Trusted resources

Hernia information from leading institutions

Good decisions start with trustworthy information. Below are independent, authoritative sources on hernias and hernia surgery — from the NHS, NICE, the Royal College of Surgeons and the British Hernia Society — alongside key clinical evidence. They complement, but do not replace, a consultation.

National bodies & clinical guidance

The organisations that set the standards

The authoritative UK sources for how hernias are assessed, treated and audited.

NHS

Hernia overview

Plain-English NHS guide to what a hernia is, the main types, symptoms and treatment.

NHS

Hiatus hernia

NHS information on hiatus hernia — symptoms, reflux, and when treatment is needed.

NICE

Keyhole inguinal repair (TA83)

NICE's evidence-based guidance confirming both keyhole and open repair are safe and effective.

NICE

Surgical mesh for ventral hernias

NICE's evaluation of surgical mesh for primary ventral (including incisional) hernias.

British Hernia Society

The UK's professional body for hernia surgery, and an unbiased resource for patients.

Royal College of Surgeons

Groin hernia commissioning guide

RCS national guidance on groin hernia repair, including mesh and non-mesh (Shouldice) options.

Patient information

Guides written for patients

Clear, practical information to help you prepare for surgery and recovery.

NHS

Inguinal hernia repair

A step-by-step patient guide to open and keyhole (TEP/TAPP) inguinal hernia repair.

British Hernia Society

Patient information & leaflets

BHS patient area, including the "Groin Hernia and You" and mesh-safety leaflets.

Evidence & research

The published evidence, in the open

For those who want to read the research behind the recommendations. These are technical, peer-reviewed sources.

Peer-reviewed

Open vs keyhole repair — review

An overview of systematic reviews comparing recurrence and chronic pain between the two approaches.

Peer-reviewed

Chronic groin pain — meta-analysis

Meta-analysis of chronic groin pain rates after keyhole versus open inguinal repair.

Peer-reviewed

Contralateral hernia — 25-year study

Long-term study of how often a hernia develops on the other side after a one-sided repair.

British Hernia Society

Sportsman's groin — position statement

The BHS consensus that "sportsman's groin" (inguinal disruption) is not a true hernia.

About these links. These resources are provided for general information and are maintained by independent organisations — we are not responsible for their content, which may change over time. Nothing here replaces individual medical advice. If you have symptoms or a decision to make, the most reliable next step is a consultation.

Prefer to talk it through?

A consultant-led assessment gives you a clear answer tailored to you — across Warwickshire, with no GP referral required.

Book a consultation