Bleeding After Hernia Repair
Patients of Dr. Towfigh at the Beverly Hills Hernia Center are frequently amazed to learn of how effective her minimally-invasive laparoscopic hernia repair surgery can be at removing a groin bulge or other abdominal issue. In many cases, patients can expect to experience outstanding results and a smooth recovery. Perhaps most impressively, most of Dr. Towfigh’s patients are able to go home the same day as their hernia surgery. However, a full recovery often takes about three weeks, and some patients will experience minor side effects of hernia repair surgery – particularly in the days immediately following hernia surgery. It’s possible you’ll experience some discomfort after your hernia surgery in Los Angeles, or even hernia bleeding. It’s worth noting though, that bleeding is an uncommon risk after hernia repair.
Small hematomas (localized bleeding into the wound) are not uncommon post inguinal hernia surgery complications and usually self-resolve within a few weeks. Bleeding is most worrisome in patients that need to stay on aspirin during surgery due to heart risk, or take blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin), Lovenox (enoxaparin), Plavix (clopidrogel), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran). The risk of having a heart attack or blood clot while off the blood thinner should be balanced against the risk of bleeding from the operation.
Above all else, you should remember that bleeding after hernia repair suggests you still need more time to heal. To avoid or reducebleeding after hernia repair, keep your incision covered with bandages for the first 2 to 3 days. Once your stitches are removed, you may wash the wound area with mild soap and water. To dry the area, gently pat it, but refrain from taking a bath, soaking in a hot tub or swimming for the first week after surgery. In the following weeks, you can gradually resume normal activities like walking, driving and sexual activity. However, it is very important to be in touch with Dr. Towfigh throughout this recovery period in case any complications or issues arise.
Severe Hernia Issues
It’s important to remember that side effects of hernia repair like bleeding are rare until the stitches from the incision are removed or dissolved, and a small among of bleeding and drainage of fluid does not necessarily signify a serious issue. However, you should contact Dr. Towfigh as soon as possible if you’re suffering from symptoms of hernia repair such as:
- Severe groin hernia pain or soreness
- Substantial bleeding from your incision
- Difficulty breathing
- Light headedness that doesn’t go away after a few days
- Chills or fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pus, warmth or redness at the site of the incision
- Trouble urinating
- Swelling or pain in the testicles that continues to get worse
In cases where bleeding is a high risk for you, Dr. Towfigh will always recommend the procedure which is safest if you are prone to bleeding. If you have questions regarding bleeding after hernia repair or any other aspect of Dr. Towfigh’s work, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the expert surgeon by contacting the Beverly Hills Hernia Center at 310-693-6096.