All surgeries require at least 8 hours of fasting beforehand. For those with early morning appointments, we recommend not consuming anything, including water, after midnight. On the morning of the surgery, consider yourself fasting and do not eat or drink anything.

A) Pre-Surgery Medication

• Patients who regularly take medications should consult their doctor. Most medications can be taken on the morning of the surgery with a small amount of water, or you can bring them to the hospital and consult with the anesthesia doctor. For example, if you are on blood pressure medications, you can take them on the day of the surgery with a little water.
• However, certain medications need to be discontinued several days before the surgery. Aspirin and other blood thinners can cause bleeding during and after surgery. Although not life-threatening, this can lead to hematoma (a collection of blood) or bruising at the surgical site. Therefore, these medications should be stopped at least 7 days before the operation.
• Blood thinners for conditions like heart valve issues, cardiac arrhythmias, and deep vein thrombosis might be prescribed for lifelong use. Consult your doctor on how to safely discontinue these medications and when and how to resume them.

B) Pre-Surgery Procedures

• Healthy patients without any systemic diseases typically undergo tests and anesthesia evaluation on the morning of the surgery. However, some patients may need to be evaluated by the anesthesia team a few days earlier.
• Patients with chronic heart or lung diseases or those who have had bypass or lung surgery should have their anesthesia evaluation a few days before the surgery.
• Pre-surgery bowel preparation is not required for hernia surgeries. Also, shaving the area is preferably done in the operating room, so no home preparation is necessary.
• Taking a shower the night before surgery is important for hygiene at the surgical site and because you won't be able to shower for a few days post-surgery.
• Smoking negatively affects wound healing. Therefore, it is recommended to quit smoking as early as possible before the surgery and to avoid smoking after the surgery.
• If you experience symptoms like a cold or sore throat before surgery, consult your doctor. Your surgery may need to be postponed until after recovery, especially if systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue, or malaise are present.
• Having your menstrual period on the day of or just before surgery is not a contraindication.

C) The Day of Operation: What to Expect

Arrival at the Facility

Upon arriving at the surgical facility, you will be welcomed by our staff who will guide you through the check-in process. It is important to arrive on time to ensure all necessary pre-operative preparations can be completed without rush. Please bring your identification, insurance information, and any medical records requested in advance by our team.

Pre-Operative Preparations

Before the surgery, you will meet with a pre-operative nurse who will take your vital signs, review your medical and surgical history, and confirm the planned procedure. You will change into a hospital gown, and a nurse will start an intravenous (IV) line. This IV line will be used to administer fluids and medication throughout your surgery.

Meeting with the Anesthesiologist

The anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss the anesthesia plan. For hernia surgeries, anesthesia can be general (where you will be asleep), or local with sedation, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your medical history. The anesthesiologist will explain how the anesthesia will be administered and will answer any questions you may have regarding pain control and sedation.

Final Consultation with Your Surgeon

Before proceeding to the operating room, you will have a final consultation with your surgeon. This is a crucial part of your pre-operative preparation, where your surgeon will review the details of the procedure with you one last time. This discussion is an opportunity for you to ask any last-minute questions and address any remaining concerns you might have about the surgery. It also serves to reassure and comfort you by reaffirming the steps and expected outcomes of the procedure. This personal touch ensures that you feel informed and secure as you proceed with the operation.

The Surgical Procedure

Once you are prepared, you will be taken to the operating room. The area around your hernia will be cleaned and sterilized. During the surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions if performing a laparoscopic procedure or a single larger incision for an open repair. The hernia will be repaired with or without the use of mesh, and the incisions will be closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Recovery Room

After the surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room where our staff will closely monitor your vital signs as you wake up from anesthesia. This area is designed to provide a calm and controlled environment for you to safely regain consciousness. The duration of your stay in the recovery room will depend on your overall health and the type of anesthesia used.

Post-Operative Instructions

Before discharge, your surgeon will provide you with post-operative care instructions, including signs of complications to watch for, pain management strategies, and follow-up appointments. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.