What to expect
Pre-Admission Clinic
Before your surgery, you will need to attend the Pre-Admission Clinic where you will be assessed by a nurse and, depending on your health risk factors, you may be required to see an anaesthetist. This assessment can be either in person or via telehealth, depending on your health and type of surgery. Admission office staff will advise which clinic you will attend.
What to bring to your appointment
- Photo ID – for example your NSW driver licence or passport
- Medicare card
- Copies of your scans and pathology tests relevant to your procedure
Visit Your stay at Canterbury Hospital for more information about your admission to hospital.
About hernia surgery
During a hernia operation, all protruding organs and tissue are pushed back where they belong and the weakened muscle of the abdominal wall is repaired. A piece of soft, synthetic mesh is usually used to reinforce the repair and prevent the hernia from coming back.
Hospital care after surgery
Most hernia patients can go home on the same day of surgery. The next day, you will receive a follow-up phone call from a nurse to check on your recovery and offer support. Same-day surgery is both safe and convenient.
In some cases, you may need to stay in hospital overnight if you are experiencing significant pain, feeling unwell or having trouble passing urine. If you stay overnight in hospital, you will be under the care of a treatment team led by a surgeon who will be notified about any change in your condition. A nurse will check your pulse, blood pressure and temperature and talk to you about your concerns. You can speak to the nurse by pressing the button at your bed.
An occupational therapist or a social worker may be involved if you need more support at home.
Going home after surgery
| Managing pain | Pain after surgery can be managed with Panadol and/or Nurofen every four hours and occasional prescription pain killer. If you need stronger pain relief in the first 24-48 hours, speak to your General Practitioner (GP). |
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| Stockings | You may be given stockings to stop your blood from clotting. You will need to wear them for a week or until you are back to your normal activities. |
| Preventing constipation | Drink plenty of water and eat little in the first few days to prevent constipation. You might need a medicine like Movicol to go to the toilet. Walking is also very effective at preventing constipation! |
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Wound care |
Keep your waterproof dressing on for the next five to seven days after you return home. You can shower normally with the dressing on. If the dressing gets wet, dirty, or damaged, remove it in the shower. Wash the wound with running water, pat it dry, and apply a fresh dressing (available from any pharmacy). Dressings mainly protect your clothes and keep the wound clean. All stitches will dissolve on their own. |
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Being active |
Support the surgical area with your hand when coughing, sneezing, or straining in the first few days. Participate in activities you feel comfortable doing. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for six weeks after surgery. Walking is a great way to speed up your recovery. Supportive underwear can help with swelling after groin hernia surgery. |
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Return to work |
Most people can return to work within one to two weeks. If your occupation requires straining or heavy lifting, you may need to go on light duties or take four to six weeks off work. You should not drive until you have completely recovered, not taking pain medication, or for the first seven days after surgery. Ask your surgeon for more information. |
Follow-up care
Book an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP) around 3-7 days after your hernia surgery to check on the progress of your recovery.
If your follow-up is at the Canterbury Hospital Outpatient Clinic, an appointment will be made for you around 4-6 weeks after surgery.
For follow-up at your surgeon’s office, you will need to call to make an appointment as soon as you get home.
Referrals
A referral is required to access this service.
The Canterbury Short Stay Hernia Service accepts referrals from General Practitioners (GPs) and other clinicians within Sydney Local Health District. It is a Medicare-funded public service. Refer to eligibility criteria for details.
| Service | How to Refer |
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| Canterbury Short Stay Hernia Service |
Location: Hernia Clinic Phone: 02 9153 2440 |