Hernia Surgery Preparation It is recommended that you shower the night before or morning of the operation. If you have difficulties moving your bowels, an enema or similar preparation may be used after consulting with your surgeon.
Start bowel preparation, if needed
If your surgeon or nurse told you that you needed to do a bowel preparation, you'll need to start it 1 day before your surgery. During your bowel preparation: Don't eat any solid foods. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids other than water, black coffee, and tea.
Be sure that you complete all tests and any recommended consultations well in advance of surgery. Eat normally on the night before surgery but take no alcohol after 8PM and nothing to eat or drink after 12 midnight except prescription medications. Call us if you have any questions about the upcoming surgery.
Prior to surgery you may need to have an enema (a liquid medication given into the back passage to empty the bowel).
Other Issues. The first bowel movement may occur anywhere from 1 – 10 days after surgery. As long as you are not nauseated or having abdominal pain, this variation is acceptable. Constipation can occur after this operation, and taking milk of magnesia (two tablespoons; twice a day) can prevent this issue.
Exercises to avoid when you have a hernia
Heavy exertion exercises, such as weightlifting, that cause you to strain. Overstretching your abdominal wall. Movements that lengthen the abdominal muscles, such as an upward dog position in yoga, put strain on the muscle walls and should be avoided prior to surgery.
Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better. Be active. Walking is a good choice. You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of surgery you had.
Do I need to shave before surgery? No! We will use a clipper before surgery. Shaving at home increases the risk of infection.
The operation usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and you'll usually be able to go home on the same day. Some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or live on their own.
Conventional repair
Open hernia repair is a major surgery that's performed with the aid of general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation.
You can start eating a soft sloppy diet from the day after your operation. Sloppy food is any food that is moist, can be broken into pieces with a fork, and does not require a lot of chewing. Examples include cereals that have been softened in milk, smooth soup (no lumps) and pureed foods.
The following loose-fitting items are acceptable for surgical attire: Sweatpants: Loose workout pants or sweatpants with an elastic band puts less pressure on your abdomen and helps you recover during hernia or hip surgery.
Most patients experience a certain amount of pain after a hernia operation. This is usually accompanied by bruising and swelling around the incision. Some other manifestations that may be felt up to a year after the operation include pulling, burning, and tugging sensations in the groin area.
After a few days of walking around the house, you can start walking outside, as long as you have a level area to do so. During the first couple weeks, you should only walk for as long as you can without straining yourself. (Your muscles may still be a little unsteady after your surgery. )
After hernia repair surgery, it is common to experience mild to moderate pain for a few days. Our surgical team recommends the following regimen to mitigate the risk of developing severe pain: The patient takes Tylenol 1000mg the night before surgery before going to bed.
Routine shaving should be stopped at least two days before your surgery on all areas of your body, including the legs and underarms. This is to prevent any skin irritation which could lead to an infection.
Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair? The size of your stomach will not necessarily shrink after a hernia repair. However, depending on the cause of your hernia and the type of repair you have, you may experience changes in your abdominal appearance after surgery.
Compression Garments after Hernia Surgery
Abdominal compression garments, also known as a 'hernia belt', wrap around the abdomen, fitting tightly to provide support but not so tightly that they cut off circulation to the area.
Of course, they should not be doing any strenuous exercise, but all patients after a hernia operation, be it laparoscopic hernia surgery or open, should be encouraged to get out of bed as much as possible and move around. Absolute bed rest is no longer recommended for hernia operations.
At first you may need to rest in bed with your upper body raised on pillows. This helps you breathe easier and may help lessen post-surgery hernia pain. Cold and Heat: Both cold and heat can help lessen some types of post-op pain.
Normally, you should refrain from driving for at least 1 week after a hernia repair operation. You should be free from the distracting effect of pain or the sedative or other effects of any pain relief medication you are taking.
Yes! Constipation is a terrible and uncomfortable feeling, especially when you are recovering from hernia surgery and have such little control over your bowels. However, sitting on the toilet can help trigger muscles in your body that says it is time for a bowel movement. Be patient though.
Hernia Surgery Preparation
It is recommended that you shower the night before or morning of the operation.
Hernia repair surgery normally only requires a 23-hour or less stay. Most patients go home the same day.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help you heal faster. Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks. Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around two to three weeks post-surgery.