These are standard set of instructions for our patients operated by Robotic or Laparoscopic method for Hernia Surgery
In Hospital
1. You would be allowed sips of water about 2 hours after surgery, followed by Liquids / Soft diet as per post op orders
2. The urine catheter will be removed next morning. There would be sensation of wanting to pass urine due to the catheter bulb, it is expected.
3. You might feel sleepy for upto 6 hours after surgery due to post-anesthesia effect.
4. Some Nausea is expected for upto 6 hours after the surgery, You would be given medicines for the same.
5. Having dry throat & throat irritation is common, it is a temporary event due to anesthesia and should maximally last till night. Hot tea / soup, lozenges, steam inhalation & voice rest help.
6. You would be given adequate pain relief injections for comfort. Kindly ask for additional dose, if severe pain/Inability to sleep.
7. In case of Spinal anesthesia sudden onset of pain might occur when
the effect wears off, don’t be alarmed. Additional painkiller can be demanded & would be given to make you comfortable.
8. You should be allowed to sleep on right or left side positions / turning in bed once the effect of Anaesthesia wears off. Usage of a pillow below the knees help in decreasing the abdominal pain and discomfort.
9. In case of spinal anesthesia, you would be allowed to walk next morning, In case of general anesthesia, you can start walking once comfortable.
10. It is advised to avoid visiting washroom & straining to poop till next day morning. It is advised to not be on the commode for more than 5 mins at a stretch & the door not be latched.
11. Bathing should be allowed from next morning, the dressings would normally be water-proof.
12. There might be some residual swelling at Hernia Site, it should decrease in next 3-7days
13. If the pain/ discomfort is better, expect the discharge late in evening or next morning.
Care At home
1. Blood sugars & Blood Pressure are expected to be deranged (High or Low) for a day or two after surgery & shouldn’t be seen as a panic situation.
2. No individual food / food product restrictions are applicable with respect to the Surgery, however medical-based restrictions would continue.
3. Walking is allowed & encouraged, Atleast 30 mins per day, once pain & swelling have decreased.
4. Usage of Western Style washroom with a foot rest is recommended.
5. Usage of Scrotal Support / Abdominal Binder / Pressure dressings would be explained to you. Use it all the times except while sleeping.
6. Avoid straining or lifting heavy weights (>5kgs), participation in contact sports, riding two-wheeler, squatting on floor, sitting on floor crossed legged, excessive forward bending for atleast 6 weeks post-surgery.
7. Promptly seek medical help for any issues with Constipation, Urinary issues or Coughing. This can interfere with Mesh.
8. Follow-up is usually after 7 days. Ordinarily no change of dressing is needed.
9. Kindly keep a copy of discharge card safely with you all the time with details of the Surgery and the type of Mesh used.
10. Strictly avoid smoking for atleast 3 months after surgery.
11. For females, avoid planning pregnancy for atleast 1 year post surgery
This is a non exhaustive list of points for care after hernia surgery.
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“Wish you a healthy & an uneventful recovery”