Hernia

What to expect from your doctor

Before hernia repair surgery, your doctor will perform a medical evaluation. This typically includes the following:

• Review your medical and surgical history.
• Perform a physical exam.
• Discuss medications, diet, and herbal supplements you are taking.
• Perform lab tests, if needed, such as blood work and x-rays.
• Perform additional testing, if needed, such as pulmonary or cardiac tests.

Your doctor will also talk with you about whether you are having open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, along with the benefits and risks of each.

How you can prepare

There are several things you will need to do to help make your surgery go more smoothly:

The week before surgery

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, products that contain aspirin, or certain blood thinner medications. Some diet and herbal supplements must be stopped two weeks prior to surgery.
• Check with your doctor about which medications can be taken the morning of surgery.
• If you are a smoker, try to quit or reduce your smoking as much as possible.
• Arrange for someone to take you to the hospital the day of surgery, and home afterwards.
• You may want to arrange for someone to stay with you for a few days following surgery, especially if you are having open surgery.

The day before surgery

• Your doctor may ask you to drink a laxative to cleanse your intestines.
• Your doctor may tell you not to eat after a certain time, and to drink only clear liquids until midnight before the surgery.
• Pack an overnight bag if you are staying in the hospital. Leave valuables such as rings and watches at home.
• Wear loose clothing to go home and for several days thereafter.

See What to expect after surgery.