Hernia Repair

Some people with free

from symptoms. But a hernia can cause severe

pain and other potentially serious problems (e.g.,

infection, bowel obstruction Surgery is the only

way to repair them, because they do not resolve

on their own.COMMON SITES

FOR HERNIAS

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION Please take note of the information in this leaflet

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and you can ask questions.

You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission for the operation

to be performed.

You will be asked to fast (eat or drink nothing) before the procedure generally

after midnight.

Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medication, latex, tape and

anaesthetic agents (local or general)

Inform your doctor of all medication (prescribed and over- the – counter) and

herbal preparations that you are taking.

Inform doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking

anti – coagulants (blood thinning) medications Aspirin etc.. It may be necessary

to stop medications before the operation.

You should with antiseptic soap that will be given to you at the doctor’s

rooms or in the ward. No skin products must be applied to your body after

you shower (eg. Deodorant, perfume, body lotion, powder or make up)

Baseline observations (blood pressure, temperature, EGC, pulse etc) will be done

by the nurses in the ward.

Before you leave for surgery a pre- operative check list will be completed with

you and the nurses. This check list will be repeated in the theatre receiving area.

Apart from your wedding band, no jewellery or metal is to be worn in theatre.

While there is a locked valuables

cupboard in your ward its is advised

that you leave all valuables at home.

Please bring essential items only as we

are unable to accept liability for losses.

You will have Identity bands attached

on the wrist, one with your personal

information, allergies, procedure to

be done and any risks that you might

have

You will be transported to theatre in

your bed, dressed in theatre gown.

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You will stay in the recovery room within the theatre suite after the operation until the

anaesthetic starts to wear off and you wake up.

You will be transferred to the ward in your bed once your vital observations are sta-

ble .

You may

.

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It is important that you begin your breathing and leg exercises. These help pre-

vent complications such as chest infections and blood clots in your legs and

should be carried out every hour that you are awake and while on bed rest.

Take five long and slow deep breaths. Each breath

should be deeper than the previous breath. Think about getting the air to the

very bottom of your lungs.

Firmly move your ankles up and down to stretch and

contract your calf muscles.

Some

left intact for two to three days as directed then it

can be removed and left uncovered.

Wash wound in shower and pat dry with a towel.

Leave the steri-strips in place for five to seven days or until they fall off. Your

doctor will advise when the staples or sutures will be remove .

– eat a nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids.

discharge or follow – up visit .

The information contained in this leaflet is an educational aid only. It is not intended

as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments.

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Ref: HMS-INFO-SURG 015 Patient Information—Hernia

Telephone: 047 495 0600

Email: info@mttph.co.za