The commonly referred to "hernia" actually refers to inguinal hernia in clinical practice. Inguinal hernia is the most common external abdominal hernia in elderly men, accounting for approximately 85% to 95% of external abdominal hernias. The treatment of hernia does not end immediately after surgery. Scientific rehabilitation and a healthy lifestyle after surgery can help prevent the recurrence of hernia. So, what is the health education for Yangpu during the rehabilitation period after inguinal hernia surgery? Below I will introduce to you
1. Causes of inguinal hernia formation
Inguinal hernia is generally caused by weak muscle fascia or congenital abdominal wall loss, and may also be weakened due to injury, aging, and other factors. In addition, relevant studies have found that weak abdominal walls may also occur during heavy lifting, pregnancy, obesity, and bowel movements. When a weakness is formed, the intra-abdominal pressure rises sharply, causing muscle or fascia rupture, and a part of the internal organs (mostly the intestines) protrude from the gap to the outside, forming a hernia.
2. Symptoms of inguinal hernia
(1) There is a slight bulge in the abdomen, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness.
(2) During the process of lifting heavy objects or coughing, exerting force, etc., the swelling will further intensify, and the lump will disappear during lying down.
(3) Some male patients may experience scrotal swelling under the influence of inguinal hernia, which may decrease or disappear during lying down.
(4) Patients with inguinal hernia may experience vomiting, abdominal distension, cramping, etc., indicating that the intestine is stuck, which can easily cause necrosis of the stuck organ tissue.
3. Rehabilitation guidance for inguinal hernia surgery:
(1) Wound: If the wound is red, swollen, hot, painful, with discharge, odor, or bleeding after discharge, please come to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible; Please keep the wound clean and dry, and remember to follow the doctor's instructions to return to the hospital for follow-up.
(2) Diet: Eat a reasonable diet, eat small meals frequently, avoid overeating, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, eat more high fiber foods (such as whole wheat bread, noodles, cereal, brown rice, potatoes, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.) and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation and increased abdominal pressure during bowel movements, which can lead to the recurrence of hernias.
(3) Position: supine position after surgery, with a pillow under the knee to flex the hip joint, in order to reduce tension in the inguinal incision or decrease intra-abdominal pressure, which is beneficial for incision healing and pain relief; Cut and dispose of small sandbags, press for 6 hours; After 6 hours, you can change to a semi recumbent position; After traditional hernia repair surgery, patients can move out of bed within 3-5 days; Patients who undergo tension-free repair surgery can get out of bed and move around appropriately the next day, while the elderly and weak can postpone their time of getting out of bed and moving around appropriately.
4. Prevent increased intra-abdominal pressure
Pay attention to keeping warm after surgery to prevent coughing caused by catching a cold; Press and protect the incision with your palm when coughing. Keep bowel movements unobstructed, inform promptly if constipation occurs, and administer laxatives.
5. Prevention of scrotal edema
To avoid blood and fluid accumulation in the scrotum and promote lymphatic reflux, a dry towel is generally used to lift the scrotum after surgery, and the swelling of the scrotum is closely observed.
6. Treatment of Urinary Retention
Urinary retention may be caused by anesthesia or surgical stimulation after surgery (urination cannot be released). You can use physical methods such as hot compress in the lower abdomen, listening to the sound of water flow, etc. to urinate. If it is really impossible to resolve, we will place a catheter for urination if necessary.
7. Clothing: Underwear should be made of cotton, loose, and comfortable to avoid friction on the wound.
8. Daily routine: Pay attention to keeping warm and prevent upper respiratory tract infections. If you have chronic cough, you should seek medical attention in the internal medicine department to prevent the recurrence of hernia.
9. Activities: Within one month after surgery, avoid using excessive force to relieve constipation, sit ups, climb stairs, ride bicycles or motorcycles; Within three months after surgery, one should avoid vigorous exercise, strenuous work, and lifting heavy objects; Avoid fatigue caused by excessive activity; Diseases may have different symptoms and treatments due to individual differences. Please seek medical attention promptly if you experience discomfort.
In summary, inguinal hernia is not a difficult to treat disease and can be treated by selecting appropriate surgical methods. During the postoperative rehabilitation process, patients need to pay attention to multiple aspects to prevent postoperative complications. Remind patients to minimize and eliminate factors that can cause hernia recurrence, avoid actions that increase intra-abdominal pressure, and provide scientific and reasonable continuity of care to effectively prevent hernia recurrence after surgery.