Inguinal hernia repair: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   After surgery, seek emergency help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or sudden severe weakness.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your surgical team promptly if you have increasing rather than improving pain, spreading redness, pus or bad-smelling drainage, fever, repeated vomiting, difficulty passing urine, or swelling that is rapidly worsening.

   Seek urgent medical assessment before surgery if the bulge becomes suddenly painful, firm, tender, or impossible to push back, especially with vomiting, abdominal swelling, or difficulty passing stool or gas.

   These can be signs of trapped tissue.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Mild bruising, manageable soreness, and a small amount of clear or blood-stained wound fluid can be part of routine recovery.

   Follow the facility's instructions if you are unsure whether a change needs review.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Inguinal hernia repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.