INGUINAL HERNIA
Hernia surgery:
What to expect
If you’re considering hernia surgery, this page covers what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It's designed to help you feel informed and prepared. Always talk with your doctor or hernia specialist about your treatment options and recovery.
Before surgery
A few days before surgery, your surgeon may organise pre‑operative checks, such as blood tests, an ECG (electrocardiogram), and a chest X‑ray, to ensure your heart and lungs are working well. Make sure to follow the fasting instructions provided. If you are taking any medication, ask your surgeon what to do on the day — some meds can be taken with a small sip of water. Your surgeon may also prescribe medication you’ll need after surgery, including pain relief.
The day of surgery
When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll go through the admission process. This usually includes signing consent forms, having your blood pressure checked, and having an IV (drip) placed. The area being operated on may be cleaned and, if needed, shaved to help reduce the risk of infection. Your anaesthetist will explain the type of anaesthetic that’s right for you. You may also be given medication to help you feel more relaxed before the procedure.
Waking up after surgery
After surgery, you may have an intravenous (IV) line in place to deliver fluids and pain medication. Small bandages or surgical glue may cover the incision sites. You’ll usually be offered small amounts of food and drink shortly after you wake up.
Before leaving hospital
Before you leave hospital, a nurse will go through your discharge instructions with you. These instructions will include what to expect over the first few days, how to care for the incisions, and which symptoms or warning signs to watch for. They will also provide a number to call if you have any concerns or questions.
Going home after surgery
Before going home, you’ll need to be able to eat and drink, feel steady on your feet, and pass urine. A responsible adult should drive you home and help with household tasks for the first few days after surgery.
Recovery
It’s important to rest for a few days after surgery. You can use a pillow over your abdomen for support if you cough, sneeze or vomit, which can sometimes happen after anaesthesia. Coughing, sneezing and vomiting can cause discomfort after hernia surgery.
Your incision may be sore for a few days after surgery and may feel swollen, bruised, tender or numb. This is normal and should gradually improve over a few weeks. Contact your surgeon’s office if you have any concerns.
Warning signs after hernia surgery⁵
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following after surgery:
- Fever (over 38.3°C)
- Increased drainage or odour from your incision
- No bowel movements for 3 days or more
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty urinating
- Redness around the incision
- Bleeding
- Worsening pain
References
- Medtronic Market Model Data on File. Internal analysis based on publicly available healthcare data, including Australian Institute of Health and Welfare admitted patient care statistics and MBS data.
- University of South Australia. 90,000 Australians go under the knife for hernia repair operations each year, with older men at highest risk. University of South Australia media release. 2024. https://unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/90000-australians-go-under-the-knife-for-hernia-repair-operations-each-year-with-older-men-at-highest-risk/
- Le TN, Afshar Ali M, Gadzhanova S, Lim R. Hernia repair prevalence by age and gender among the Australian adult population from 2017 to 2021. Critical Public Health. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2024.2351981
- Stabilini C, van Veenendaal N, Aasvang E, et al. Update of the international HerniaSurge guidelines for groin hernia management. BJS Open. 2023;7(5):zrad080. doi:10.1093/bjsopen/zrad080
- Healthdirect Australia. Hernias. Last reviewed March 2024. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hernias