Patient Education: Hernia Repair
1. Understanding Hernia Repair
What it is:
Hernia repair is surgery to fix a hernia, which is when part of an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall.
Why it’s needed:
To relieve pain or discomfort
To prevent the hernia from getting larger
To prevent serious complications like tissue or bowel getting trapped (incarceration or strangulation)
Types of hernia repair:
Open repair: One larger incision to fix the hernia
Laparoscopic repair: Several small cuts using a camera and special tools
Mesh repair: A surgical mesh may be used to strengthen the muscle wall
Location and severity:
Hernias can appear in the abdomen, groin, or other areas
Severity depends on the size of the hernia and whether it causes pain or complications
Cause / Risk Factors:
Weakness in the abdominal muscles (can be present at birth or develop over time)
Heavy lifting or straining
Chronic cough or constipation
Obesity
Previous surgery in the area
Age-related muscle weakening
2. Symptoms to Watch For
After surgery, monitor for:
Redness, warmth, or swelling at the incision site
Pus or unusual drainage
Fever
Increasing pain that does not improve with medication
Delayed complications may include:
Hernia recurrence
Infection at the surgical site
Bowel obstruction (rare)
3. Post-Hospitalization Information
Take all prescribed medications, including pain medicine and antibiotics, as instructed.
Attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Avoid straining, bending, or heavy lifting until your doctor allows.
4. Home Management & Recovery
Pain management:
Take pain medication as prescribed
Use pillows to support your abdomen while moving or coughing
Mobility:
Gentle walking is encouraged to improve circulation
Avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous activity until cleared
Wound care:
Keep the incision clean and dry
Follow your doctor’s dressing instructions
Contact your doctor or home health nurse if you notice redness, pus, or swelling
Rest and rehabilitation:
Rest frequently and gradually increase activity
Gentle exercises may be recommended to regain strength and prevent stiffness
5. Prevention of Complications
Infection prevention:
Wash hands before touching your incision
Keep dressings clean and dry
Avoid swimming or soaking until cleared by your doctor
Fall prevention:
Remove loose rugs and obstacles
Use proper lighting and handrails
Monitoring for delayed symptoms:
Watch for fever, increased pain, swelling, or redness
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice unusual symptoms
6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER
Contact home health or your doctor if:
Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness
Questions about medications or wound care
Mild discomfort or temporary weakness
Go to the ER immediately if:
Severe pain that does not improve
Redness spreading rapidly, pus, or heavy bleeding
Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool
Hernia recurrence with severe pain or swelling
Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False (20 Questions)
Instructions: Read each statement. Circle or mark whether it is TRUE or FALSE.
TRUE or FALSE: Hernia repair surgery fixes a weak spot in the muscle wall.
TRUE or FALSE: Hernias only occur in the legs.
TRUE or FALSE: Surgery is needed to prevent complications like tissue getting trapped.
TRUE or FALSE: Open repair uses one larger incision.
TRUE or FALSE: Laparoscopic repair uses small cuts and a camera.
TRUE or FALSE: Mesh may be used to strengthen the muscle wall.
TRUE or FALSE: Pain after surgery should not be treated.
TRUE or FALSE: Redness, pus, or swelling may indicate infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever after surgery can be a warning sign.
TRUE or FALSE: Gentle walking helps improve circulation and recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared by your doctor.
TRUE or FALSE: Wounds should be kept clean and dry.
TRUE or FALSE: Rest and gradual activity are important for recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Handwashing prevents infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Fall prevention is not important after hernia surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Hernia can recur after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: You should contact your doctor if you see unusual swelling or pain.
TRUE or FALSE: Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass stool may require an ER visit.
TRUE or FALSE: Bowel obstruction is a possible delayed complication.
TRUE or FALSE: Mild tenderness or questions about care can be discussed with home health.
Answer Key with Explanations
TRUE – Hernia repair fixes a weak spot in the muscle wall.
FALSE – Hernias commonly occur in the abdomen, groin, or other areas.
TRUE – Surgery prevents serious complications like tissue getting trapped.
TRUE – Open repair uses one larger incision.
TRUE – Laparoscopic repair uses small cuts and a camera.
TRUE – Mesh strengthens the muscle wall to prevent recurrence.
FALSE – Pain should be managed with prescribed medications.
TRUE – Redness, pus, or swelling may indicate infection.
TRUE – Fever can signal infection or other complications.
TRUE – Gentle walking improves circulation and healing.
TRUE – Heavy lifting should be avoided until doctor clearance.
TRUE – Keeping the wound clean and dry prevents infection.
TRUE – Rest and gradual activity allow the body to heal safely.
TRUE – Handwashing reduces the risk of infection.
FALSE – Fall prevention is important during recovery.
TRUE – Hernia can recur even after surgery.
TRUE – Contact your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms.
TRUE – Severe nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass stool may indicate emergency complications.
TRUE – Bowel obstruction is a possible delayed complication.
TRUE – Home health can help with mild tenderness or questions.
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911