Welcome to the Melbourne Hernia Clinic

Australia’s first hernia clinic 15,000+ hernia operations performed

Day surgery
Local Anaesthetic
Mesh reinforcement
Prompt return to work
Insured and non-insured patients
Adult and Paediatric hernias

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 A/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. The Melbourne Hernia Clinic provides a comprehensive service for the treatment of all types of hernias of the abdominal wall.

Surgeons:

A/Prof Maurice Brygel - founder. A/Prof Brygel has performed over 9,000 hernia operations.
Mr Charles Leinkram, has a special interest in repairing large complex incisional hernias, sometimes also incorporating an abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”).
Mr Peter Grossberg, has an expertise in laparoscopic or keyhole hernia repair.
Mr Tom Clarnette, specialises in paediatric hernias.

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

Masada Private Hospital: 26 Balaclava Road
EAST ST KILDA VIC 3183
AUSTRALIA
Ph: + 61 3 9525 9077
Fax: + 61 3 9527 1519
Mitcham Private Hospital: 23 Doncaster East Road,
Mitcham VIC 3132
AUSTRALIA
www.mitchamprivate.com.au
Cabrini Private Hospital: 181-183 Wattletree Road
MALVERN VIC 3144
AUSTRALIA
Sir John Monash Private Hosptital: 212 – 220 Clayton Road
CLAYTON VIC 3168
AUSTRALIA

Maps and Driving Directions

SOS for GP Courses

PCOP1 PAGE 2013

Surgical Office Skills (S.O.S) and Basic Office Surgical Skills (B.O.S.S) are courses for GP’s which aim to provide step-by-step operative techniques for managing common patient conditions.

Click Here to Learn More

Maurie-mesh

A/Prof Maurice Brygel Mr Charles Leinkram

Types of Hernias

Inguinal:

In the groin – the most common especially in men – approximately 80 percent. Can be on both sides. Learn More.

These are clinical, operative photos. If squeamish do not look

Femoral:

Relatively more common in women. Lower in the groin. Can be on both sides. Learn More.

Umbilical:

At the navel (belly button). Learn More.

This is a link to a precedural video on You Tube. If squeamish do not look

Epigastric:

In the midline between the breast bone and the navel. Can be multiple. Learn More.

Incisional:

At the site of the scar of a previous bowel, gall bladder, gynaecological or other abdominal operation.

Divarication:

Of the recti muscles – a midline weakness & bulge – surgery not usually required. Learn More.

Note: operations to repair incisional hernias and divarication may be combined with Abdominoplasty – 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, phimosis, circumcision, hydrocoele.

Video Clips: Talking About Hernia

Frequently Asked Questions

Click Here for our Frequently Asked Questions

You Tube Channel

Click Here for our You Tube Channel

What Are Hernias?

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

Hernia Surgery

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.

Related Sites

Also at: The Sydney Hernia Centre