Post-Operative Hernia Instructions

Dr. Roger's Post-Operative Inguinal Hernia Instructions

1. Keep dressing on for seven days or until your first visit postoperatively. If the dressing becomes dirty of blood soaks through it you may change it.
2. You may notice some bruising and black and blue areas around your incision, penis, and scrotum. This is very common after inguinal hernia surgery. If this is associated with significant pain in the se areas please contact my office. In addition, if testicle swells up and is painful on the side of the repair you need to contact my office (847-0016)
3. Most patients will experience some pain postoperatively for the first day around the incision. You will be prescribed some pain medication to take the edge off from this discomfort. Please note that this pain medication can be constipating and in addition a stool softener will be ordered for you.
4. For the first 24-48 hours, I would expect that you would remain relatively inactive. You may move about the house walking but should remain relatively quiet for the first couple of days postoperatively. Eating and going to the bathroom are activities that you may get up for but otherwise should try to remain flat as much as possible.
5. Stairs are okay following surgery. However, you may need to take them at a slower rate.
6. Please keep ice over the top of the dressing for the first 24 hours (while awake) post surgery. The ice pack should be left on for 20 minutes and then taken off for another ½ hour or so and then another ice pack placed. This will help minimize the swelling and discomfort after surgery.
7. Many patients have asked question s with regard to their activities following this type of surgery. Following is a matrix of activities and a key to the type of engagement of those activities, which has been provided courtesy of one of my former patients. I think this matrix is self-explanatory and may answer may of your questions with regard to you level of activity.
8. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office at 847-0016. My office is open 8:00am-5:00pm during the weekday hours and after hours there is an answering service that will contact either myself or, if I am not on call, one of my partners with any question or concern that you may have.
9. Please schedule return visit to my office by calling 847-0016 for examination of your incision and possible removal of your sutures.

ACTIVITY	UP TO 1 WEEK	1-2 WEEKS	2-4 WEEKS	1-3 MONTHS	Over 3 MONTHS
Walking	B	C	D	D	D
Hiking, strenuous exercise	A	B	B	C	D
Running, Jogging	A	A	B	C	D
Lifting, <25 lbs	A	B	B	C	D
Lifting, >25 lbs	A	A	A	B	C-D
Swimming(Recreational)	A	B	C	D	D
Swimming(Conditioning)	A	A	B	B	D
Rowing, Paddling	A	B	B	C	D
Biking, Casual	A	A	B	B	D
Sexual Activity	A	B	C	D	D
Tennis, Racquetball	A	A	B	C	D

1. Do not engage in this activity
2. Proceed Cautiously. Stop immediately if discomfort occurs.
3. Essentially no restrictions, but don't really push it
4. No restrictions, resume normal activity in this area