Surgery for an inguinal hernia is one of the most standard surgical procedures performed today. If you are scheduled for surgery for the condition, you may have specific questions about how you can adequately take care of yourself once your procedure is over. The good news is that you can expect to make a full recovery in about a month if you’ve had open surgery and about one week to two weeks if you’ve had laparoscopic surgery. But, of course, you have to do your bit to ensure your fast recovery, so here’s how to properly care for yourself after inguinal hernia surgery: your essential guide.

  • Caring for your incision

There are three small incisions with laparoscopy, and with open surgery, there is one larger incision. The surgeon will place a dressing on your incision/s, which will help facilitate healing and protection. Your surgeon will give you instructions for taking care of the dressing, but there are some general guidelines as well. For instance, if they used skin adhesive (also called glue or liquid stitches), you should leave the adhesive on; it will fall off on its own. If you have tape on the incision/s, don’t remove it for a week; it will also fall off. If you’ve had standard stitches, you need to visit your doctor so they can remove them.

It’s crucial to wash the treated area each day using warm water and soap and make sure to pat the area dry instead of rubbing it. Also, stay away from alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as it can slow down the healing process. Specialists in hernia surgery in London also recommend placing a cold pack or ice on the treated area for about 10 – 20 minutes every one or two hours. You can do this for the first three days after your surgery. Then, place a thin, soft cloth over your skin to protect it from the ice.

  • Medication

After your surgical procedure, you may be given medication, but always read the instructions as carefully as possible, as the above-mentioned hernia repair London professionals confirm. If your doctor and surgeon gave you prescription-based medication for pain, take the medication only as directed. If you don’t have any prescription-based medicines, you can ask your surgeon if they can recommend any over-the-counter painkillers.

If you are taking other medication regularly and you had to stop taking them because of the procedure, your surgeon will give you instructions on when to start retaking those medicines.

  • Diet

With inguinal hernia surgery, you don’t have to avoid certain foods and can start with your standard diet after the procedure. But if you have an upset stomach, it might be better to stick with low-fat foods such as boiled chicken, yoghurt, plain white or brown rice, and toast. Also, if you notice that you are having difficulty moving your bowels, try not to strain and drink lots of fluids. Your surgeon may also recommend a mild laxative, stool softener, or fibre supplements.

  • Activity

It’s essential to rest as much as you can a few days after your surgery and encourage the incision/s to heal by avoiding lifting heavy objects or moving too quickly until you feel better. It also pays to be active but avoid anything too strenuous, such as jogging. Walking is a good alternative.