Steps to Prepare for Hernia Surgery

Hernias are a very common condition, to the point where more than 20 million people struggle with it every year. The problem is that despite its high frequency, it is not an issue that goes away on its own. If left alone, it can develop into something even worse. This is why hernia surgery becomes necessary at some point.

That said, like any surgical procedure, you will have to prepare for it firsthand. Thorough preparation not only ensures a smooth repair but can also improve your recovery speed. Read our blog and learn how to prepare to have your hernia repaired.

What Is Hernia Surgery?

A hernia surgery is a procedure that aims to repair a hernia, which is a rupture of weakness in your belly muscle. This can cause your intestinal tissue to poke out, creating a bulge when pressure surrounds it. When you perform any kind of effort or even sneeze, your intestines can start bulging through the tear, and in rare cases, they become stuck there.

Surgery will create an incision near the hernia and patch the weak spot off, preventing your organs from bulging out. Depending on the size and severity of the hernia, it can be done traditionally or laparoscopically. A consultation is necessary to determine exactly which type of surgery works best for you.

How to Prepare for Surgery

Regardless of its type, hernia surgery can take a toll on your body. This is why you need to prepare it and lay some groundwork, which can help speed up the recovery. Here are some things you should do:

1. Quit Smoking

While smoking is bad for you on a daily basis, it is even worse when you have surgery lined up. Smoking is connected to a high risk of bleeding, as it thins the blood and keeps it from clotting as it normally should. This is the last thing you want when someone is cutting your skin, as it can cause abnormal bleeding. Even if it does stop, it potentially leads to more bruising, which can prolong your recovery.

2. Don’t Take Blood Thinners

Just like smoking, blood thinning medication and supplements could also increase the chances of bleeding. In the week before your surgery, avoid taking aspirin, as it affects your blood coagulation system. You should also refrain from taking supplements that can potentially thin your blood, including Echinacea, fish oil, vitamin E, or ginkgo biloba.

3. Avoid Drinks and Food After Midnight

If you are a midnight snacker, you might want to kick the habit for the night, as hernia surgery is easier to perform if you have an empty bowel. On the day before surgery, you should opt for a liquid diet and perhaps some laxatives to clear your bowels. If you have any kind of medicine that you must take after midnight, you may be able to take it with just a sip of water. Dr. Moore will give you more instructions about his requirements before surgery.

4. Take Some Time Off

While hernia surgery is usually an outpatient kind that allows you to go home on the same day, you still have to go through recovery. Even if it’s laparoscopic surgery, you might want to take it easy for some time and limit your lifting. Dr. Moore will let you know how much you will need to rest, allowing you to put in a request for time off.

5. Take a Shower

On the night before or the morning of the surgery, you should take a shower and cleanse yourself with soap and water. This reduces the risks of developing an infection.

Make Sure You’re Prepared!

A hernia repair can be very useful in improving your lifestyle and easing your discomfort, but you must know how to prepare for it. The smoothness of the procedure and the recovery time may also depend on these steps. Contact Dr. Patrick Moore and schedule your appointment for a hernia surgery.