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Waking up after
surgery
After waking up from surgery, there may be an IV used to provide fluids and pain medications. There may also be small bandages or glue over any incisions that were made during surgery. Small amounts of food and drink will be given to you shortly after you wake up.
Before leaving the hospital
A nurse will go over any discharge instructions with you before they leave the hospital. These instructions will include what to expect over the first few days, how to care for the incision(s), and a list of symptoms and warning signs. They will also provide a number to call if you have any concerns or questions.
Going home after surgery
In addition to eating, drinking and being steady on your feet, you will have to be able to urinate before going home. A responsible adult should be there to drive you home and assist with any household duties for the first few days after surgery.
If any of the following occurs after surgery, you should contact a doctor.
It is important to rest for a few days after surgery. A pillow can be used to put over the abdomen for support in case of coughing, sneezing or vomiting (which can be a side effect of anesthesia).
The incision(s) may be sore for two or three days after surgery, and may be swollen, bruised, tender and numb. This is normal after surgery and should go away within a few weeks. The surgeon should be contacted if there are any concerns.
There are general guidelines about what someone should do when recovering from any surgery. Please make sure you speak to your doctor regarding your specific recovery plan. Following doctor’s instructions may help prevent infection and enhance healing.
Patients & caregivers: This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.
HerniaSurge Group. International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia. 2018;22(1):1–165. doi:10.1007/s10029-017-1668-x.
Malangoni MA, Rosen, MJ. Hernias: In: CM Townsend, RD Beauchamp, et al. Sabiston textbook of Surgery, Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2012: Chapter 46