Casco Bay Surgery

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
Post-Operative Instructions

Description of the Repair

I will be repairing your hernia using an extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach. I'll do this by placing a piece of plastic mesh behind the muscle layer that has a weakness and bulging in it (and which has caused your hernia). This plastic will be incorporated into scar tissue your body will form, further strengthening the hernia repair over the following months. I'll close your skin with tiny pieces of tape or transparent glue.

Your Recovery

Because of the way your operation will be performed, I'll put little or no restrictions on your physical activity after the operation. Your level of discomfort should prevent you from over-exerting yourself. As long as you don't lift or strain beyond the point where it hurts, you should be fine. Your pain will most likely fade rapidly, so you should be able to return to work or normal activities within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the activities. You may resume showering the day after surgery. Simply let the pieces of tape or spots of glue fall off on their own.

Pain Relief

1. Take Extra Strength Tylenol (or generic acetaminophen) 1000mg every 6 hours for 3 days, then only as needed to control discomfort.

2. Take Advil (or generic ibuprofen) 600mg every 6 hours for 3 days, then only as needed to control discomfort. [DO NOT use Advil if you have a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers or have had problems taking aspirin in the past.]

3. Take 1-2 oxycodone 5mg tablets every 3 hours as needed for discomfort that remains after taking Tylenol & Advil. Not everybody needs this, so you might choose not to fill the prescription. This is a narcotic pain killer. If you use it you must beware of becoming drowsy or inattentive, and you will not be able to drive or operate dangerous equipment. It can also cause nausea and constipation.

The above combination is for maximum pain control. You may skip some or all of the medications if you're comfortable without them.

Most Frequent Problems

Discomfort - It is usually at the belly button and below, but a dull shoulder ache can occasionally last for a day or two. A tugging sensation in the groin is also common and can last for a few weeks, sometimes longer. Uncomfortable swelling can also involve the testicles and scrotum in a man but doesn't usually last more than a few days.

Nausea - If you feel okay when you leave the hospital but start to feel nauseated at home, it is probably caused by the prescription pain killer. You might want to take only the Tylenol and Advil in that case or call me for a different prescription (which might also causes nausea).

Bruising - Within a few days after surgery a man will often notice impressive purple or black coloring at the base of his penis or on his scrotum. It is normal painless bruising and will fade away.

Bulging where your hernia was - This may look and feel as though your hernia has returned, but it is almost always just some fluid collecting where your hernia used to be. Your body will absorb it over the next few weeks.

Reasons to Call Me

1. Pain not controlled by your medication

2. Fever and wound redness or persistent leakage from an incision

3. Unable to urinate

4. Any questions or concerns what-so-ever

Pre-Operative Appointment (if required)

Hospital:

Report to: Date: Time:

Surgery Appointment

** Don't eat or drink after midnight before surgery (except to take your usual medication). **

Hospital:

Report to: Date:

Arrival Time: Surgery Time:

Post-Operative Office Appointment

Date: Time:

I would like to see you in 3-4 weeks. Please call to confirm your appointment or to arrange one if you don't have a date & time yet.

Last updated 4/7/07