You have been given a date and time for your hernia surgery. This comes after a thorough examination by a specialist surgeon, who has determined the exact type and nature of the hernia in your case, and you have jointly discussed the best possible solution for you. It is important to take enough time to carefully consider everything and choose together a date and time for the surgery that works for both you and your doctor.

Sometimes, patients have underlying conditions that require complete preoperative testing and preparation. At the VITA laboratories, you will undergo full blood tests. An electrocardiogram (ECG) and a cardiology consultation are necessary to assess the state of your cardiovascular system and your readiness for surgery. In some cases, medication-based preparation is required, as decided by your surgeon.

If necessary, you will also have a chest X-ray. If you have additional medical conditions, you will be referred to the relevant specialists at VITA. Appropriate medication-based preparation will be provided if needed.

If you have allergies, it is mandatory to undergo testing, an allergist consultation, and appropriate anti-allergic preparation, which should be timed in accordance with your surgery date.

Once all of this is complete, you are ready for hernia surgery, and a convenient date will be set. Admission to the department usually takes place the day before the operation, so routine tests and final consultations can be completed. There are no seasonal restrictions for this type of surgery. At VITA, hernia operations are performed year-round. Modern operating rooms are equipped with advanced climate control systems, maintaining a constant temperature throughout the year.

It is important to avoid colds, stomach upsets, flu, and any seasonal viruses before surgery. If you become ill in the meantime, the scheduled hernia surgery will be postponed to a new suitable date. In such a case, it is essential to inform your hernia specialist in time.

About ten days before the operation, you should not follow a weight-loss diet, as this may weaken your immune system. If there are several months before surgery and you are overweight, it is advisable to lose weight using a reasonable, doctor-approved diet. A consultation with a dietitian can help. Losing excess weight is beneficial both for the success of the hernia surgery and for your long-term health.

You should temporarily stop taking blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin, Sintrom, arthritis medications, and vitamin E, after consulting with your hernia specialist. There is no need to shave or wax the surgical area — you may trim the hair in the hernia zone with clippers the evening before, the morning of the surgery, or it will be done at the hospital before the procedure. It is advisable to stop or at least significantly limit alcohol intake of any kind. Avoiding smoking is also extremely important, no matter how difficult it may be. Studies have shown that smokers face a much higher risk of complications, while patients who quit smoking about a month before surgery have 30% fewer postoperative complications. The choice is yours.

If you follow all these recommendations, you will have the confidence and assurance that your procedure will be successful and problem-free. If you feel you need assistance, you can book an appointment for a consultation via this link.