Your Surgery Experience
You are a partner in your care. This overview explains what to expect before, during, and after hernia surgery. Your surgeon will tailor your plan to your health, the type of repair, and the complexity of your case. Follow your individual instructions if they differ from this general information.
Preparing for Surgery
Prospective patients are first seen for a consultation to assess their hernia and evaluate surgical options. This visit includes:
A comprehensive medical history
A comprehensive physical examination
A detailed discussion with your surgeon about options and recommendations.
If you have had prior abdominal or hernia surgery, you are asked to bring your operative reports and copies of any abdominal CT scans that were performed prior to your consultation.
Preoperative Testing
If you and your surgeon agree on pursuing a surgical hernia repair, a date is chosen, and pre-operative testing is ordered. Pre-op testing may include but is not limited to:
Bloodwork
EKG to check heart health
Chest x-ray when appropriate
Testing is usually accomplished in about one hour near one of our locations, but it may also be done near your residence if that is more convenient. Instructions are given regarding management of standing medications, diet, and bowel preparation, when necessary.
Day of Surgery
Arrival
Surgery takes place at one of our surgical facilities in Manhattan or New Jersey. Your consultation and operation may be at different locations. Confirm the facility and follow the arrival time provided by your surgical team.
Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history, previous operations, and any anesthesia concerns. Some open inguinal and umbilical repairs may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation; other operations require general anesthesia. Your team will recommend the approach suited to your procedure and health.
Discharge
Some patients go home the same day; others need a hospital stay. Your surgeon will discuss what is expected for your repair, and the team will confirm that you are ready for discharge.
You will receive medication and recovery instructions and a follow-up plan. Arrange an adult to accompany you home and help as directed.
After Surgery
Some pain and soreness are expected and should generally improve as you recover. Your care team will discuss pain control and prescribe medication when needed.
Follow your individual discharge instructions for eating, incision care, medications, and activity. Walking and gradually increasing activity are usually part of recovery, but your surgeon will tailor the plan to your health, the type of repair, and the complexity of your case.
Return to work, heavy lifting, exercise, driving, and travel depends on your operation and progress. Ask your surgeon when each activity is appropriate. Discuss flights and long-distance trips before making plans, and do not drive while impaired by pain medication or limited movement.
Your team will explain whether any sutures need removal and arrange follow-up. Contact the office if symptoms are worsening or if you are unsure about your recovery instructions.
Reducing opioid use
Our approach emphasizes non-opioid pain relief when appropriate, which may include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, and nerve blocks. Your team will recommend medicines and doses suited to your health and procedure. Nerve blocks may be performed by the surgeon or anesthesiologist to help manage pain around the surgical incisions. Opioid medicine may still be needed for some patients.
