALIA
Peninsula Private Hospital
525 McClelland Drive
FRANKSTON VIC 3199 Australia
East Melbourne - 174 Victoria Parade Day Surgery
Laser House, 174 Victoria Pde
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002 Australia
Western Private Hospital (operating)
1-9 Marion Street
Ph: +61 3 9525 9077
Fax: +61 3 9527 1519
FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 Australia
Western General Hospital (consulting)
Private Consulting Suite
Gordon Street
Ph: +61 3 9525 9077
Fax: +61 3 9527 1519
FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 Australia
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| Assoc Prof Maurice Brygel |
Mr Charles Leinkram |
We usually apply this term when any part of the abdominal contents protrude
through the abdominal wall. Hernias usually cause discomfort or a swelling.
Occasionally they are first found during a routine medical examination.
The swelling is usually noticed when the person is standing or straining,
it may disappear when lying down.
A hernia usually consists of fat, bowel or occasionally fluid. Rarely
the bladder, ovary or even the appendix may be part of the hernia. With
time many hernias become larger, painful and irreducible - that is they
cannot be pushed back in.
Hernias should not be ignored. If left untreated they tend to develop
complications and become more difficult to repair.
Complications include bowel obstruction or strangulation. That is the
contents such as fat or bowel becomes stuck and the blood supply is cut
off. This may be life threatening. Emergency treatment is required.
Because hernia surgery is safer now it is usually carried out earlier.
Thus the incidence of bowel obstruction and strangulation of hernias has
reduced. Increasing age is no longer a bar to surgery. It should be remembered
that even babies and adolescents get hernias.
More About Hernias
- Inguinal
- in the groin - the most common especially in men - approximately 80
percent. Can be on both sides
- Femoral
- relatively more common in women. Lower in the groin. Can be on both
sides
- Umbilical
- at the navel (belly button)
- Epigastric
- in the midline between the breast bone and the navel. Can be multiple
- Incisional
- at the site of the scar of a previous bowel, gall bladder, gynaecological
or other abdominal operation
 Youtube video
- Divarication
of the recti muscles - a midline weakness & bulge - surgery not
usually required
Note: operations to repair incisional
hernias & divarication may be combined with abdominoplasty Youtube video
- not to be confused with liposuction (lipo)
- Recurrent - at the site of a previous
hernia operation
- Rare - Spigelian. Lumbar
- Hiatus
hernia - a different type which occurs within the abdomen
- Paediatric hernia, undescended testes,
phimoses, circumcision, hydrocoele
- Urgent Paediatric
surgical conditions
Most hernias apart from incisional and hiatus can be treated surgically
under local anaesthesia together with light sedation.
The aim is a safe operation with a quick recovery and minimal short or
long term after effects or recurrence (that is - the hernia coming back).
Most hernias can be treated in a day procedure centre. Thus the cost
for non-insured patients is not such a prohibitive factor. It avoids long
waiting lists, the patient can have the surgeon and technique of their
choice.
'Open method'
A cut is made directly over the hernia. A nonabsorbable permanent
mesh is usually used.
The "tension free" technique is preferred.
'Keyhole surgery' - Laparoscopic
This is carried out under general anaesthetic with smaller cuts -
a mesh is always used
Also at: The Sydney Hernia Centre
Suite 5-51 Spring Street,
Bondi Junction, 2022
| Telephone: |
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02 9387 5627 SYDNEY Mr Adam Rapaport |
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03 9525 9077 MELBOURNE Mr Maurice Brygel |
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Maps and Driving directions
Frequently asked questions
What are hernias?