Hernia surgery involves an incision in the chest or abdomen and a short recovery period. If you are caring for someone who has had hernia surgery, there are a few things you can do to make them comfortable and ensure a successful recovery period. As with any major surgery, call the patient's doctor immediately if serious complications arise.
Instructions
Care for a Hernia Patient
1. Provide adequate nutrition and hydration. The day of surgery, the patient should drink plenty of fluids, especially sports drinks, water or juice. Keep the food simple for the day of surgery, including easy-to-digest options like soup or gelatin. The day after surgery the patient may eat anything he chooses.
2. Monitor and assist with exercise. The day of surgery, the patient should stay in her bed or chair except to walk to the bathroom or table for meals. The day after surgery she can ease into normal activity by walking around her house, but you may need to help her by providing her with support as she walks. She should try to sit up in a chair for most of the day rather than remaining in bed. By the third day after surgery she can begin to take longer walks throughout the day, gradually increasing the time and distance based on how she feels.
3. Assist with medications and dressings. The patient should take all the medications his doctor prescribes. Keep his dressings clean and monitor for signs of infection, such as serious swelling or large amounts of discharge (a small amount of redness and oozing is normal).
4. Call the doctor if complications arise. These include difficulty urinating, constipation lasting three days or more, dizziness or excessive sleepiness, or a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Also call if the incision opens up or begins bleeding or smelling foul.
