Hernias and Anaesthetics

Facts, figures and general information about hernias, and the history of anaesthesia, including negative reactions to it.

- There are 80,000 operations for repair of groin hernias in the UK annually (and 40,000 NHS prescriptions for trusses).

- Average length of post-operative bed occupancy:
Groin Hernia: 1 to 2 days
Replacement of coronary artery: 9 to 13 days
Appendix: 3 to 4 days
Amputation: 9 to 20 days
Kidney transplant: 11 to 14 days.
(Source: HES online, 'main operations for 2004-5', NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre)

The NHS deficit for 2005 is estimated at £620 million, says Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt. (Source: Times Online, article by Nigel Hawkes, published 3 Dec 2005). Many hypnotists feel this deficit can be reduced if we can shorten the post-operative care costs - which can be achieved by doing operations under hypnosis instead of anaesthetic.

Channel 4 Health Q&A: Hernias

P2: History of Pain Relief