Information
Before the operation
Most patients attend a pre-admission clinic when you will be seen by a nurse and be prepared for your operation. You may need further tests to ensure you will be fit for the surgery.
On the day of your operation
You will be admitted to hospital prior to your surgery. You will be seen by nurses, doctors and anaesthetists on the day of your surgery. Please leave your valuables at home. Before proceeding to theatre you will change into a gown, remove all jewellery, dentures, contact lenses and any makeup or nail varnish.
After your surgery
Following surgery you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored before returning to the ward. You may have discomfort in your abdomen or shoulder (usually caused by the gas used to inflate your abdomen). Remember to ask for pain medications from the nurse.
When you have recovered from the operation and had some food to eat, you will be permitted to go home, providing there are people at home to help look after you.
Note the almost invisible repair
When you return home
After the surgery, you will naturally feel tired for a few days and may lose you appetite. It is important you drink plenty of fluids and get up for exercise everyday. This will help you get back to your normal routine. You may drive your car when you are pain free and able to perform an emergency brake, however you will also need to check with your insurance company to confirm your insurance coverage.
You may restart work as soon as you feel ready. You may resume sexual activity as you feel able.
Usually your wound will have dissolving sutures and paper strips over your wound. Keep the wounds clean and dry for a week then remove the dressings.
Potential Complications
Complications may arise from any operation. The majority of patients will undergo this operation without any problems, however a small proportion will suffer certain problems.
Complications that can occur in any operation include wound problems (infection, bleeding, wound breakdown and hernias), bleeding, infections (that may occur in the wound or in the abdomen), deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli.
Complications that only occur with laparoscopic hernia repairs are;
- Recurrence (1-2%)
- Seroma (collection of fluid 1-2%)
- Chronic Pain (1-2%)
Anaesthetic Complications
Common anaesthetic complications (1-10%), include, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, itching, aches, pains, bruising, soreness, confusion and memory loss.
Less common complications include chest infections, bladder problems, muscle pains, breathing problems, damage to teeth, lips or tongue, an existing medical condition becoming worse and awareness (becoming conscious during your operation).
Rare complications include damage to eyes, serious allergy to drugs, nerve damage, death and equipment failure.