How to Prepare for Your Hernia Surgery

Hernias occur when an organ pushes on and/or protrudes through surrounding muscle or tissue. And while not all hernias require surgery, those that cause men and women pain can often only be corrected with hernia repair surgery. If you experience discomfort or pain in the groin, especially when you bend over, cough, or lift objects, then chances are that you will need to have surgery.

While no one wants to undergo surgery, hernia repair surgery can help relieve pain and discomfort to allow you to get back to living a normal life. If you experience hernia pain and/or you are planning to have a hernia repair procedure, then it is important to prepare yourself, both physically and mentally, for the surgery. Below, you’ll find some of the different ways that you can get yourself ready.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you know that you have a hernia or you simply suspect that you do, if you feel any discomfort in your stomach, groin, or surrounding area (or you notice any visible signs of a hernia), then it is important that you schedule an appointment to have your body examined. At your consultation, Dr. Moore will ask you several questions about your condition as well as evaluate your body to determine that you do, in fact, have a hernia and what your treatment options are. Dr. Moore will explain ways that you can limit hernia discomfort and review what to expect for your hernia repair surgery.

Know What to Do With Your Medications

If you take any medications, then you may need to adjust your dosage or stop using those medications altogether, leading up to your hernia surgery. While you will discuss specific medications that you are taking, some medications that you may need to discontinue using during the lead up to your procedure include:

• Blood thinners
• Aspirin
• Diet medications
• Some herbal supplements and vitamins (Vitamin E and St. John’s Wort)

Prepare for Your Recovery

While recovery times for any surgical procedure vary, depending on the procedure and patient, most hernia patients will experience pain and discomfort in the surgical area for several days. During this time, it is important to allow your body to rest and heal. Because of this, you will need to make sure that you take several days off of work and that you have a comfortable place to recover. We strongly suggest that you meal prep for several days, to minimize activity during your recovery. Additionally, you may find yourself feeling more tired than normal. It is important that you make sure you have someone available to help, especially if you have children or pets.  

Get Ready for the Procedure

Before your surgery, you should take a bath or shower. With the exception of water, it is important that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. Additionally, you will want to make sure that you do not apply any lotions, cologne, or perfume before your procedure. Lastly, it is important that you do your best to relax your mind. While surgery is daunting for anyone, hernia repair surgery is a safe and trusted procedure that will ultimately help you feel better so that you can return to your normal, daily activities without any pain or discomfort.

For more information about hernia repair surgery, please contact Patrick Moore MD, FACS by calling 951-477-5700.