"Disfigured in routine 'umbilical' hernia operation"

Treliske Hospital Truro, Day Case Unit 'Umbilical' hernia op.

I am a fit, healthy, female, non smoker and had a small lump slightly above my navel and a weakness behind my navel.

I saw a doctor who wanted to make an incision at least three inches above my navel and very wide. This advice was contrary to advice given by my Surgeon in Derby where I used to live...(I could not have the surgery at that time in Derby)

I had a second opinion against this doctor but still ended up being allocated him on day of my surgery...I told him at this point that I had seen a Surgeon before in Derby re my hernia and he then agreed to make the incision just above my navel.

I feel this doctor was arrogant, dismissive and totally uncaring and he did not explain anything to me at all re my surgery or the risks involved. I have made a complaint which is now as PHSO level and I feel he has lied several times in the response to my complaint.

I was having serious doubts after talking to the doctor on the day of my op. but my partner believed the surgeon and I felt he pressurised me into having the op. done there and then.

I believe the surgeon disfigured me...even though he was fully aware of how frightened I was re having scarring on my body...I was left with a large 5 cm horribly off centre, hanging, ragged scar and a very strange looking lopsided navel...I have since had plastic surgery.

I complained and was told that the doctor is a very good surgeon, despite the fact that they saw photographs of what he did to me. He is saying that there were two hernias. My doctor examined me thoroughly before the op. and said there was a weakness behind my navel...I am now 'under' a Professor at Derriford Hospital and he is saying that there was a weakness behind my navel and this was not a second hernia.

The anaesthetist on the day of my op. damaged my mouth - I had cuts, sores, abrasions and my uvula/throat was damaged/swollen also causing me to have coughing fits after abdominal surgery...he was a locum anaesthetist...but no-one told me!

I have also been told that I asked for pain relief whilst in the recovery room...I did not. When I queried this, I was told that the hospital did not have anything further to add re my complaint. I could not wake up after the procedure and my partner says that a female nurse told him they were going to admit me if I didn't wake up soon...and yet my notes state that I was awake and asked for pain relief...this is not true! I was the first on the list and the last to leave in a wheelchair...I have always woken up straight away after having procedures done in the past in the Midlands and have never had any injuries to my mouth before.

It appears to me that Treliskes Day Case Unit is not prepared to do anything about it. I have been told incorrent information, I feel I'm being lied to. It seems to me that the staff administered medication without my knowledge or permission and I feel they've got away with it. It feels like the hospital is not interested.. I feel it's more interested in it's staff than it's patients.

Any help would be most useful...