Post-op Instructions: Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Diet

You may resume a regular diet.

Activity

Use common sense in day to day activities; if it hurts, don't do it.

Realistically, most patients will spend the first two days resting in bed, getting up only when necessary. However, there is no restriction on walking or other routine activities if you feel able.

No heavy lifting for approximately 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery or until your surgeon gives you permission.

Sexual activities may be resumed when comfortable.

Medications

For moderate to severe pain, use prescribed medication as directed. For mild pain, you may try acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the manufacturer's instructions.

Narcotic used for pain management may cause constipation. Take a laxative such as Milk of Magnesia or prune juice if you have not moved your bowels in 2 days.

Resume all medications that you were taking prior to surgery unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.

Wound Care

If you have a gauze or an outer dressing over the incision, you may remove it in 24 hours, but leave all paper strips (steri-strips) and sutures in place. Do not cut or remove any sutures.

Once you have removed the outer gauze dressing, you may shower (24 hours after the surgery) but do not soak in a hot tub or swim for 2 weeks following surgery.

When to Contact Your Physician

A slight fever the night of surgery is fairly common. Call if there are signs of wound infection such as redness, swelling, heat, increased tenderness, cloudy drainage and fever of 101°F or greater.

Difficulty in urinating, particularly for men, can be a problem. Contact us if you find yourself unable to urinate and have a full, painful bladder.

Some bloody oozing is normal. Contact us if you are concerned that you are bleeding or swelling excessively.

Your surgeon or their staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM - 5 PM at: (707) 393-4090 or through the hospital operator at (707) 393-4000.

For all problems after hours and on weekends and holidays, call (707) 393-4044 or the emergency department at (707) 393-4800.

For non-urgent issues, you may also email your doctor.

Specialized Instructions

Be advised that there may be significant swelling and bruising in the area of your hernia repair. In men this may extend to the scrotum. Generally, this will go away within a couple of weeks.