General risks

·      2% chance of recurrence – To avoid the risk, you will be advised to avoid lifting any heavy weights at least for 4 weeks until the healing is complete, and the scars are mature.

·      Around 5% (1 in 20) chance of chronic pain – This is because the nerves will be stretched and divided at the time of the operation. The pain is commonly mild to moderate and will settle with usual pain relief. However, rarely, the pain can last for few weeks and rarely few months.

·      Port site hernia – all port sites larger than 10 mm will be closed with stiches.

·      ·      Risk of injury to bowel, vas deference (that conducts sperms) and blood supply to testicles – This is due to the shear proximity of these structures to the hernia. Risk is low (<1%). An injury to bowel is common for any hernia repair. However, the risk of injury to Vas or testicular blood supply is only if you are having an inguinal hernia repair. Although an injury to bowel can be repaired, unfortunately if an injury to Vas or blood supply to testicles does happen – they are permanent. If the Vas is injured, it will behave like a one-sided vasectomy. As the other side is intact, one may not see any difference (ejaculate or the fertility). If the blood supply to the testicles is damaged, the testis on that side may shrink in size.

·      Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) – as it is going to be a day case and you are expected to be mobile soon after you recover, the risks are low. We will use automatic compression boots and stocking to reduce the risks. Please mobilise as much as you can after the operation and drink plenty of water to help. If you smoke, or if you do take contraceptive pills or if you have a history of clots or increased risk of clotting – then you need to be extra causes and it is worthwhile using the stockings for at least 2 weeks after the operation.

·      General anaesthetic (GA) risks - These will be explained to you by the anaesthetist on the day. Risks are low and will depend on your previous medical history

·      Others – Bleeding, bruising, wound infection – we take precautions to avoid these.

Post op care

·      You will recover in the ward and will be discharged on the same day

·      As you had general anaesthesia – you are expected to be accompanied by an adult for at least 24h

·      Please mobilise as much as you can after the operation and drink plenty of water.

·      Take regular pain relief (will be supplied on discharge) at least for about 5 – 7 days

·      All your wound will be glued – that means you can have a shower from next day onwards

·      All your wound stiches are absorbable – that means they don’t need to be removed.

·      Please don’t lift any heavy weights at least for 4 weeks until the healing is complete, and the scars are mature. The simplest way is to ask yourself the question ‘am I going to contract my tummy muscles when I do that job?” – if the answer is a ‘yes’, please avoid the activity and find alternative ways or help.  

·      Please avoid driving for at least 1 week or until you can do an emergency stop (but check with your insurer first)

·      Please avoid and flying for about 10 – 14 days

·      Please don’t drink alcohol for 2 days after the operation

·      You are not expected to attend a post op check-up at the hospital. Please meet your GP if you have any concerns unrelated to the operation

·      After discharge - you will receive a telephone call from the nurses to see how you are. However, if you have any concerns after the operation, please ring the Oaks ward (number will be given on discharge) and speak with a nurse who will escalate your concerns directly with me.

·      Please ask the nurses if you need a sick note