What to Expect After Inguinal Hernia Surgery

General symptoms

• Pain, numbness, mild swelling, and mild redness along the incision

• Scrotal / labial swelling on the side of hernia repair

• Minor bruising

• Some numbness will persist along the incision and extending into the lower groin and the inner thigh

• Subtle ridge of tissue just deep to the incision

• Most of the above should settle with time; raise them with your surgeon at the time of your postoperative clinic visit

For laparoscopic repair you may experience:

• Pain and minor bruising along the abdominal incisions

• Swelling of the scrotum or labia on the side of the hernia

Pain:

It is normal to experience pain up to 4-6 weeks after surgery; and some degree of discomfort may

continue beyond this time period and for several months more. These symptoms and others can be

reviewed at the time of the postoperative clinic visit, usually at the 4-6 week mark from surgery.

When to refer to the emergency department:

• Chest pain / shortness of breath

• Fever in the first few days postop

• Worsening pain despite taking pain medications

• Bleeding from the incision

Wound care:

• If you have staples, these will be removed by your GP or at our GDC area in 7-10 days.

• If glue is used this will peel off on its own in about 7-10 days. No other care is required.

• In both cases you can shower on the same day; try to protect the incision from excessive water/pressure

Please call our clinic any time with any questions or concerns.