Hernia Surgery: What to Expect

Consultation

Prospective patients are seen for a consultation, which includes a comprehensive medical history, physical examination and detailed discussion with the doctor. If patients have had prior abdominal or hernia surgery, they are asked to bring their operative reports and copies of any abdominal CT scans that were performed prior to their consultation. If the doctor recommends a hernia repair and the patient wishes to proceed with scheduling surgery, a date is chosen and pre-operative testing is ordered (blood, EKG and chest X-ray when appropriate). Testing may be done near the patient’s residence if that is more convenient.

• Instructions are given regarding management of standing medications, diet, and bowel preparation
• Fill your prescription for pain medication before your surgery—even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

Before surgery

Take a thorough shower the night before and the morning of your surgery (preferably with antibacterial soap such as Hibiclens but any good soap will do) with emphasis to the area of the planned incision. Do not shave the area. If any shaving is necessary, it will be done just prior to surgery.

Day of surgery

Patients are asked to report to the facility 90 minutes before their procedure, in order to check in and be seen by their anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will examine the patient and review the patient’s medical history, focusing on prior surgery and any anesthetic concerns that the patient may have. Prescriptions for pain medication are given and a follow-up appointment with the surgeon is scheduled.

Post-surgical experience

Patients may expect to resume normal activity within a week of hernia surgery. Inguinal/umbilical hernia surgery patients are able to go home the same day, while ventral surgery patients sometimes stay one night in the hospital.

Open repair surgery

Most patients will be able to go home a few hours after surgery. If needed, a 23-hour extended recovery area is available. Typically, most patients feel fine within a few days after the surgery and resume normal eating habits and activities. Strenuous activity and vigorous exercises are restricted for 4 weeks after surgery.

Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery

Following the procedure, small abdominal incisions are closed with a stitch or two or with surgical tape. Within a few months, the incisions are barely visible.

Benefits of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted hernia surgery:

• Tiny scars rather than one larger incision
• Reduced postoperative pain

After surgery—recovery expectations

Patients are advised that they should expect to experience some pain after hernia surgery, although it frequently proves to be less than they anticipate. Strategies for reducing pain are discussed and medications are prescribed. Patients are encouraged to resume all normal activities as soon as they feel confident that they can do so without causing unreasonable pain. Normal diets can be resumed immediately. Most patients are able to return to work in 1-2 weeks, and to return to exercise regimens after 3-4 weeks. Patients may travel safely at any time after surgery provided they have checked-in with their surgeon and confirmed the stability of their health.

Suture removal is not required as wound closures are performed with absorbable buried sutures.