An inguinal hernia is a condition in which intra-abdominal fat or part of the small intestine, also called the small bowel, bulges through a weak area in the lower abdominal muscles. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin—the area between the abdomen and thigh. This type of hernia is called inguinal because fat or part of the intestine slides through a weak area at the inguinal ring, the opening to the inguinal canal
In adults, inguinal hernias that enlarge, cause symptoms, or become incarcerated are treated surgically. In infants and children, inguinal hernias are always operated on to prevent incarceration from occurring. Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. Recovery time varies depending on the size of the hernia, the technique used, and the age and health of the patient. The two main types of surgery for hernias are as follows: Open hernia repair and Laparoscopy
Home Medication Bring a list of all of the medications and vitamins that you are taking, including blood thinners, aspirin, or NSAIDS. Some medications can affect your recovery and response to anesthesia and may have to be adjusted before and after surgery. You can usually take your morning medication with a sip of water.
Anesthesia Let your anesthesia provider know if you have allergies, neurologic disease (epilepsy, stroke), heart disease, stomach problems, lung disease (asthma, emphysema), endocrine disease (diabetes, thyroid conditions), or loose teeth; if you smoke, drink alcohol, use drugs, including marijuana, or take any herbs or vitamins; or if you have a history of nausea and vomiting with anesthesia. If you smoke, let your surgical team know, and you should plan to quit. Quitting before your surgery, at least one month previously, can decrease respiratory and wound complications and increase your chances of staying smoke-free for life.
Length of Stay If you have a laparoscopic or an open hernia repair, you may go home the same day. You may stay overnight if you had a laparoscoic hernia repair with a longer anesthesia time, severe nausea and vomiting after surgery, or you are unable to pass urine.
Anesthesia or pain medication may cause you to feel different for 2 or 3 days, have difficulty with memory, or feel more fatigued. You should not drive, drink alcohol, or make any big decisions for at least 2 days.
Nutrition When you wake up from the anesthesia, you will be able to drink small amounts of liquid. If you do not feel sick, you can begin eating regular foods.
Continue to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
Eat a high-fiber diet so you don’t strain while having a bowel movement.
Activity slowly increases your activity. Patients usually take 1 to 3 weeks to return comfortably to normal activity.
Persons sexually active before the operation reported being able to return to sexual activity in 14 days (average).
Work and Return to School. You may usually return to work 1 week after laparoscopic or 15 days in the case of open surgery, as long as you don’t do any heavy lifting. Discuss the timing with your surgeon. Typically, you are discouraged from lifting items heavier than 20 pounds or participate in strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks
