Trisha L.

Matula
BSN-3G

What are the possible complications post-operatively and how can you help as nurses to
alleviate those complications?
Inguinal hernia surgery complications are fairly typical. Complications after hernia surgery
include persistent groin pain, sexual dysfunction, deep incisional/mesh infection, recurrent
hernia, and mesh migration and erosion, complications during the perioperative period include
wound seroma/hematoma, urinary retention, and superficial incisional surgical site infection.
Other complication are mentioned below:
1. Testicular pain and swelling are caused by a complete sac being excessively severed from
the cord structures. 0.9 to 1.5% of reported incidences are true. Most people move on. A
small number of patients had orchitis, but it did not result in testicular atrophy.
2. Mesh contamination and wound contamination Wound contamination rates are extremely
low. Mesh infection is a very serious complication, so it is important to follow strict
aseptic procedures at all times. Prior to surgery, any endogenous infection must be
adequately treated with a course of antibiotics.
3. The most crucial result of any hernia surgery is recurrence. To minimize recurrence in
endoscopic repair, it is necessary to have a proper understanding of anatomy and a
thorough repair technique.
As a nurse, you can help prevent the complications listed above by telling the patient to get
plenty of rest, refrain from bathing for the first two weeks, or until the doctor gives the all-clear,
let the area heal, and refrain from lifting anything heavy until he feels better. You can also advise
the patient to do only simple exercises like walking or stretching. Tell the client to stick to his
usual diet when it comes to eating. Try bland, low-fat foods like yogurt, toast, plain rice, broiled
chicken, and those if his stomach is upset, such as those. Instruct him to avoid constipation and
straining. Drink plenty of water. If his bowel movements are irregular right after surgery, as a
nurse you might suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative. Finally, when it comes to
wound care, remind the patient to take good care of his bandage because it will protect and help
heal the wound. Instruct the patient to wash the affected area every day with warm, soapy water
and pat it dry. Advise them to refrain from using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as these
substances may slow the healing process.
Reference:
 MyHealthAlberta, inguinal hernia repair surgery. Retrieved September 13, 2022 at
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?
hwid=abr6767
 National Library of Medicine, Complications in groin hernia surgery and the way out.
Retrieved September 13, 2022 at
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2999781/