Dear valued patient,
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide you with information that will help you go through the hospitalization and recovery period in the best and safest way possible. This document does not replace the explanation given by the doctor, nor does it replace the surgical consent form.
The surgery you have been scheduled for is a repair of an umbilical/inguinal hernia.
Background:
A hernia is a protrusion of an organ (usually the intestines) through an opening in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge. The common types of hernias are umbilical, inguinal, epigastric (above the navel), and incisional hernias. The most common among them is the umbilical hernia. Treatment of hernias is generally surgical.
Importance of Treating Hernias:
- Hernias can cause pain.
- With time, a hernia can grow larger.
- A hernia can become "incarcerated" where the contents of the hernia are trapped in the abdominal opening and blood supply to that area is compromised. This condition may lead to tissue necrosis, requiring emergency surgery, sometimes in combination with a bowel resection.
Although these surgeries are usually successful, as with any surgery, there may be side effects or complications as explained by the doctor.
Possible complications include injury to adjacent organs such as the bladder and intestines, infections, fever, hernia recurrence, and difficulty urinating.
The Surgery:
The surgery can be performed in two ways: through an open approach or a laparoscopic approach. The method of surgery will be determined by the operating surgeon. In the laparoscopic approach, only small incisions are made without opening the abdomen. However, in most cases, the surgery is performed through the open method with only one small incision.
The surgery is performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia. In open surgery, a cut is made to repair the weakened muscles and close the opening to prevent incarceration of the hernia. Usually, the surgeon will place a mesh to secure the hernia space in its place. The mesh is internal and not noticeable or bothersome.
Before the Surgery:
- You will be asked to undergo blood tests, chest X-ray, and ECG as needed within the framework of hospital admission.
- If you have any underlying medical conditions, you will be asked to provide additional medical approvals, such as a cardiology clearance and a letter from your attending physician.
- Please bring all the above documents to the preoperative unit on the day of admission.
In the Preoperative Unit:
- You will receive an appointment for the preoperative unit through the department's secretary (Tel: 6666310).
- The process in the preoperative unit takes several hours, so please prepare accordingly.
- You will be examined by the operating surgeon, who will explain the nature of the surgery and ask you to sign a consent form for the procedure.
- You will be attended by a nurse who will measure your pulse, blood pressure, and weight, complete any missing tests, and provide further instructions.
- You will be seen by an anesthesiologist who will explain the purpose of anesthesia and have you sign an anesthesia consent form.
- After the preoperative process is completed, you will return home. We will contact you and inform you of the surgery date.
Department Facilities:
The department has 52 beds. The patient unit includes a bed, a call bell for the nurse, a wardrobe, and adjacent restrooms and showers.
Before the Surgery:
- You will be asked to arrive at the surgical department on the 8th floor (either on the evening before the surgery, on the morning of the surgery, or at noon on the day of the surgery) according to the instructions you will receive from the preoperative unit.
- The department staff will receive you and complete the preparations for the surgery.
- If you are scheduled for unilateral hernia repair, the surgeon will mark the operated side.
- It is recommended to bring personal items such as toiletries, upper garments, and slippers.
- Avoid bringing valuable items, money, and jewelry.
- You are requested to shower (at home and if needed also at the department) and wear clean clothes, removing nail polish and jewelry.
- You will receive fasting instructions from the preoperative unit according to the surgery schedule.
On the Day of the Surgery:
- Remove undergarments and wear a hospital gown.
- You will be given medications by the nurse, including regular medications and calming medications as prescribed by the anesthesiologist. These medications aim to reduce stress due to the surgery.
- At the designated time, an attendant will accompany you to the operating room. Before that, please remove glasses, contact lenses, dentures, and hearing aids.
- All your belongings will be entrusted to a family member. If there is no family member present, they will be handed to security personnel before entering the operating room.
After the Surgery:
- After the surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room, where you will be under the supervision of a nurse to ensure proper recovery after anesthesia and surgery.
- If you experience pain, you can request pain relief medication or medications to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting.
- One family member can enter the recovery room with the nurse's approval.
In the Ward:
- When released from the recovery room, you will return to the ward.
- In the ward, the nursing team will monitor your food intake, pulse, and urine output.
- You will receive pain medications either through an IV or in pill form, adjusted according to the level of pain you report. If the amount is insufficient, please inform the nurse.
- Your first walk after the surgery will be done with the assistance of a nurse.
- Discharge usually occurs the day after the surgery.
- Nutrition can be gradually reintroduced a few hours after the surgery. Start with drinking water and then move on to eating. If you have any special dietary requests, you can arrange them with the nurse during the admission day.
Upon Discharge:
- The hospitalization usually lasts one day but may be extended as needed.
- You will receive a letter with recommendations for follow-up care in the community. You will be asked to schedule an appointment at the surgical clinic for examination and follow-up, according to the date stated in the discharge letter. You can schedule the appointment through the appointment center at 02-6555999.
How to Act at Home:
- You can resume your activities, including driving and returning to work, after one week from the surgery day.
- Avoid lifting weights above 5 kg for 6-8 weeks after the surgery (or according to the surgeon's instructions).
- It is essential to continue treatment and follow the instructions in the discharge letter.
- Inform your community physician about the surgery you underwent.
- If you experience a body temperature above 38°C, local heat, redness, or discharge from the surgical wound, contact your attending physician with the discharge letter. You can consult the department's team or go to the hospital's sorting area.
- Keep the surgical area clean by daily washing with soap and water.
- Sick leave will be provided according to the doctor's recommendation (if an extension of sick leave beyond the stated period is required, you can contact your family physician).
For Inquiries and Questions, you can contact the Surgery Department at any time at 02-6555769,
02-6555569.