HERNIORRHAPY

- A herniorrhaphy refers to the surgical repair of a hernia, in which a surgeon repairs the weakness
in your abdominal wall.

Pre-operative Nursing Interventions:

1. Educate patient by giving an overview of the surgery, what she can expect before, during and
after the hernia repair.
2. Advise patient that he won’t be able to lift heavy things or drive for a couple of weeks.
3. Reassure patient that the post-operative pain will be addressed through analgesia and
supportive measures.
4. Reassure patient that she will be able to return to her normal daily activities within 4-6 weeks
after the surgery.
5. Encourage patient to verbalize her fears and answer any questions that she might have.
6. Explain to the patient that she can contact you or the clinic at any time if she wants.
7. Advise patient that you have additional healthcare staff who can help her, including social
workers, spiritual advisors, psychologists and support groups.
8. Make sure that your patient is ready for surgery from the medical perspective. Your patient
should be done fasting for at least 6 hours before the surgery, and make sure that he is kept
hydrated through adequate IV infusions.
9. Check that the incision site is marked and confirm whether shaving is required.
10. Make sure that your patient has Changed into a hospital gown and removed her underwear
11. Make sure that your patient has Removed all jewelry/ foreign teeth/ hearing aid/ contact-
lenses/ glasses/ make-up
 
Post-Hernia Nursing Interventions
1. Start by having a quick chat with your patient to determine his consciousness level. While
having the conversation, ask him if he is in pain or feeling nauseous as these are expected
after surgery.
2. Assess patient’s airway and breathing patterns. Check vital signs, incision site (look out for
swelling, bleeding, redness)
3. Before leaving his side, ensure that the environment is safe; Place the bed rails up and give
the nurse call bell to the patient.
4. Check that all IV lines are secure and that the drain and catheter are not kinked. Then ask the
patient if she wants a relative or a friend to be by his side.
5. Administer the prescribed analgesia regularly to keep your patient from experiencing spikes
of pain.
6. Educate patient about home care. This will decrease the chance of experiencing post-
operative complications such as surgical site infection, or a recurrent hernia.
7. You should tailor your methods according to the patient’s learning needs. Make use of
images, videos and written notes to ensure that your patient can understand you.
8. Advice patient to rest and engage in light physical activity when he returns home, heavy
lifting and vigorous movements should be avoided.
9. Tell patient that the incision site must be kept clean and dry, with regular check-ups at the
clinic.
10. Educate patient that post-operative constipation can be avoided by eating a high fiber diet and
plenty of water. This will decrease the pain associated with straining when passing stools.
11. Make sure to explain any medication that the patient has to take at home, such as analgesia or
possibly antibiotics.