What are the guidelines for post-operative follow-up and management of patients who have undergone hernia repair?

Post-operative follow-up and management of patients after hernia repair should include routine clinical review to assess for complications such as infection, recurrence, or chronic pain.

While specific NICE or UK guidelines for hernia repair follow-up are not detailed in the provided context, general surgical follow-up principles apply: patients should be offered a follow-up appointment within a timeframe appropriate to the type of hernia repair and patient risk factors.

For adults, urgent referral to general surgery is recommended if the hernia is irreducible or partially reducible, and routine referral if symptomatic but reducible, indicating that post-operative monitoring should be vigilant for signs of recurrence or complications ¹.

Minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic hernias may be managed conservatively, but patients should be informed about the potential need for future surgery and monitored accordingly ¹.

Patients should be advised on self-management measures and signs of complications that require prompt medical attention, such as increasing pain, swelling, or signs of strangulation ¹.

Access to further referral should be ensured if recurrent symptoms or suspected complications arise post-operatively, similar to recommendations for other pelvic surgeries ².

In summary, post-operative management involves scheduled clinical review, patient education on warning signs, and ensuring pathways for re-referral if complications or recurrence occur.