Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery

What to expect

Surgery & Follow-up

Expect to go home after surgery, so plan for a friend/family member to drive you home.

Diet

• No special diet restriction is required after surgery.
• It is normal to have poor appetite as result of the stress of surgery.
• If you are persistently nauseated or unable to take in liquids, contact our office and let us know.

Wound care

• It is OK to shower starting around 36 hours after surgery. If you have Band-Aids on the incisions, take them off before showering.
• You should see little pieces of tape (called steri-strips) directly attached to your skin. It is OK to get these little tapes wet in the shower. The tapes will begin to peel up on the ends 7–10 days after surgery.
• No baths, pools or hot tubs for two weeks.

Activity

• It is OK to walk, climb stairs, and have sexual intercourse, as long as it doesn't hurt.
• However, if it doesn't feel good, don't do it. Take it easy and let pain be your guide.
• You may also feel easily fatigued and "washed out" for a week or two following the surgery.

Driving

You will usually be able to drive when you have not needed the pain medications for two consecutive days.

Bowel Movements

The first bowel movement may occur anywhere from 1–5 days after surgery — as long as you are not nauseated or having abdominal pain this variation is acceptable.

Constipation may also be common due to the pain medication. We recommend taking the laxatives we gave to you to avoid constipation.

Seroma

Some patients find that their hernia "returns" right after surgery. Don't worry — this is a normal feeling and/or appearance. The hernia repair did not fail — the place where the hernia contents were can sometimes fill up with post-operative fluid — this fluid is a normal result of surgery and will usually be absorbed by the body in several weeks.

Pain (male patients only)

It is expected that your scrotum may be slightly swollen or tender. Along with the use of oral pain medications, you can use ice packs to help. This is expected and will go away with time.

When to call

Go to the ER or call your surgeon's office if any of the following occur:

• Fever.
• Shaking chills.
• Pain that increases over time.
• Redness, warmth, or pus draining from incision sites.
• Persistent nausea or inability to take in liquids.