A hernia arises when a part of an internal organ or tissue breaks through the muscles. In order to treat this condition, herniorrhaphy or hernia repair surgery is performed. This surgery involves treating the displaced tissue or organ back inside the body part. However, a hernia repair surgery is performed when a hernia requires immediate medical intervention. Otherwise, in most cases, small hernias don’t need any surgery as it repairs itself in some time.
Now, before undergoing a hernia repair surgery or herniorrhaphy, there are certain things you can do to prepare yourself for the surgery and reduce the risk of complications during and after the hernia surgery. So, here is a list of 5 things you can do before hernia surgery.
Top 5 Things to Do Before Hernia Surgery
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Avoid Certain Medicines to Prevent Excessive Bleeding During and After Hernia Surgery
Medicines like aspirin make the blood thinner and cause excessive blood loss, so you must avoid these medicines before the surgery. Other medicines like aspirins include Naprosyn, Coumadin, Plavix, Celebrex, and Ibuprofen. You must avoid consuming these medicines one week or more prior to the surgery. You should consult with your surgeon to know what medicines you need to stop and what you can consume in low doses and before how many days you need to stop consuming medicines. You can also discuss with your hernia surgeon if you can take low-dose aspirins.
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Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Medications After Hernia Surgery
You should avoid consuming anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen (Advil, Mortin) and Naprosyn (Aleve) until your surgeon instructs you to resume them. It would be best if you stop taking these medicines seven days or more prior to the surgery. However, you can take Tylenol for pain relief after consulting with your surgeon.
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Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco, and Smoke
You should avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco at least 24 hours before the hernia surgery. You should consult with your doctor if you have any addiction to any controlled substances. Remember, after hernia surgery, a small amount of tobacco or alcohol can cause intoxication and low blood pressure. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming such substances to reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery.
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Start Eating Light Food Before Surgery
Removing some dietary elements is a feasible and effective way to protect your body against stress. So, you should eliminate fat by consuming a balanced diet consisting of protein in your diet to feel lighter and healthier. This will help you in speedy recovery after the surgery and will also reduce the complications.
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Avoid Eating After Midnight the Day Before Surgery
Eating or drinking after midnight the day before the surgery can alter the blood test report results before the surgery. This can also impact your local anaesthesia during hernia surgery. So, avoid consuming food or drink prior to the surgery.
Conclusion:
These are some basic things you should do before hernia surgery. Follow all the restrictions suggested by your doctor to stay healthy before and after the surgery. You should consult your hernia surgeon in case of any confusion instead of listening to other’s suggestions.
