Post Operation Care
While recovering in hospital, you will have pain around the incision and will need pain relief. Swelling and bruising are common and in men, may extend to the scrotal area.
Several hours after surgery, if you are not nauseous, you can drink water and eat a light meal if you wish. If you have had a general anaesthetic, your nurse will ask you to cough frequently and breathe deeply to keep your lungs clear. You will be asked to take a short walk several hours after surgery to assist blood circulation. This helps stop blood clots forming in the legs.
If you have had open surgery you may go home on the same day, if surgery was done under local anaesthesia. If a general anaesthesic was given, most people go home the following day.
If you had Laparoscopic surgery, you may have some discomfort in your shoulder from the carbon dioxide used during the surgery. This is temporary.
Most people recover sufficiently to go home the same day or the morning after Laparoscopic surgery. Most people have a complete recovery within a week.
Recovering at home may take one or two weeks, and maybe longer after open repair.
For men discomfort may be eased by wearing a scrotal support or jockey style underwear.
During the following four to six weeks after surgery, it is normal to feel strange twinges or sensations in the area operated on.
Please follow the instructions of your surgeon when asked to....
- No heavy lifting until advised by your surgeon.
- No vigorous exercise until advised by your surgeon.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on showering, driving, and returning to work.
- Be aware that pain medications can cause constipation and temporary changes in bowel habits.
You will return to the surgeon within 14 days after surgery for a check-up. Your doctor will examine you and answer any questions. If you have stitches, they will be removed, and more appointments will be scheduled if you need them.