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Repair of Femoral
Hernia Operation
Patient Information
Day Surgery
Ward 2 & 3, Leigh Infirmary
Author ID:
Leaflet Number:
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Date Produced:
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SW3.016
Repair of Femoral Hernia Operation
January 2013
January 2015
Repair of Femoral Hernia Operation
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Welcome to:
Day Surgery
Ward 2 & 3
Leigh Infirmary, The Avenue
Leigh, WN71HS
Ward 2, 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, Telephone 01942 264256
Ward 3, 7:30am to 9:00pm, Monday to Thursday, Telephone 01942 264260 or 264261
This leaflet aims to give you information about your operation and your stay in hospital and
advice for when you go home.
If there is anything you are worried about that is not covered in this leaflet, please feel free
to speak to a member of staff.
What is a Femoral Hernia?
A femoral hernia occurs when tissue (often consisting of fatty tissue or part of the bowel)
pushes into the femoral canal. This is the channel through which large blood vessels travel
in and out of the leg. A hernia develops because of a weakness in the abdominal wall
allowing whatever is on the inside to push through the area of weakness resulting in a
bulge or swelling. This type of hernia is more common in women.
Surgery involves a cut in the groin, the hernia is removed or pushed back into the
abdomen and the weakness, through which the hernia came, is repaired. ‘Mesh’ repairs
are where a small piece of mesh is placed over the repaired hernia to give it added
strength.
What are the benefits of having an operation to repair my hernia?
Having the hernia repaired can stop it from becoming any bigger. The bigger it becomes
the more likely you are to develop complications. The most serious complication is known
as strangulation, where part of the intestine becomes trapped within the hernia. This can
cause severe pain and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms you should go to your
local Accident and Emergency department as soon as possible.
Are there any risks involved in having an operation to repair a hernia?
Most operations are straightforward. You can expect some swelling of the wound, which
may feel hard. Bruising around the wound (and in the scrotum for men) is common.
Other surgical risks include: recurrence, scarring, infection, bleeding, collection of blood
(haematoma), numbness or chronic incisional pain. These will be explained to you when
you sign your consent form. If you have any worries about anything regarding this please
ask to speak to your consultant.
Alternatives
There are no alternatives to having a hernia operation, only surgery can repair a hernia.
Repair of Femoral Hernia Operation
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Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic
At the clinic you will be seen by a nurse, who will complete a pre-operative screening
assessment. This will include taking a nursing and anaesthetic history, organising
investigations such as blood tests ECG’s; as necessary. The nurse will advise you about
your particular operation. He/she will explain to you about your pre and post operative
care, how long you will need someone to take care of you when you go home and how
long you will be expected to be off work, etc. If you need a sick note please ask the nurse
on arrival at hospital.
How long will I be in hospital?
Ward 2 & 3 are day surgery wards with no overnight facilities. Your operation has been
planned as a day case procedure which means that you will be able to come into hospital
and be discharged later the same day. Very rarely, some patients do not recover in time
to go home and will therefore need to be transferred to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary,
Wigan.
What sort of anaesthetic will I have?
Most hernia operations are carried out under a general anaesthetic and you will be fully
asleep. In some cases the operation may be carried out under a local anaesthetic. (This is
where the operation site is made numb by injection and you will be awake throughout the
procedure.) Your anaesthetist or surgeon will let you know what is best for you.
Before you come into hospital
Please have a bath or shower. Please do not shave the operation site, as this will be done
on admission prior to theatre. Loose fitting clothes will help with comfort after your
surgery.
Admission to hospital
On arrival to hospital, you will need to book in at the admissions desk situated on the
ground floor below Wards 2 and 3. You will then be directed to the ward; here you will
meet your nurse and other members of the team who are looking after you. The facilities
and general routine of the ward will be explained to you.
Getting ready for the operation
You will be asked to put on a theatre gown. Prior to theatre your surgeon will see you, you
will be asked to sign a consent form if you have not already done so to say that you
understand what you have come into hospital for and what the operation involves. If you
have any questions, please ask. If you are having a general anaesthetic you will be seen
by your anaesthetist, this is the doctor who will give you your anaesthetic and look after
you whilst you are asleep.
(Please note that you will be on a theatre list with several other patients, so be
prepared for a wait).
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After your operation
If you have had a general anaesthetic you will wake up in the recovery room; here
specially trained nurses will monitor closely how you feel. On waking you will have a small
clear oxygen mask in place, this will help the anaesthetic wear off. The nurses will check
your blood pressure and pulse and make sure that you are comfortable. When the doctors
and nurses are happy with your condition you will be taken back to the ward where you will
be made comfortable and can rest. Refreshments will be offered as soon as it is safe for
you to have these.
