FAQ | Mr Kyi Toe

How many hernia repairs and gall bladder surgery has Mr Kyi Toe performed?

Mr. Kyi Toe has performed around 4,000 open and keyhole hernia surgeries and over 1000 gall bladder surgery throughout his surgical career, across both NHS and private practice settings.

Mr. Kyi Toe has a keyhole-to-open conversion rate of just 2% for gallbladder removals, significantly lower than the general and national average of 5%.

How do I know if open or keyhole surgery is the right option for my hernia?

Mr. Kyi Toe takes a patient-centred, tailored approach and will work closely with you to determine the most suitable type of hernia repair, based on your medical condition and lifestyle needs.

How do I know if open or keyhole surgery is the right option for my gall bladder removal?

Gallbladder removal typically begins as a keyhole (laparoscopic) procedure, with conversion to open surgery only decided during the operation if necessary. Mr. Kyi Toe’s conversion rate is just 2%, significantly lower than the national average of 5%. He will discuss all potential outcomes with you in advance to ensure you are fully informed.

Can gall bladder surgery be performed under local anaesthetic?

Absolutely Not.

Do hernias always require surgery?

A hernia will not heal on its own—surgery is the only definitive treatment. If your hernia is not causing any discomfort, a 'watch and wait' approach may be reasonable. However, it’s important to note that hernias often enlarge over time and may eventually become painful or troublesome.

Is there an age limit for hernia surgery?

Mr. Kyi Toe’s oldest patient to date was 92 years old. Age alone is not a barrier to surgery, and every patient is assessed individually to ensure the safest and most appropriate care.

How long will my surgery take?

Your stay at the Saxon Clinic typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours for hernia and 4-5 hours for gall bladder. If your hernia repair is performed under local anaesthetic, your visit may be even shorter. The surgery itself usually takes up to 45 minutes.

If I have a local anaesthetic, will I be able to see any part of the operation?

A surgical drape will be placed during your procedure, ensuring that you cannot see any part of the repair. However, we can chat with you throughout the procedure, or if you prefer, you can listen to your favourite music to help you relax.

Will I experience any pain after the operation?

All my patients are typically pain-free after surgery, thanks to the long-lasting effects of the local anaesthesia. With our careful preoperative planning and pre-emptive analgesia with local anaesthetic, you will have minimal post-surgery pain even after gall bladder surgery. However, 6 to 12 hours after the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and may require simple pain relief, such as a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen, unless contraindicated. The Saxon team will provide guidance on pain management before you go home.

Will I be able to travel home on the same day?

All of my patients are able to travel home on the same day as their surgery. Thanks to the long-lasting effects of local anaesthesia, you will remain completely pain-free for up to 12 hours before needing any oral pain relief. Whether you're traveling locally or within Britain, you can comfortably return home. However, I strongly recommend staying locally overnight, just in case any issues arise, as complications are most likely to occur within the first 24 hours. If your procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, you will need someone to take you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours afterward.

How soon can I drive after my hernia repair or gall bladder surgery?

Under UK law, you are not allowed to drive for the first 48 hours if you’ve had general anaesthesia. However, with local anaesthesia, you can typically resume driving once you feel confident and comfortable enough to safely perform an emergency stop, which is usually about a week for most patients. It’s also important to check with your car insurer, as some may have specific requirements.

How soon can I return to work after an inguinal hernia repair?

You can generally plan to return to work about one week after surgery, provided your job doesn’t involve heavy lifting or physical activity. Some patients with inguinal hernias may experience ongoing pain or discomfort for longer than a week.

Can a hernia impact my sex life?

A hernia typically does not affect your sex drive. However, some patients may feel self-conscious about the bulge caused by the hernia, which could have an indirect impact on their confidence or comfort.

How soon can I resume sex after my hernia or gallbladder surgery?

You can resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable. Everyone recovers at their own pace, so it's important to listen to your body and avoid any movements that cause discomfort.

How likely is it that my hernia will come back?

Hernia recurrence is uncommon, especially with modern surgical techniques and proper recovery. The risk is generally low—1- 5% in most cases—but it can vary depending on factors such as the type of hernia, the surgical method used, whether it's been repaired in the past, and your overall health and activity level. Mr. Kyi Toe uses advanced techniques individual tailored selected technique and high-quality mesh to minimise the risk of recurrence.

Should I shave before I come to hospital?

There is no need to shave before coming to the Saxon Clinic for your surgery.