Hernia Repair

This page contains general discharge information for those who have undergone a groin or abdominal wall hernia repair with Mr Abu-Own under local anaesthetic with sedation, or under general anaesthetic.

Although you will be fit to go home when you are discharged, the effects of the anaesthetic may linger for some hours. You should go home and rest under supervision until you feel fully recovered.

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It is important that a responsible adult remains with you overnight after your operation. You should not drive, cycle, drink alcohol, or operate machinery (including a cooker or kettle) for at least 48 hours from the time of the anaesthetic.

After 48 hours you may have a shower or bath, but do not soak until your wound has healed.

Your stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed, unless instructed otherwise.

In groin hernia repair, you may experience bruising, which can spread around the groin (and penis and testicle area in men). This will clear gradually.

The area around the scar may feel lumpy and may be numb. This is normal and can last a few months.

You may experience some oozing from your wound. This may be slightly blood-stained at first. If there is excessive bruising, oozing, inflammation (persistent redness) or you have a pus-like discharge from your wound, then you should contact your GP’s surgery for advice.

You will be prescribed pain relief by the hospital. You should take the medication as advised on the packet.

Remember to take your tablets regularly. Do not wait for the pain to start.

Avoid becoming constipated by eating fresh fruit, vegetables and drinking plenty of clear fluids or fresh fruit juice. You may also want to consider including some specific high fibre foods in your diet such as Allbran, prunes, etc.

If you are prescribed codeine as a pain reliever you may need a mild laxative because codeine can cause constipation. This can be purchased from your local pharmacy.

You are advised to go home and rest in bed until the next day, but you may get up to go to the toilet.

Gradually increase the amount of activity you do each day. Gentle activity is good for you so don't be afraid to mobilise gently. By the end of a week you should be taking walks and have returned to light activity.

You will return to normal daily activities gradually. You should be able to return to office work within two weeks and manual work within 4-6 weeks. You should avoid heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. You may resume sex when you feel comfortable to do so.

Most people feel able to return to work 2-4 weeks after the operation depending on the type of work they do. You will be given a certificate to cover the time off work that you require.

Drive only when you feel confident to perform an emergency stop, usually in about 1-2 weeks. Sit in a stationary car and practise making an emergency stop. If you are able to do so without being inhibited because of pain or discomfort, then you are likely safe to drive.

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You will have an opportunity to relay any non-urgent concerns during your follow-up consultation with Mr Abu-Own at Nuffield. This usually takes places 2-4 weeks after the procedure.

It is quite normal to experience a small amount of discomfort or a minor degree of nausea. However, If you feel that your symptoms are more severe than you would expect and are causing concern, or if you have not passed urine since your operation and are experiencing pain or discomfort because of this, then:

• Please contact your local hospital (Ipswich: 01473 712233; Colchester: 01206 747474), and ask to speak to the registrar on call for General Surgery.

• After the first 24 hours, please contact your GP.

• However, if you are unable to contact the hospital for any reason or the situation appears particularly urgent, you can come to the Emergency Department. NHS 111 is also available as a source of advice for urgent medical problems and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To get help from NHS 111: Visit their website at 111.nhs.uk or Call 111.

We wish you a speedy recovery.