DIET

You may return to your normal diet within twenty-four hours following your surgery. You may note some mild nausea and possibly vomiting the first six to eight hours following surgery. This is usually due to the side effects of anesthesia, and will disappear quite soon. I would suggest clear liquids and a very light meal the first evening following surgery.

ACTIVITY

Your physical activity is to be decreased especially during the first two weeks after surgery. During this time, use the following guidelines:

  • No lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 10-15 lbs.) for 4 weeks.
  • No driving for about 10-14 days.
  • No strenuous exercise for 4 weeks.
  • No sexual intercourse for 2 weeks..
  • No severe straining during bowel movements - take a laxative if necessary.
  • You may walk as much as you want. You may use stairs, but be careful.
  • You may shower or take baths unless instructed not to do so.

WOUND

In most cases your abdominal incision will be covered with a dressing. You will be able to shower the second day following surgery, but avoid scrubbing the area of your dressing. Do not be surprised if there is mild to moderate scrotal swelling and bruising. This is quite typical following surgery, and may actually last for four to six weeks. You may remove the surgical dressing on the second day after surgery. You will see some steri-strips in place. Leave these in place for 1 week and then you may remove them. You may also want to wear a scrotal support with padding for the first 48-72 hours to help control scrotal swelling.

MEDICATION

In most cases you will be sent home with a narcotic pain pill. If the pain is not too bad, you may take either Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) which contain no narcotic agents, and might be tolerated a little better.

PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US

  • Fever or 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Moderate or severe swelling under the skin incision or involving the scrotum.
  • Drug reactions such as hives, a rash, nausea or vomiting.

FOLLOW-UP

You should contact our office within 24 hours to set up your first follow-up appointment. This visit, to check your incision and progress, is usually set up 7-14 days following your surgery. Additional follow-up appointments will be made at that time.