Surgical repair of hernias

Introduction

We are asking you to comment on the proposed criteria that patients with different types of hernias will need to meet for surgery.

Please click here to review the proposed commissioning statement that will be considered when the Greater Manchester Procedures of Limited Clinical Value (PLCV) Steering Group meets to review this intervention. Please note that this is not a decision-making group and any recommendation it makes will need to go through NHS Greater Manchester governance process for approval to implement.

What is a hernia?

Hernias are generally a bulge or lump, consisting of an underlying piece of tissue or organ (e.g. part of the bowel), which appears through a point of weakness in the abdominal wall.

Whilst many patients are symptom-free, others will experience pain and discomfort which can significantly affect their daily activities.

Frequently, the hernia can simply be pushed back into place. However, in some cases, this isn’t possible and eventually the trapped contents may experience a reduced blood supply. These “strangulated” hernias pose an immediate threat to health and require an emergency intervention.

Why is NHS GM reviewing it's commissioning statement?

These are reviewed periodically to make sure they are still 'fit for purpose' and this commissioning statement was last reviewed in September 2020. The current GM hernia commissioning statement is therefore now scheduled to be reviewed by the GM PLCV Steering Group.