Care at home

Hernia repair (groin, navel or scar hernia)

Dr. Aslam Baba
Surgical Gastroenterologist
+91 99851 88851

Patient name

Date of surgery

Stitchesdissolve on their own / remove on

Follow-up visit on

A hard, painful lump at the site that does not go back in, especially with vomiting
Severe pain in the abdomen
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Painful swelling of one calf

You may feel sleepy for the rest of the day. An adult should stay with you for the first night.
Drink fluids and eat light food once you feel ready.
Get up and walk a little every few hours.
If passing urine is difficult, tell the hospital team before you go home.

Keep the dressing dry for 48 hours. After that you may bathe and pat the wound dry.
Bruising and swelling around the wound are common. After groin surgery, men may see bruising of the scrotum. This settles in one to two weeks.
A firm ridge under the scar is normal. It softens over a few weeks.
If you were given an abdominal belt (binder), wear it as advised.

The area is sore for a few days, more when you stand, cough or sneeze.
Hold a pillow or your hand firmly over the wound when you cough, sneeze or get up from bed.
Take your painkillers on time for the first few days.

Normal home food is fine.
Eat fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and drink plenty of water, so that you do not strain while passing stools.
Take the stool softener if one was prescribed.

Walking	From the day of surgery
Bath or shower	After 48 hours
Desk work	Usually after one to two weeks
Driving	When you can brake hard without pain, usually after one to two weeks
Lifting heavy things	Avoid for four to six weeks; longer after a large or scar hernia repair
Gym, sports and heavy work	Usually after four to six weeks, as advised

These are usual times. Your own times may be different; follow what you are told at discharge.

After hernia repair