Mr Michael Pellen

Written by a patient at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital

I was puzzled after my hernia op. What happened to the pain? This was a double laparoscopic hernia repair, including one side that turned out to be more taxing than anticipated, so there should at least have been some moderate suffering over the first few days. I waited for it, I looked for it, but it never came. After leaving the hospital armed with the usual opioids, I took two paracetamol, ignored the codeine, and that was it. Nothing was hurting - not even a tiny bit. It seemed almost impossible, and certainly improbable, that the body could undergo cutting and exploring and suturing to that extent and yet leave no legacy of discomfort. But that may be a mark of the skill and finesse with which this gifted and highly experienced surgeon plies his craft (although, as Mr Pellen himself points out, not all procedures can be guaranteed to hurt as little as mine). Subsequent examination has confirmed that the surgery was completely successful and I am very happy with the outcome. Others have spoken of Mr Pellen’s patience in answering questions (and I had plenty), gently allaying unwarranted fears and inspiring well-merited trust. I wholly endorse all those views. For any surgery within Mr Pellen’s purview that I might require in the future, I would unhesitatingly entrust my care to him and I recommend him without reservation. My heartfelt thanks to him and his team for taking such good care of me!

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Listening

Written by a patient at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital

My experience of treatment with Mr Pellen and his colleagues and all other staff at Spire Hospital, Hull was excellent in every way. Everyone was professional and courteous in every aspect of my experience at Spire, e.g. phone calls, advice and follow-up information. Would highly recommend their care of patients.

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Written by a patient at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital

Mr Pellen performed a Heller's Cardiomyotomy with Dor Fundoplication to treat my type 2 Achalasia. I have an oesophagus with very intermittent motility and my stomach wouldn't open properly to pass food. I vomited every meal and was losing weight rapidly. I had my surgery six weeks ago. I haven't vomited once. I have had no pain and it has been such a joy to be able to eat again. I'm looking forward to being able to put weight on and get back to full fitness. Mr Pellen was brilliant with me. He took time to explain the procedure and seems to have done an excellent job. I couldn't be more thankful.

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Written by a patient at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital

Mr Pellen is an absolutely incredible surgeon with the most wonderful bedside manner. His whole team couldn't have been more lovely and helpful throughout the whole process, with no question too small or silly to ask. I had a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and this is the first time I have had key hole surgery. Mr Pellen was excellent at the initial consultation and explained everything in a manor that I could understand. On the day of the procedure he came to see me to talk through any last minute concerns I may have and reassure me that everything will be fine. Once the procedure was over he came back again to check I was comfortable and let me know that everything went well and also what I should expect during my recovery. A very professional experience from start to finish and can't recommend enough.

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Written by a patient at Castle Hill Hospital

As this was the first time i had ever been in hospital or under a general anaesthetic i was, understandably quite nervous! (and, thanks to google, concerned about the GA and the op) Mr. Pellen quelled all my worries and gave me the correct information. The operation went very smoothly (I think! I was asleep!). Recovery took longer than i expected both in the hospital and at home - but i think i was expecting a lot! The nursing team in the hospital were very good and looked after me. For anyone going for a double laparoscopic hernia surgery you will read of horror stories about the gas filled stomach and the pain in your shoulders (potentially) afterwards (i didn't get any!), get some peppermint oil powder to dilute into a warm drink - this helps massively. DONT drink a massive amount after the surgery in case you have trouble getting it back out of you! I was really thirsty after nil-by-mouth and immediately drank 500ml water then three cups of tea then couldn't pee! So ended up with an overnight stay until i was back to normal, no catheter tho, so that was good! The glue, stuck on the outside of the incision areas, does eventually peel away-but i would recommend shaving prior to surgery if you're hairy like me! Listen to the Dr's and nurses when they tell you not to lift anything for a while! I have three young children and did too much too soon which prolonged my recovery. But 4 weeks later i was back cycling to work left with extremely small marks on my abdomen. Still occasional pains while the mesh is knitting to my insides but mostly back to normal 7 weeks after surgery. What i would say is that if you're worried about the surgery dont put it off! Definitely more comfortable now than when i had the hernia, and wouldn't want to risk open surgery in an emergency (less than 1% of cases! Dont read google!)

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