HerniaRepairSurgery.PDFVIP

Hernia Repair Surgery: advice for when you go home Patient Information SURGICAL DIRECTORATE DAY SURGERY Appointment Date : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appointment Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . It is important that you wait until your escort collects you and your nurse says that you are fit to go home. If you have had a general anaesthetic your concentration and co-ordination may be impaired and you may feel light headed or faint. This is due to the anaesthetic drugs which remain in your body for up to 24 hours. It is for these reasons that for 24 hours you must: ? Avoid driving a car or riding a bicycle ? Avoid operating machinery ? Be more careful of electrical appliances ? Avoid alcohol and sleeping tablets ? Not make any important decisions or sign any legal documents When you get home after your operation, either go to bed or lie quietly on a sofa for the rest of the day. You can expect some soreness and bruising around your surgical wound, especially when the local anaesthetic is wearing off. This is quite normal and you should take the pain relieving tablets according to the instructions on the container. The bruising will take about five days to develop and will fade in time. You will not be able to drive for two to four weeks or until you are able to perform an emergency stop without discomfort. If you work in an office or do light work you may be able to return after two weeks. If your work involves physical effort you may need up to four weeks. You should liaise with your GP after your operation for further advice. Please refer to the patient information leaflet ‘Care of your wound when you go home’ for specific instructions regarding your stitches and dressing and any indication of wound infection. It is important that you avoid straining any of your abdominal muscles so that the healing process can take place. You should avoid physical sport and should not lift heavy objects. A good well-balanced diet with suf