An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the small intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the groin. This condition can exist from birth or might be due to muscle weakness or injury. The bulge created might or might not cause discomfort, but if untreated it will increase in size. In rare cases the intestine might strangulate, cutting off blood flow and obstructing the intestine, causing a life-threatening condition.
Immediately After Surgery
Hernia repair surgery usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. After the surgery the patient will need to rest until the anesthesia wears off. This is done in the hospital or surgery center recovery room under the care of a nurse. Arrangements need to be made for the ride home, because it is not advisable to drive within 24 hours of being under anesthesia. As the anesthesia wears off, pain medication might be needed. Unless the doctor has written a prescription for pain medication, ibuprofen or acetaminophen are recommended. Use according to the directions on the label.
Recovering at Home
Rest is recommended for the first two to three days after surgery. Discomfort in the groin area might require prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Minor discomfort might be relieved by wearing close-fitting underwear. Patients should refrain from lifting, straining, or coughing, all of which put stress on the abdominal wall. Normal activity can be resumed within two weeks.
It is recommended that patients drink plenty of water and eat a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads. This will prevent constipation, which stresses the sensitive intestine and causes discomfort that could lead to further injury.
The stitches might be self-dissolving, in which case they should disappear within 10 days, or the doctor might need to remove stitches during a follow-up visit 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Long-Term Precautions
In most hernia surgeries, a mesh patch is inserted to prevent the intestine from pushing back through the weakened section of abdominal wall. If there is prolonged discomfort or a sharp pain, call the doctor immediately. Avoid heavy lifting and straining, to prevent damage to the intestine or abdominal wall. Eat a high-fiber diet, as this will help improve overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and lifting carefully are the top three steps to reduce the risks of having or re-injuring a hernia.
Tags: abdominal wall, pain medication, after surgery, anesthesia wears, days after, days after surgery