Discharge Instructions for Hernia Repair

You had a procedure called a hernia repair. Also called a rupture, a hernia is a tear or weakness in the wall of the abdomen. This weakness may be present at birth. Or it can be caused by the wear and tear of daily living. Hernias may get worse with time or with physical stress. But surgery can help repair the weakness and eliminate symptoms.

Activity After Surgery

• After surgery, take it easy for the rest of the day. If you had general anesthesia, don’t use machinery or power tools, drink alcohol, or make any major decisions for at least the first 24 hours.

• Don’t drive while you are still taking narcotic pain medication.

• Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Don’t mow the lawn, use a vacuum cleaner, or do other strenuous activities until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Climb stairs slowly and use the handrail. Avoid extra trips up and down stairs.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

• Continue the coughing and deep breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.

• Ask your doctor when you can expect to return to work.

• Avoid constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your doctor says it’s okay.

Bandage and Incision Care

• Do not get the bandage or wound wet for 48 hours.

• If strips of tape were used to close your incision, don’t pull them off. Let them fall off on their own.

• Remove any gauze bandage in 48 hours.

• Wash your incision with mild soap and water. Pat it dry. Don’t use oils, powders, or lotions on your incision.

Keep Follow-up Appointments

Keep follow-up appointments during your recovery. These allow your doctor to check your progress and make sure you’re healing well. You may also need to have your stitches, staples, or bandage removed. During office visits, tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms. And be sure to ask any questions you have.

 

 

Discharge Instructions for Hernia Repair

You had a procedure called a hernia repair. Also called a rupture, a hernia is a tear or weakness in the wall of the abdomen. This weakness may be present at birth. Or it can be caused by the wear and tear of daily living. Hernias may get worse with time or with physical stress. But surgery can help repair the weakness and eliminate symptoms.

Activity After Surgery

• After surgery, take it easy for the rest of the day. If you had general anesthesia, don’t use machinery or power tools, drink alcohol, or make any major decisions for at least the first 24 hours.

• Don’t drive while you are still taking narcotic pain medication.

• Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Don’t mow the lawn, use a vacuum cleaner, or do other strenuous activities until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Climb stairs slowly and use the handrail. Avoid extra trips up and down stairs.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

• Continue the coughing and deep breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.

• Ask your doctor when you can expect to return to work.

• Avoid constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your doctor says it’s okay.

Bandage and Incision Care

• Do not get the bandage or wound wet for 48 hours.

• If strips of tape were used to close your incision, don’t pull them off. Let them fall off on their own.

• Remove any gauze bandage in 48 hours.

• Wash your incision with mild soap and water. Pat it dry. Don’t use oils, powders, or lotions on your incision.

Keep Follow-up Appointments

Keep follow-up appointments during your recovery. These allow your doctor to check your progress and make sure you’re healing well. You may also need to have your stitches, staples, or bandage removed. During office visits, tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms. And be sure to ask any questions you have.

 

 

Discharge Instructions for Hernia Repair

You had a procedure called a hernia repair. Also called a rupture, a hernia is a tear or weakness in the wall of the abdomen. This weakness may be present at birth. Or it can be caused by the wear and tear of daily living. Hernias may get worse with time or with physical stress. But surgery can help repair the weakness and eliminate symptoms.

Activity After Surgery

• After surgery, take it easy for the rest of the day. If you had general anesthesia, don’t use machinery or power tools, drink alcohol, or make any major decisions for at least the first 24 hours.

• Don’t drive while you are still taking narcotic pain medication.

• Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Don’t mow the lawn, use a vacuum cleaner, or do other strenuous activities until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Climb stairs slowly and use the handrail. Avoid extra trips up and down stairs.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

• Continue the coughing and deep breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.

• Ask your doctor when you can expect to return to work.

• Avoid constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your doctor says it’s okay.

Bandage and Incision Care

• Do not get the bandage or wound wet for 48 hours.

• If strips of tape were used to close your incision, don’t pull them off. Let them fall off on their own.

• Remove any gauze bandage in 48 hours.

• Wash your incision with mild soap and water. Pat it dry. Don’t use oils, powders, or lotions on your incision.

Keep Follow-up Appointments

Keep follow-up appointments during your recovery. These allow your doctor to check your progress and make sure you’re healing well. You may also need to have your stitches, staples, or bandage removed. During office visits, tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms. And be sure to ask any questions you have.