Open Hernia Repair

Discharge Instructions

Listed below are discharge instructions for your post operative care. In general, most people take several days to a week off of work to recuperate after a hernia repair. You will most likely tire easily and have some groin tenderness for about 1-2 weeks. This is normal. Plan to take rest periods throughout each day as you feel you need them. Occasionally patients may have trouble with constipation because they are not as active the first few days after their surgery or because of a pain medication such as Vic odin. The constipation may be relieved by increasing fluid intake or by taking a mild over-the-counter stool softener or mild laxative. Your bowel function should return to your previous pattern within a week to 10 days. Generally patients find they are back to their usual daily routine within 1-2 weeks after surgery and fully recovered within a month.

Medication

Ibuprofen (Advil; Motrin, etc.) one tablet every 4-6 hours, as needed, for mild pain
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) regular or extra strength 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed for mild pain
Vicodin (Acetaminophen with codeine) prescription only as directed for moderate pain (may cause constipation and occasionally nausea or abdominal discomfort)
Over the counter stool softener or laxative daily, such as Milk of Magnesia tm as needed for constipation.
If you are predisposed toward constipation a stronger laxative may be required.
Avoid Constipation!

Diet

Increase your fluid intake to 8-10 glasses per day of juice or water. You may eat a normal diet.

Bathing/Showering

You may shower/bathe 24 hours after surgery.
Leave clear plastic dressing over incision for 7 days. You may remove the dressing or ask Dr. Vazquez to remove the dressing. You may notice that a small amount of blood collects under the clear dressing. This occurrence is acceptable.
You may use a mild soap to gently cleanse your incision and carefully pat dry after the clear plastic dressing is removed.
Activities at home

Gradually increase your activity. Take rest periods as needed.
ENCOURAGE walking.
Get adequate amounts of sleep each night.
AVOID vigorous activity
NO heavy lifting (> 20 Ibs.) for 6 weeks.
You may do lighter aerobic exercise 3 weeks after surgery (e.g. biking, swimming, golfing, jogging, stair climbing, etc.).
NO sprinting, sit-ups or heavy weight lifting.
- If it hurts -- don't do it!
Patients who have laparoscopic hernia repair usually experience less postoperative disability than other procedures mentioned above. The laparoscopic hernia disability time is reduced to 20 to 30% of the expected open hernia disability.

Driving

Resume driving when you are pain free and off pain medication. In addition, you should not drive a car until you are able to deal with driving emergencies, such as slamming on the brakes or a caring for a disabled vehicle.
Care of the incision

Ice pack to surgical site for 24 hours over insulation, if ice pack seems to bring comfort.
May brace your incision with a small pillow when coughing and/or sneezing.
May cover your incision with a loose sterile gauze pad or Band-Aid to reduce any irritation that may occur from contact with clothing.
MALES: May wear "brief" type underwear day and night for a few days to minimize scrotal swelling and tenderness.
Expect the occurrence of a firm ridge of healing tissue under the surgical incision.
Watch For The Following Signs And Symptoms Notify Your Physician If any Occur

Temperature over 101.5F
Drainage or fluid from incision that may be foul smelling
Increased tenderness or soreness at the wound or the wound edges are no longer together
Redness or swelling at the incision site
Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
Swelling, redness and/or persistent pain in legs
Difficulty urinating
Sexual Activity

You may gradually return to previous level of activity. Certain positions may be more comfortable until incision heals.

Follow-up-care

Call the office of Dr. Vazquez at (312) 649-6562 to make a follow-up appointment for the week after surgery date.