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In short
- What it is: part of the abdominal contents, usually fat or intestine, pushing through a weak point in the abdominal wall.
- Types: inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), epigastric and incisional hernias.
- Treatment: surgery, usually reinforcing the abdominal wall with a mesh, by keyhole, Da Vinci robotic or open technique.
- Who: Dr. José Cutillas Abellán, general and digestive surgeon, who sees patients in English, Spanish and French.
- Price: consultation and assessment, 85 €.
- Where: consultation at Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, 30007 Murcia, Spain; surgery in hospital.
- Appointments: message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47.
What is a hernia?
A hernia appears when part of the contents of the abdomen, usually fat or intestine, pushes through a weak point in the abdominal wall. It is noticed as a lump that usually becomes more visible when standing, coughing or straining, and it can cause discomfort, heaviness or pain.
It affects men and women of any age. Hernias do not go away on their own and tend to grow over time, so it is important to have them assessed early.
Most common types of hernia
- Inguinal hernia: in the groin. The most common type, especially in men.
- Umbilical hernia: at the belly button. Common after pregnancy or with excess weight.
- Epigastric hernia: on the midline, between the belly button and the breastbone.
- Incisional hernia: appears over the scar of a previous operation.
How is a hernia treated?
The definitive treatment for a hernia is surgery, which usually reinforces the abdominal wall with a mesh. Dr. Cutillas assesses the type and size of your hernia in consultation and explains the most suitable technique.
- Minimally invasive surgery: laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) and Da Vinci robotic surgery, with small incisions, less pain and a faster recovery, whenever your case allows it.
- Open technique: when it is the most suitable option for the type of hernia.
- Quick return to your life: most patients return to their everyday activities within a few days.
- Follow-up: Dr. Cutillas stays with you throughout your recovery.
Inguinal hernia in Murcia
An inguinal hernia is the most common type: it appears as a lump in the groin that usually gets bigger when straining, coughing or standing for a long time, and it may cause discomfort or a feeling of heaviness. It mainly affects men, although it also appears in women. If you notice a lump in your groin, it is best to have it assessed by a surgeon as soon as possible. Read the questions and answers about inguinal hernia.
What the assessment includes
- History and examination: Dr. Cutillas asks about your symptoms and examines the area to confirm the type and size of the hernia.
- Review of tests: if you have an ultrasound scan or other tests, bring them. If any are needed, the doctor will tell you.
- Treatment options: he explains which technique is most suitable in your case and why.
- Quote: if you need surgery, he tells you the price and the next steps.
The consultation and assessment costs 85 €.
Consultation at Ananda, surgery in hospital
The consultation, assessment and check-ups take place at Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo (30007 Murcia). Hernia surgery is always carried out in a hospital with an operating theatre; Dr. Cutillas explains in consultation where and how it is organised. After surgery, he tells you how to look after yourself, when you can return to your activities and when to come for check-ups, so the same doctor looks after you from the first assessment until you are discharged.
Your doctor: Dr. José Cutillas Abellán
Medical Director of Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city and specialist in General and Digestive Surgery, with extensive experience in conditions such as hernias, haemorrhoids, anal fissure and other digestive problems.
- Personal care and a private consultation, with no waiting lists
- In Murcia city, with no need to travel to other cities
- Sees patients in English, Spanish and French
- Individual assessment before proposing any treatment
Frequently asked questions about hernias
Is there an English-speaking hernia surgeon in Murcia?
Yes. Dr. José Cutillas Abellán, general and digestive surgeon, sees patients in English, Spanish and French at Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city.
What is a hernia?
Part of the abdominal contents, usually fat or intestine, pushing through a weak point in the abdominal wall. It is noticed as a lump that usually gets bigger when straining, coughing or standing.
Can a hernia heal on its own?
No. Hernias do not go away on their own and tend to grow over time. The only definitive treatment is surgery, and it is best to assess it before complications appear.
When is a hernia an emergency?
If the lump becomes hard, very painful, changes colour or cannot be pushed back in, and comes with nausea or vomiting, go to A&E, as it may be a strangulated hernia.
How is a hernia operated on?
Depending on the type and size, it can be operated on with an open or minimally invasive technique (laparoscopy or Da Vinci robotic surgery), usually reinforcing the abdominal wall with a mesh. Dr. Cutillas explains the most suitable option for your case in consultation.
How long does recovery take?
With minimally invasive techniques, most patients return to their everyday life within a few days, although strenuous physical effort should wait a little longer. Dr. Cutillas gives you specific advice and follows you up.
Can it come back?
The risk of the hernia coming back is low when it is operated on with a good technique and the advice given afterwards is followed.
How much does the consultation cost?
The consultation and assessment with Dr. Cutillas costs 85 €. He studies your case and explains the treatment options; the price of the operation depends on each case and he tells you in consultation.
Do I need tests before the consultation?
Not necessarily. If you have an ultrasound scan or other tests, bring them. If any are needed, Dr. Cutillas will tell you.
How do I book an appointment?
Message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47. Appointments are Monday to Friday at Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, 30007 Murcia, Spain.
More information in English
- Inguinal hernia: questions and answers
- Diastasis recti: assessment and treatment
- Gallbladder removal: keyhole and Da Vinci robotic surgery
- Digestive surgery in Murcia: all conditions and Dr. Cutillas’s private consultation
Hernia surgery in Murcia for patients from Alicante, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa
Many of Dr. Cutillas’s English-speaking patients live in Murcia city, the golf resorts near the airport (Corvera, Altaona, Sucina), the Mar Menor (Los Alcázares, San Javier, La Manga), Cartagena, Camposol and Mazarrón, and the Costa Blanca: Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Alicante.
Ananda Centro Médico Estético is in Murcia city, about 25 minutes by car from Región de Murcia International Airport (Corvera), around 45 minutes from Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, and about an hour from Alicante. If you are coming over from the UK for a few days, it is easy to fit your appointment into your stay.
Have you noticed a lump in your groin or belly button?
Do not ignore it. Ask for your assessment with Dr. Cutillas at Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city. The consultation costs 85 € and is the first step to knowing which treatment you need.
