1-2 Days Before Surgery
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Pre-Operative Preparation

• Wash with antiseptic soap the night before and morning of surgery.
• Take any medication you use daily as you usually do.
• With local anesthesia, you may eat and drink up to the time of surgery (we suggest eating lightly).
• With general anesthesia, you must put nothing in your mouth (except your usual prescription medicine with a small amount of water) for 8 hours prior to surgery.
  
• An adult, who can be responsible for taking you home must accompany you on the day of surgery.
  
• Have the pain medicine prescription filled and bring the medicine with you on the day of surgery.
  
• It is important that you arrive on time for the operation! Prior to the surgery you will be given medicines which take some time to take effect. If you arrive late, you will not receive the full benefits of the medications.
  

After the Repair

Common occurrences after the surgery include:

• Discomfort and pain vary greatly between patients. We all have unique bodies and responses to surgery. Our average patient uses only 8-10 of the prescription medicine as directed and move about (walking stairs, stationary bicycle, etc.). The post-operative discomfort seems to be related to muscle spasms and moving about helps relieve the spasms.
  
• Constipation can occur due to the pain medicine. Use Milk of Magnesia and take plenty of fluids. This problem will resolve on its own. If need be, use an enema.
  
• Swelling develops as the wound begins to heal. This swelling may be noted in the area of the hernia repair for 6-8 weeks. This is not there hernia reoccurring. Right after the repair some patients not significant swelling of the penis and testicles. Don't be frightened. This swelling is usually gone by one week after the operation.
  
• Bruising and discoloration occur because the needle we use to administer the local anesthesia pierces small blood vessels in areas beyond our surgical opening. These vessels may ooze some blood. This blood causes the discoloration. At times the groin, penis and testicles can get black-looking. This will usually disappear within 7-10 days.
  
• Numbness may be noticeable on the underside of your incision and even the upper inner thigh. This should subside gradually.

Infrequent occurrences after the surgery include:

• Infection occurs rarely after our hernia repairs. If you should develop a fever over 101 degrees and notice increased pain in the area, call us.
  
• Nausea and vomiting occur infrequently. this is usually caused by the prescription pain medicine, but may be caused by the ibuprofen (Advil). If you have this problem stop the prescription medicine and substitute two regular Tylenol (acetaminophen).
  
• Bleeding at the surgical site may manifest itself as more severe swelling than that already mentioned. This swelling can be the size of an orange. this is an infrequent problem and is not life threatening. Call us if you have this problem.
  
• If you have additional questions not answered here, please call the office.