Dr David O'Hara
Dr David O’Hara has been a Consultant in Anaesthesia at Broomfield Hospital since 2010. He qualified from University College London Medical School and completed specialist training in Anaesthesia at Barts and The London hospitals.
Dr O’Hara undertook advanced fellowships at the world-famous St Andrew’s Plastic Centre in Chelmsford and at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. He also worked for New Zealand’s Air Ambulance service.
His specialist interests include anaesthesia for laparoscopic ‘keyhole‘ surgery, upper GI surgery and plastic surgery. He has particular expertise in pre-operative assessment of surgical patients including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and lectures nationally and internationally on this subject.
On a personal level, David enjoys cooking, scuba diving, and teaching.
Click here to download Dr David O’Hara professional CV (PDF)
EPIGASTRIC HERNIA
An epigastric hernia is a small lump located higher on the abdominal wall above the umbilicus and usually in the area just below the breastbone (or sternum).
It is caused by a defect (usually very small) between the recti muscles (often referred to as the "six pack" if you are fit enough to have one). The hernia sac usually contains just a bit of fat. Occasionally patients have multiple small defects.
The operation to repair an epigastric hernia is very similar to umbilical hernia and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A small incision is made and the defect is identified between the muscles. For small hernias the defect is repaired with sutures only, or with insertion of a small mesh if the hernia is larger. The skin is closed with an absorbable stitch, which does not need to be taken out.
A keyhole repair is not usually recommended for this type of hernia. Mr Lorenzi will inform you directly if you could benefit for a laparoscopic repair for your epigastric hernia.
Patients can leave hospital soon after surgery.