Guide on how to prepare for your hernia repair

If you have recently discovered that you need to have
hernia surgery, it is time to learn about how to
prepare for the upcoming procedure. Before the day of surgery, your
surgeon will perform a comprehensive medical exam to evaluate your
health and review your medical history. In some situations,
patients are required to undergo additional testing and x-rays
depending on the severity of the hernia. After all of the testing
is complete, your doctor will sit with you and explain the
different risks and benefits that are associated with the procedure
based on your exam. Make sure that you are armed with questions for
your doctor and do not be hesitate to ask questions if you do not
understand. Understanding the procedure you're about to undergo is
important so that you can relax your body as much as possible.

Make sure that you explain to your doctor fully about all of
the prescription and over the counter medications you take, as well
as the daily supplements you take if any. This is crucial because
some medications will interfere with the way the blood clots. Your
surgeon will give you a list of specific instructions to help you
prepare for

hernia repair

. This list will include guidelines about your
diet and lifestyle. Following all of your doctors' instructions is
extremely important to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery. In
most cases, the following guidelines are given to patients before
they undergo

hernia surgery

.

Refrain from eating or drinking
anything after midnight on the night before the surgery. The only
thing that can be ingested is any medications with a small sip of
water that is permitted by the doctor.
The colon and intestines should be
completely emptied and cleansed. In some cases, patients are
required to only drink clear liquids for the days prior to
surgery.
If you are a smoker, it is
important that you stop smoking at least 6-8 weeks before
surgery. People that smoke are shown to have a higher likely hood
of breathing problems during surgery and have a delay in wound
healing.
Patients must also plan for their
aftercare and recovery. You will be unable to drive home yourself
after surgery, so you should arrange to have someone to pick you
up. You will also need time to rest and should see if a family
member or friend can stay with you to help with daily
activities.

Although this is a short guide on how to prepare for your
hernia repair surgery, it does not substitute the
expertise of a doctor. If you are showing symptoms of a hernia, get
the advice of a doctor. Not all types of hernias need to be
surgically repaired. If you catch it early enough, there may be
other less invasive options to healing your hernia.