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If
you are having laparoscopic hernia repair you will have
3-4 small incisions on your abdominal area. With an open
hernia repair, there will be a single abdominal incision.
Both types of hernia repairs will be closed with internal
stitches supported externally with steri strips and covered
with gauze dressing or with staples. Staples will need
to be removed by your physician 7-10 days after surgery.
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48
hours after surgery you many remove the gauze dressing
and shower allowing soap and water to run over the incision
and pat dry. If steri strips (butterfly stitches) are
on incisions, they will probably fall off within one week.
If they do not fall off by themselves, you may peel them
off.
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You
may experience some discomfort at the incision site and
surrounding areas. Your doctor will prescribe a pain medication.
You may also use a heating pad on low setting for 10-15
minutes 2-3 times a day. For minimal discomfort, acetaminophen
or ibuprofen may be used. Follow the instructions on the
label.
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If
you experience constipation, take milk of magnesia or
a mild laxative and drink plenty of fluids especially
water.
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With
inguinal hernia repairs, you may have some scrotal swelling.
A scrotal support may be used when you are up walking
or standing for an extended period of time. You may also
use an ice bag for the first 48 hours to help relieve
swelling.
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You
may experience some numbness and tingling around the incisional
areas. This is due to swelling which causes pressure on
the surrounding nerves. Using ibuprofen may help decrease
the swelling. If numbness and tingling does not subside
within 7 days, call our office.
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Some
bruising may occur. This is normal and will gradually
fade.
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Physical
activities should not include any heavy lifting greater
than 25 pounds and no pulling or pushing until discussed
with your doctor during the first follow-up visit.
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You
should be able to return to work within 7-10 days and
resume driving approximately 5 days after surgery unless
you are still taking prescription pain medication, still
experiencing pain or a lot of soreness.
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You
should schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor
for 7-14 days after surgery unless instructed differently
by your physician.
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Call
the office for the following signs and symptoms:
....Increased redness or swelling beyond incision
....Any drainage from incision
....Temperature above 101 degrees
....Persistent nausea and/or diarrhea
....Difficulty urinating.