If you are having a local anaesthetic you will be transferred back to the ward straight after
your operation, where you will be made comfortable and can rest. Refreshments will be
provided as soon as you feel ready.
Pain control
Expect some discomfort/pain. You will be given strong pain killing and/or local anaesthetic
drugs in theatre, which will reduce pain for the first few hours. Your pain will be closely
monitored to ensure that it is kept to a minimum. You will be offered and given pain relief,
as appropriate.
On discharge you will be provided with pain-killing tablets, which you should take as
prescribed for the first two days and as needed thereafter, but do not exceed the stated
dose.
If you have to cough, support the wound by pressing on it with the flat of your hand.
The wound
It is essential that your wound remains clean and dry during the healing period. Your
wound dressing should not be disturbed for a minimum of 48 hours. It is advised that if all
is well you keep your dressing in place until your clips or stitches are removed. If you have
dissolving stitches you should be able to remove the dressing after 7 days and treat the
wound as normal. The dressing is shower proof, please avoid soaking in the bath until the
wound is fully healed, as this may delay normal healing. If the wound does become wet,
remove your dressing and pat the wound dry gently with a clean towel and redress the
wound. If the dressing needs to be changed, make sure that you wash your hands and
avoid touching the wound. The district nurse will remove your stitches/clips in 7 to 10 days
after your operation. If dissolving stitches have been used, these do not need to be
removed.
The ward will provide you with a district nurse referral form and contact numbers so that
you can arrange for a wound check if you have any concerns and for removal of your
stitches/clips.
Repair of Femoral Hernia Operation
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Going home
You must make sure that an adult can take you home in a car or taxi. You will need to go
home and rest. An adult must stay with you for the first 24 hours after your operation.
Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours after surgery and whilst taking painkillers.
What to look out for
It may be several hours before you pass water. If you have difficulty, particularly if your
bladder feels uncomfortably full but you still cannot pass water, you should attend your
local Accident and Emergency department.
You should not experience severe pain, nausea and vomiting, excessive bruising or
persistent bleeding. If you do, please seek medical advice by contacting your G.P., or
your local Accident & Emergency department, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Telephone
01942 244000
You may also ring for advice by contacting one of the numbers:
Ward 2 – 01942 264256
Ward 3 – 01942 264260 or 264261
After hours district nursing service available between 7:00pm to 7:30 am
Mobile 07860794654, or answer phone 01942 481155
It is important to avoid constipation and straining after your operation, your bowels may be
affected by your painkillers. To help prevent this drink plenty of fluids, water is especially
good for you. Take plenty of fibre in your diet. If you are having difficulty use a mild
laxative, e.g. Senokot or seek advice from your G.P.
If the wound is showing signs of infection, i.e. increased pain, redness, swelling or
discharge or you have a high temperature, seek advice from your G.P.
The first few days
Gently increase your activity over the first few days, little and often until you can do more
each day.
You are encouraged to move and walk as this will help prevent stiffness, soreness and
help with your circulation and minimize the risk of complications such as chest infection,
deep vein blood clots and clots to the lungs. Take painkillers to ease any discomfort to
enable you to mobilize.
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Work and activity
You can get a sick note from the ward for the first two weeks. You will need to see your
GP for any further sick notes.
How quickly you get back to work depends on the type of job you have. Two to four weeks
is usual.
‘Mesh’ repairs allow you to carry out all normal activities two weeks after surgery without
risk of harming yourself. No heavy lifting for six weeks. You may resume sexual relations
as soon as it feels comfortable to do so.
Driving
We advise that you do not resume driving until your wound has healed and you are
confident that you can do an emergency stop. Two to four weeks is usual. We also advise
that you check with your insurance company, as policies sometimes carry restrictions and
these may vary.
Outpatients
Not all patients are given a routine follow-up appointment. This will depend on which
consultant you had your operation with. If you are not provided with an appointment and
encounter any problems that you feel you need to see your surgeon about, please contact
your G.P. or consultant’s secretary for advice.
Repair of Femoral Hernia Operation
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Research
Research is undertaken to add to the existing scientific knowledge on a particular subject.
There are a number of staff within the Trust who conduct Research studies. It is possible that
during the course of your treatment you may be asked to take part in a research study,
however, you do have the right to refuse, and this will not affect the care that you receive.
Your NHS Number, Keep it Safe
Every person registered with the NHS in England and Wales has their own
unique NHS Number. It is made up of 10 digits for example 123 456 7890.
Everyone needs to use the NHS Number to identify you correctly. It is an important step
towards improving the safety of your healthcare.
Always bring your NHS number with you to all hospital appointments or quote it if you need to
telephone the hospital for any enquires. This will allow staff to check that they have the right
patient details by checking this against your NHS number.
