Cardiff's Leading Hernia Surgeon 30+ Years of Expertise

Specialist hernia repair across South Wales: mesh, non-mesh, laparoscopic, and local anaesthesia options.

Vale Hospital & Nuffield Bay Hospital, Cardiff

Sancta Maria Hospital, Swansea

1995

Consultant since

30+

Years’ expertise

Consultant-led care

30+ years of surgical experience

Meet Mr Alan Woodward

Mr Alan Woodward is one of Wales’ most experienced hernia surgeons, appointed consultant in 1995 after training across Wales, Liverpool, and the United States.

Founder of Cardiff Hernia Clinic, he offers the full range of hernia repair open, laparoscopic, mesh, non-mesh, and local anaesthesia techniques across South Wales.

Hernia surgery at the heart of every consultation.

Inguinal Hernia Repair

Umbilical Hernia Repair

Bilateral Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Incisional Hernia Repair

Femoral Hernia Repair

Featured Treatments

Common and complex surgical concerns are assessed with tailored options, clear communication, and careful consideration of each patient’s clinical needs.

Inguinal Hernia Repair

An inguinal hernia develops when tissue often part of the bowel or fatty lining pushes through a weakness in the groin muscles. It is the most common type of hernia and is more prevalent in men.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which the hernia is corrected through small incisions using a camera and fine surgical instruments.

Complex Hernia Repair

Complex hernias include large abdominal defects, hernias with multiple weak points, cases where previous repairs have failed, and presentations in patients with significant comorbidities.

Non-Mesh Hernia Repair

Non-mesh hernia repair also known as suture or tissue repair involves reinforcing the weakened muscle wall using the patient’s own tissue rather than synthetic mesh.

Umbilical Hernia Repair

An umbilical hernia occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weakness in the muscle wall at or near the navel.

Femoral Hernia Repair

A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the femoral canal — a small passage in the upper inner thigh, just below the groin crease. Femoral hernias are less common than inguinal hernias but carry a significantly higher risk of

Incisional Hernia Repair

An incisional hernia develops at the site of a previous abdominal surgical incision, where the scar tissue has weakened over time and allowed abdominal contents to push through.

Recurrent Inguinal Hernia Repair

A recurrent inguinal hernia is one that returns to the groin following a previous surgical repair. This is amongst the most technically demanding presentations in hernia surgery

Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair

A bilateral inguinal hernia means hernias are present on both sides of the groin simultaneously. Rather than undergoing two separate

A dedicated hernia surgeon with unmatched technical range

Cardiff Hernia Clinic — Built on Hernia Expertise

Mr Woodward founded Cardiff Hernia Clinic over 15 years ago, making hernia surgery the centrepiece of his practice long before subspecialisation was standard.

He has performed thousands of hernia procedures across the full spectrum — from simple day cases to complex recurrent repairs in high-risk patients.

Unique expertise

Patient-centred philosophy

Clinic availability and accessibility

Locations

Vale Hospital
Cardiff Bay Hospital
Sancta Maria Swansea

Serving Areas

South Wales

Clinic Hours

Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Facilities & Accessibility

BOOK CONSULTATION

Take the first step towards expert hernia care. Fill in the form and the team will contact you to confirm your appointment at a convenient time.

All information is securely handled and kept strictly confidential.

Latest Articles

Consulting & Operating Across South Wales

Nuffield Health The Vale Hospital

Hensol Castle Park, Pontyclun CF72 8JX

Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital

1 Dunleavy Dr, Cardiff CF11 0SN

HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Lamberts Rd, Swansea SA1 8FD

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to book an appointment?

No — you can book a private hernia consultation directly, without a GP referral.

What types of hernia repair do you offer?

Mr Woodward assesses and treats all types of abdominal and groin hernia conditions. The most suitable treatment approach is thoroughly discussed and tailored to you at your initial consultation.

Is hernia repair possible under local anaesthesia?

Yes. Mr Woodward has one of the UK’s largest published series of inguinal hernia repairs under local anaesthesia — an important option for patients unsuitable for general anaesthetic.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Private consultations are typically available promptly. Contact the clinic directly or use the online booking form to check current availability.

What is recovery like after hernia surgery?

Most patients undergoing hernia repair go home the same day and resume light activity within a week. A personalised recovery plan is provided for every patient.

Do you treat sports-related hernias?

Yes. Mr Woodward has significant experience managing sportsman’s hernia in athletes, with treatment focused on a safe and timely return to sport.

Book Your Consultation Today

Get expert hernia care from one of Wales’ most experienced consultant surgeons. No referral required. Three convenient hospital locations across South Wales, available Monday to Friday.