Hernia (including Incisional)

This condition is treated in the General surgery clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply to referral standards and include in particular:

• Size and location
• Reducibility
• Symptoms and impact on their quality of life is helpful in triaging

Tests

An ultrasound is not required for obvious hernias.

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the General Surgery clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Patient should be educated about warning signs of strangulation.Avoid heavy lifting.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Strangulated hernia

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Immediate recurrence of hernia post treatment.

🚩 Frequent pain

For urgent referrals call the RHH switch on 6166 8308 and ask for the nurse in charge of surgical clinics or the relevant consultant to expedite the consultation.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Symptoms interfering with life and work

Routine (Category 3)

Uncomplicated hernias

Next available appointment

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 - Specialist Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5227

North West

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 03 6493 6300
Fax: 03 6464 1928

Mersey Community Hospital
Phone: 1800 636 455 
Fax: 03 6441 5928

South

Liverpool Clinics (Level 7)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941