Post-Op Instructions

Post Anesthesia/IV Sedation

Do not drive a motor vehicle or drink alcohol for the next 24 hours.

Physical Activity

Resume normal everyday activity as tolerated.  No heavy lifting or exercise until seen by your surgeon.  You may walk unlimited amounts and climb stairs.  You may resume driving a car when you feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel.

Wound Care/Bathing

If you have a bandage, leave it on, and keep dry, for 48 to 72 hours. After that time, discard the outer bandage.  If there are tapes on the skin under the outer bandage, leave them in place.  They will peel off in the next 7-10 days.  Do not peel them off.  You may shower in 48-72 hours after bandage removal.  If there are tapes present on the skin, you may shower over them.  If you have clear glue covering your incision, you may shower in 24 hours.  It will peel off in the next 1-2 weeks.

Diet

There are no dietary restrictions.  Eat healthy, high fiber foods.  Drink 6-8 glasses of liquid each day.  This will assist in keeping your bowels regular.

Pain Management

You may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) for mild pain.  Prescription medication, if ordered, should be taken as prescribed for moderate to severe pain.

Bruising

Some black and blue areas on and around your surgical site are normal and will disappear in a few days.  Male groin hernia patients may experience swelling and black/blueness in the penis and scrotum.  This will resolve on its own in 1-3 wks.

CALL DR. RANIOLO/DR. LAU/DR. WEITZEN FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Severe pain not relieved by medication
• Fever of 101 or higher
• Excessive bleeding or drainage on dressing
• Inability to urinate

Call the office at 914-631-3660 for an appointment in 10-14 days.