To improve safety always check your NHS Number on correspondence the NHS sends to you.
Ways of finding out your NHS Number
If you do not know your NHS number, contact your GP or local Primary Care Trust. You may
be asked for proof of your identity, for example a passport or other form of identity this is to
protect your privacy.
Once you have obtained your NHS Number write it down and Keep it Safe.
My NHS Number
Information Rights and Access
The Trust will keep your information secure and confidential at all times. The Data Protection
Act 1998 states that personal and sensitive information must be processed fairly, lawfully and
securely. This applies to all information we hold whether on paper or electronically on
computer systems. All personal information is processed fairly, lawfully and as transparently
as possible so that you:
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•
•
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Understand the reasons for us processing your personal information
Give your consent for the disclosure and use of information where necessary
Gain trust in the way we handle your information
Know that you have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you
Information relating to the business of the Trust is available under the Freedom of Information
Act 2000. For example, what we spend and what we do. You can find out more by visiting the
Trust website or submitting a Freedom of Information request to the Trust for this information.
For further information regarding data protection, please read our leaflet called “How we use
your personal information”. For Freedom of Information, please read our leaflet called “The
Freedom of Information Act and You”. You can also visit the Information Governance pages
on the Trust website.
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Patient Relations
The Patient Relations/PALS Department provides confidential on the spot advice, information
and support to patients, relatives, friends and carers. We will do our best to help you to
resolve any concerns you may have about the care you received. We can also give you
information on the services provided by the Trust.
If you have a concern or there is a problem, the best way to get it resolved is usually to tell
someone there and then. If you are on a ward, talk to the sister or charge nurse on duty, in a
clinic, talk to the receptionist or one of the nursing staff. If you want to talk to a senior manager
or to someone who has not been directly involved in your care and treatment, we can usually
arrange this during office hours. You can also ask to speak to a member of the Patient
Relations/PALS Department.
Staff in any ward or department will be able to contact a member of the team for you, or you
can telephone 01942 822376. The Patient Relations/PALS Department is open Monday to
Friday, 9am to 4pm. Outside of these hours there is an answer-phone service.
In addition to Patient Relations/PALS Service you can contact CARE LINE. This is available
from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays, and 9am to 5pm at
weekends. Please telephone CARE LINE on 01942 773377 and follow the instructions given.
If you wish to make a formal complaint you can telephone or write to:
The Patient Relations/PALS Manager
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan WN1 2NN
Telephone: 01942 822376
Your views of the service that we provide are important. You can also let us know how you
feel by posting your comments on the Patient Opinion website. You can access this from the
Trust website on www.wwl.nhs.uk or via www.patientopinion.org.uk
Social Media
Along with keeping patients, visitors and staff up to date with news and events on our internet
site, the Trust also has Facebook and Twitter pages.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwlnhs
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wwlnhs
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Health Services Charity
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Health Services Charity (Registered Charity Number 1048659)
aims to further improve the quality of the patient experience and care. The Charity relies on
the generosity and support of the local community.
If you feel you can help or would like more information please visit our website at
www.wwl.nhs.uk/charity or contact our Fundraising Officer via elizabeth.titley@wwl.nhs.uk.
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Membership
As a Foundation Trust we are keen to build a successful and engaging membership group.
As a member of your local hospital you will be kept up to date with news, service
developments and future improvements.
Why become a Member?
Membership provides local people, patients and service users with an opportunity to have a
greater say in how we deliver our services. For further information please call freephone
0800 073 1477.
Who can become a Member?
Anyone can become a member – you just need to be 16 years of age or over and live in the
UK. As a member it will be up to you how much you want to get involved.
How to become a Member?
To apply to become a Member:
•
•
•
Telephone freephone 0800 073 1477
Email foundationtrust@wwl.nhs.uk
Visit www.wwl.nhs.uk
Stop Smoking Support
A visit to hospital is very often the trigger for many people to quit smoking, and we know that
70% of people that smoke would like to quit. The Trust is a smoke free area and smoking is
prohibited in all buildings, grounds and car parks.
For patients wishing to quit smoking following their admission to hospital, or if patients simply
require support during their hospital stay, there is a designated specialist Stop Smoking Team
available.
Patients that aren’t staying in hospital or are planning to quit ahead of their hospital stay can
also access specialist support. The Wigan Stop Smoking Service community team provides
support across the borough. You can call us on 01942 482539 or free on 0500 7867 669 to
speak to a member of the team or visit www.alwch.nhs.uk/stopsmoking for further information.
This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, Braille and other languages upon request.
For more information call 01942 773106.
© Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the copyright owner
Repair of Femoral Hernia Operation
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