For hernia surgery, you should not shave your groin area yourself before coming to the hospital. If hair removal is necessary for the procedure, the hospital's surgical team will perform it immediately before the surgery, using sterile clippers.
Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water. Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery.
During surgery to repair the hernia, the bulging tissue is pushed back into your abdomen. Your abdominal wall is strengthened and supported with sutures (stitches), and often mesh. This repair can be done with open or laparoscopic surgery. You and your surgeon can discuss which type of surgery is right for you.
Most surgeons only offer mesh repair for inguinal hernias as the success rate is so much better than non-mesh repair. The operation takes about 45 minutes. Surgery is usually carried out as day surgery so you can leave hospital on the same day but occasionally people need to stay in hospital overnight.
The hernia is pushed back into place and a thin sheet of material (called mesh) is put over the hernia and fixed in place with small stitches. Sometimes just stitches are used to stop the hernia pushing out. If you have keyhole surgery, the air is let out of your tummy.
It is classed as major surgery and has a longer recovery. Minimally invasive surgery, called laparoscopic hernia repair, makes smaller incisions and uses tiny instruments to perform the hernia repair with the help of a laparoscope which is a slender tool with a tiny video camera and light on the end.
You can remove all dressings and paper strips a week after your surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks, you can expect to be able to do light activities, such as shopping and walking. In fact, gentle exercise can help your body to heal.
In the days before surgery:
If you are on blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix this will need to be discussed with your surgeon and internist and these medications discontinued. Gently wash the area of proposed surgery with HIBICLENS starting 48 hours ahead of time. Do not shave the area.
As per doctors, hernia patients need two days of bed rest, though it might take more time in case of open surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, patients do not need any kind of bed rest. In case of severe complications such as incarceration or bowel obstruction, the surgeon recommends prolonged bed rest.
Pain persisting beyond the first few days after groin hernia repair is recognized to affect small numbers of patients, generally estimated to be 10–15% of hernias repaired. In nearly all of these patients, the pain subsides postoperatively over the early months.
As with any surgery, most patients experience some post operative pain in the area of their hernia repair. Most patients will also experience some level of swelling and bruising in the area. The first 2-3 days are usually the worst for most patients.
The hernia repair is not at risk, but a blow to the incision could burst the skin closure. Expect complete recovery from surgery in about 2 to 4 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting or straining for several weeks after surgery.
Inguinal hernia: the most common hernia among men
Inguinal hernias are by far the most common hernia. This type of hernia forms when your intestines or other tissues push through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall and into your groin. An inguinal hernia creates a small, soft lump near your groin or scrotum.
Loose fitting clothes: Loose fitting clothing is preferred post-hernia surgery because it prevents putting pressure on the surgical site. Fabric and clothing material: Wearing fabrics that are soft, breathable, and non-irritating can feel more comfortable on the surgical site.
If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding. Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive.
If you have glue on incisions, this is waterproof and you may shower. If you have bandage(s), keep dry for three days, after which you may shower and change the dressing(s) daily with dry gauze and tape. It is OK to shower with your dressing(s) on, but do not leave a wet dressing in place - change it afterwards.
Tips to Help You Recover Quickly After Hernia Surgery
Generally, you should be able to return to your normal activities around four to six weeks after the procedure. In most cases, you'll be able to go home on the same day as your surgery. Our team will give you advice and support to ensure that your hernia repair surgery heals properly.
Before a surgical intervention, it is common to remove hair from the area of the body that is going to have surgery. Hair can be removed using different methods, including clippers, a razor, or hair removal cream.
Because hernia incisions are located near the groin, waistbands, seams, or tight fabrics can cause friction or pressure. Loose-fitting clothing prevents rubbing and allows gentle movement without disturbing the incision. Choosing garments that avoid firm waist compression is especially helpful early in recovery.
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes (less than an hour for a repair to both sides). Your surgeon will make a small cut on or near your belly button so they can insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity to inflate it with gas (carbon dioxide).
There are no medical or physical restrictions on activity after surgery. That means it is OK to walk, climb stairs, lift, have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or exercise as long as it doesn't hurt. In fact, returning to normal activity as soon as possible will most likely enhance your recovery.
If you feel pain when you try to lift something after 6 weeks, avoid lifting until this discomfort has fully gone. Avoid driving until you are free of pain and feel comfortable to carry out an emergency stop quickly and safely. This is usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
Sitting: for several days after surgery sitting may be uncomfortable. You may have to get up and move around and change positions periodically. Stairs: no limitations. Lifting: for the first week lifting is limited to 20 pounds.