Product Summary: AMA rates.

Open surgical repair of a direct or indirect inguinal hernia with/ without mesh combined with a post operative pain relief local infiltration.

Item Number: 30614, 18262, 105

Why is it done?

  • To treat inguinal hernias, direct or indirect
  • A general Surgeon with laparoscopic skills may be a better option for this procedure.
  • Will usually be done in association with other procedures ie: Radical prostatectomy etc.

Pre-requirements

  • An informed consent is required from the patient.
  • Patients may not eat or drink from 22h00 the previous evening.
  • Patients are to refrain from smoking before the procedure.
  • Patients allergic to IODINE should clearly state this at pre-admission clinics as well as to theatre staff.
  • Any anti-coagulants such as Warfarin or Aspirin should be stopped 10 days prior to surgery.
  • Patients with cardiac illnesses require a Cardiologist/ Physician’s report.
  • A chest X-ray is required for patients with lung disease.
  • Where required, blood tests will be scheduled as well as other specialist consultations .
  • The inguinal area (area from navel to pubic bone, hip bone to midline, on affected side) needs to be shaved. This should be done the morning before being hospitalized.
  • Please ensure that the ward admission staff, the theatre staff and the surgeon are made aware of the correct side on which the procedure is to be done.
  • Be prepared for an overnight stay.

How is it done?

  • This procedure is done under general anaesthetic.
  • A single incision is made in the groin. The underlying muscle layers are then opened.
  • A repair of the muscles will be done with non-dissolvable suture material, or if the defect is too large and is surrounded by weak tissue, a mesh may be inserted.
  • Subcutaneous sutures, which need not be removed, are used, unless stated otherwise by Dr Schoeman.
  • A dressing is then applied, which should be removed after 72 hours.
  • A local anaesthetic is injected into the wound, thus giving post-operative pain relief for the next 4-6 hours.
  • A drain may also be left for 24-48 hours to prevent the collection of serous fluids.
  • A catheter will be inserted overnight, as many men suffer from urinary retention after this procedure.

What to expect after the procedure?

  • Bleeding is a common complication. Please consult Dr Schoeman immediately!
  • A haematoma (blood collection under the skin) may form and needs to be reviewed by Dr Schoeman as soon as possible. Bruising is normal.
  • An infection of the wound may occur and requires review.
  • Dressings are removed 72 hours after surgery and should be kept dry during this initial period.
  • Urinary retention may occur if a urinary catheter was not inserted. Please contact Dr Schoeman.
  • DANGER SIGNS: A wound that swells immediately, fever, or puss. Contact Dr Schoeman immediately. This can occur in up to 15–20% of patients.

What next?

  • The dressing should be removed in a bathtub filled with water 72 hours after the procedure.
  • The dressing should be soaked until it comes off with ease.
  • The dressing may sometimes adhere to the wound causing slight bleeding on removal. Don’t panic, the bleeding will stop.
  • A ward prescription will be issued to patients on discharge, for own collection at any pharmacy.
  • Patients should schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr Schoeman within 2 weeks to review the wound.
  • There will be signs of bruising for at least 10 days.
  • The suture-line will be hard and indurated for at least 8-10 weeks.
  • Sick leave will be granted for 14 days. This is a reasonably painful operation and recovery is slow.
  • Please don’t hesitate to direct any further queries to Dr Schoeman.!
  • REMEMBER: THOSE WHO SUFFER IN SILENCE, SUFFER ALONE!

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Inguinal Hernia Repair