@Cycleops. It’s where a piece of the intestine sticks through a hole in the abdomen. In women it often occurs because of pregnancy and in men it’s usually because of a weak spot from the womb.
In my case the hernia sack wouldn’t fully go back into the belly when lying or coughing so was at increased risk of growing and eventual strangulation. I lasted 3 years after it’s happened before seeking treatment, partly due to covid.
The operation only takes about 40mins but it’s the going under general anaesthetic and then recovery that takes the time. Was in an out in an afternoon. It was open surgery as it was still small in size and done private but in NHS rates because of waiting times.
@Andy in Germany I’d love to laugh but alas it hurts!!!