Hernia Surgery Wait Times in Ontario (2024)

Find hospitals with the shortest hernia surgery wait times in Ontario. Each hospital has been ranked — so you can make informed decisions. 
Shouldice Hospital, located in the Toronto area, is a unique hospital that specializes in hernia repair surgery. Good Caring Canada has published a review to help you assess the hospital.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Hernia surgery in Ontario is a medical procedure aimed at repairing a hernia, a condition where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This type of surgery is common among individuals experiencing discomfort, pain, or complications from their hernia, such as obstruction or strangulation of the herniated tissue. The goal of the surgery is to alleviate symptoms, return the protruded organs to their proper place, and reinforce the weakened area to prevent recurrence.

Candidates for hernia surgery in Ontario are evaluated based on the type, size, and symptoms of their hernia, as well as their overall health. Discussions between patients and their surgeons cover the surgical options available, which can include open surgery or minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic surgery. The choice of technique is influenced by factors such as the hernia's location, size, the patient's medical history, and the surgeon's expertise.

Hernia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that patients are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. In open surgery, a single large incision is made to access the hernia, while minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery involves several small incisions through which surgical instruments and a camera are inserted. The surgery usually lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, with a possible short hospital stay or same-day discharge, depending on the surgery's complexity and the patient's condition.

Post-operative care in Ontario emphasizes recovery and prevention of recurrence. Patients may receive instructions on activity restrictions, wound care, and signs of complications to watch for. Recovery varies by individual and surgery type, with many returning to normal activities within a few weeks. Physical therapy or exercises might be recommended to strengthen the affected area.

Paying for hernia repair surgery in Ontario

Hernia repair surgeries are typically provided at no direct cost to residents of Ontario, as they are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

OHIP, which is funded through provincial taxes, ensures that essential medical services are accessible to Ontarians without direct charges at the point of service.

Shouldice Hospital

Ontario hospitals with shortest hernia surgery wait times

Below are five top hospitals in Ontario which have the shortest hernia surgery wait times:

  • 🥈  Cambridge Memorial Hospital, with an average wait time of 4.9 weeks for hernia surgery, ranks second for the shortest wait time in Ontario
  • 🥉  Woodstock Hospital, with an average wait time of 5.3 weeks for hernia surgery, ranks third for the shortest wait time in Ontario

Ontario hospitals with longest hernia surgery wait times

Below are five top hospitals in Ontario which have the longest hernia surgery wait times:

  • 🦥  Grand River Hospital, with an average wait time of 38 weeks for hernia surgery, ranks third for the longest wait time in Ontario
  • St. Mary's General Hospital, with an average wait time of 34 weeks for hernia surgery, ranks fourth for the longest wait time in Ontario

Interpreting wait times & data limitations

Several factors can extend the average wait times for cataract surgery in Ontario. Clinical considerations often lead doctors to delay surgeries based on a patient's medical needs or other priorities. Additionally, patients may postpone their procedures due to personal reasons like scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, or a preference to delay treatment. The availability of hospital operating rooms also plays a critical role. These spaces are necessary for surgeries but can be scarce if occupied for other medical procedures or impacted by labor shortages. Seasonal variations further influence both room availability and staffing levels, potentially prolonging wait times during certain periods.

Conversely, average wait times can sometimes seem shorter than anticipated due to various factors. Some patients have flexible schedules, allowing them to fill slots that become available unexpectedly, thus shortening their wait. This adaptability, when averaged with others, can make overall wait times appear more favorable. Seasonality affects this dynamic as well, with certain times of the year experiencing lower demand for surgeries or increased temporary staffing, which can enhance room availability and reduce delays.

We focus on calculating wait times for Priority 4 patients because data for Priority levels 2 and 3 are typically incomplete. Surgeons, specialists, and healthcare administrators use clinical evidence to set these priority levels and target times, aiming to improve patient access and outcomes.

Furthermore, our data does not include patients who opt out of surgery after their initial consultation with a specialist.

Advocating for better data access

We are thankful for Ontario Health's efforts in providing hospital wait times for cataract surgeries. Ontario stands out globally for its transparency in reporting hospital wait times and covers a wide array of medical procedures.

We encourage Ontario Health to expand its data reporting to include average wait times by doctor, as seen in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. This information would greatly benefit patients by allowing them to choose doctors with shorter wait times.

Readers can consider reaching out to Ontario Health to advocate for this beneficial change.

Learn wait times for other medical procedures in Ontario:

Read Next

MRI Wait Times in Ontario (2024)

Find hospitals with the shortest MRI wait times in Ontario. Each hospital has been ranked — so you can make informed decisions.

You cannot copy content of this page