HerniaRepairA hernia results from a weakness in the supportingmuscles of the abdomen allowing protrusion of theinternal organs through the weakened area. Thesurgical procedure carried out is to repair theweakness with either sutures or mesh, to givesymptomatic relief. Hernias can occur in differentareas of the abdomen. Every effort will be make to make your waiting timebefore surgery as brief as possible. However, delaysare sometimes unavoidable due to unforeseencircumstances e.g. emergency surgery.The Day Surgery Unit staff will inform you of anydelays as soon as possible.

What to expect after your operationYou will be awakened in the theatre recovery areawhere the staff will check your blood pressure andpulse before returning you to the Day Surgery Unit tocomplete your recovery. During your operation the anaesthetist or surgeonwill usually inject some local anaesthetic around thewound to help prevent immediate post-operativepain. This block may last for up to 6 hours. You will be given painkillers if required and will begiven a supply of painkillers to take home. After surgery you will be allowed to rest for a fewhours and assuming there are no complications youwill be allowed home the same day. If for any reason you are requiring to stay in hospitalovernight following your operation, a bed will bemake available for you and we will inform yourrelatives at your request. Your wound will be stitched and these stitches maybe absorbable or may need to be removed in 7-10days at your doctor’s surgery. The District Nurse will visit you at home the day afteryour operation to check your wound and change thedressing if required or you will be advised to attendthe practice nurse or your GP at an appropriate date.

Re-order Ref: PIL/1159/SS Review Date: 2020

Once you are homeIt is advisable to rest for 24-48 hours after dischargeas you may not feel up to doing very much. Take thepainkillers you have been given and always follow theinstructions on the pack. You may notice some bruising and swelling aroundyour wound. This is quite normal and will settle downin a few days. Gradually you will be able to increasethe amount of exercise you do each day. You should be able to drive a car when you feelcomfortable enough to wear your seatbelt and to beable to perform an emergency stop before driving. Returning to work will depend on the type of workyou do, but your GP will advise you when to resumework.You should however avoid heavy lifting for at least2 months.

Follow upYou will receive a letter for your GP and a follow-upappointment if required prior to discharge.If you require any further advice or information,please contact the nursing staff at DAY SURGERYUNIT Telephone 01324 567537.If you have any urgent concerns or emergencies,please contact your GP, NHS 24 or present at theEmergency Department (A&E) Forth Valley RoyalHospital, Larbert.

SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED ON NHSFORTH VALLEY PREMISESThis includes corridors, doorways, car parksand any of our grounds. If you do smoke onNHS premises you may be liable toprosecution and a fine.

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