TavistockHospital

Radford Suite

Spring Hill

Tavistock

Devon

PL19 8LD

01822 618052

ADVICE SHEET FOR PATIENTS PRIOR TO AND FOLLOWING A HERNIA REPAIR

A Hernia is a protrusion of the lining of the abdomen through a defect in the abdominal wall; this could be likened to an ‘empty glove finger’. If some of the contents of the abdomen spill into this ‘finger’ it can become a serious situation. Therefore you have been recommended for surgery to repair the hernia. Hernias commonly occur in the umbilical, inguinal and femoral sites.

The operation involves the removal of the hernia sack ‘the gloved finger’ and repair of the hole in the abdominal wall. A mesh is sometimes used to strengthen the hole. The mesh is synthetic and very strong and you should not concern yourself that you will damage the repair with normal activity.

When recovering and undertaking activity the general rule is: If it feels good, do it, if not, STOP and try again in a few days time.

What will happen when you get to hospital?

You should arrive at hospital at the time stated in your admission letter.

A nurse will first admit you to the ward, she will then ask you to undress and put on a hospital gown.

You may bring your own dressing gown and slippers to wear.

Later the surgeon and anaesthetist will see you.

Any of these people will answer questions or concerns that you may have.

You will be one of several patients to be operated on in that session and so it is a good idea to bring a book or newspaper with you. Unfortunately someone has to be last.

Patients having Local Anaesthetic

You will either walk to theatre or be wheeled through on your bed. A small needle, called a venflon, will be put into the back of your hand. Standard monitoring equipment will be used. This comprises of a blood pressure cuff, a peg on the finger to measure your pulse and

oxygen levels and ‘sticky dots’ on your chest which fix to leads on the ECG machine, used to record your heartbeat.The surgeon or anaesthetist will administer the local anaesthetic. Once effective you should only feel pushing and pulling.

Tell the surgeon if you feel any pain.

Patients having General Anaesthetic

You will be wheeled through to the anaesthetic room on your bed. A nurse will stay with you until you drift off to sleep. A small needle, called a venflon, will be put into the back of your hand to administer the anaesthetic. Standard monitoring equipment will be attached. This comprises of a blood pressure cuff, a peg on the finger to measure your pulse and oxygen levels and ‘sticky dots’on your chest which fix to leads on the ECG machine, used to record your heartbeat.

The anaesthetist will administer some quick acting drugs and you will soon drift off to sleep. Once asleep you will be taken into the operating theatre where the surgeon will repair your hernia.

Patients awaking from General Anaesthetic

At first you will feel very sleepy and it is wise to try and sleep for an hour or so. You will have been given analgesia (pain relief) during the operation and this should ensure you are reasonably comfortable and able to rest. If you are in pain then please inform the nurse who will be able to administer further pain relief to help you rest comfortably. As soon as you are sufficiently awake you will be given water to sip. After a short while you will be able to sit up and have some light refreshment before going home.

Medication

The anaesthetist and surgeon will prescribe pain relief tablets for you, the ward nurse will issue special packs of these before you are discharged. Any further medication that you normally take may be resumed following the operation unless the doctor has advised differently.

Care of the wound site

The wound site will normally be covered in a light dressing. Occasionally a thick, pressure dressing is applied on top of this to help prevent bleeding and bruising. This pressure dressing may be removed at home after 24 hours. The light wound dressing must stay dry until you remove it 5-7 days after the operation. If there is any fresh bleeding through the dressing when you go home apply pressure over the wound until it stops. The dressing will need to be changed if it becomes soaked in blood. If the bleeding continues contact the hospital

Surgeons vary in the method used to secure the repair. The nurse will advise you if stitches are dissolvable or need removing

Problems

Pain or difficulty passing urine should be reported to your doctor without delay

If you are concerned about the wound prior to removing the dressing, seek advice from your doctor. Wounds that become inflamed become painful or feeling hot may indicate an infection and should be seen by your doctor.

Pain should be controlled by the medication prescribed by the hospital. If the pain becomes worse rather than gradually improving then you should do one for the following:

  • Book an appointment with your own doctor
  • Ask the doctor to call if you feel unable to visit the surgery
  • TelephoneTavistockHospital for advice on 01822 618052

Driving

You must NOT drive for the first 48 hours following an anaesthetic. After this time you should only drive if you feel fit and are able to apply the car brakes without being restricted by pain. If you drive whilst restricted by the effects of the operation your insurance may be invalid.

Getting back to work

You will need time to get over the effects of the anaesthetic before you return to work. This is a minimum of 48 hours. You will be able to resume work when you feel able to. You may use a self-certification form for the first seven days following an operation. Thereafter you will need to visit your own GP for further certificates. It is wise to consult your own doctor and take his or her advice before returning to work.

Our bodies do vary a great deal. You will know how you feel as time goes by; be guided by that.

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